Welcome to FlatheadTrails.com

Our goal is to become your first “jumping-off” point in finding outdoor recreation information for the beautiful area of northwest Montana that we call home. It truly is a great place to work and play. To accomplish this we have incorporated two significant and free resources into our website.

The first is a repository for free online topographic maps that you can download and print. This resource is available courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey and is incorporated as a link into our maps page. Here you can view and download topographic maps at no cost (you may also purchase a hard-copies if you desire).

The second feature is a free searchable community database of trail, river and lake information and reviews. These include places for hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country/back country skiing, rafting/canoing, mountain biking, hunting, camping, horseback riding, rock climbing, huckleberry picking, or any other outdoor activity we haven’t thought of.

The database is a community project that requires your participation to make it better. If you have hiked specific trail, back country skied an area, or fished a certain lake, please take a few minutes to write a review. When you are looking for information for an outdoor activity, hopefully you will find someone else has already provided it for you. The more people who contribute accurate information and updates to the site, the better it will be for us all.

While this site does incorporate commercial advertising to help pay the bills, it is our goal for the information to always be free. We have no plans to make it a membership only or “pay-for” site in the future. If you have practical suggestions on what we can improve, feel free to contact us.

First Leg of Whitefish Trail to Open

(Daily Interlake 7/16/10) The first phase of the 55-mile Whitefish Trail will be unveiled on Saturday at the Lion Mountain trailhead, with a celebration in downtown Whitefish later that afternoon. Twelve miles of new trail will open for nonmotorized public use in the Lion Mountain, Skyles Lake and Lupfer Road areas.

...formerly referred to as “A Trail Runs Through It,” is a regional, multipartner project to develop a recreational trail system looping around Whitefish Lake through state, federal and private lands... (Read entire article)

Climbing Little Matterhorn - Glacier NP

(SummitPost.org - Vantana) Little Mattherhorn is a small peak that sits above Avalanche lake at the foot of Sperry Glacier. It rises sharply on all sides forming a striking spire that reminds one of the Matterhorn of European fame. The elevation gain from the base is only about 600 ft. While this peak is diminuitive compared to the much higher surrouding peaks, make no mistake, the climb can be intense and has a few exposed pitches that can be dangerous for those with limited climbing skills. If your tolerance to exposure is low, this may not be a climb for you. However, once on top the views are quite rewarding. One can see Sperry Glacier, Snyder lake, Avalanche lake, Floral Park, Mt Edwards, Gunsight Peak and Mt Reynolds among others.

Getting to the base of this peak is not easy and requires some hiking. It requires a full day to summit and return without camping overnight. There are two standard approaches and both start at the Sperry Chalet Trailhead across from Lake McDonald Lodge... (Read entire article)

Hiking the Ten Lakes Scenic Area

Ten Lakes Scenic Area, northeast of Eureka, MT in the Fortine Ranger District of Kootenai National Forest, is situated within the northwest portion of the Whitefish range. While it never has been designated an official wilderness area, it is managed as such by the Forest Service. There are a number of trails into and within the Ten Lakes area which provide a wealth of hiking and horse packing opportunities. There are also traditional camping areas at Big and Little Therriault Lakes.

The Ten Lakes area is accessed from US Highway 93 (three miles north of Fortine) by Grave Creek Road (#114). Turn right and follow 14 miles to the junction with Road #319. Keep to the left and continue 14 miles to Road #7085 then on to the end... (Read entire article)

Fastpacking: Carry Less, Go Further

(Backpacking-guide.com) If you're looking for the absolute newest trend in backpacking, search no further: fastpacking is quickly gathering steam as more and more people embrace speed hiking as their primary technique in preparing for a weeklong or shorter outdoors excursion. Beware, however, as fastpacking is not for everyone; in other words, don't expect a solar shower or shatterproof plastic wine glasses. This cult (most who partake would bashfully agree with that label) revolves around minimalism.

Fastpacking takes the idea of ultralight one step further. Essentially, speed hikers seek to cover as much distance in as little time as possible, with one key factor making this possible. These hardy souls carry the bare essentials, limiting gear to sleeping bag, tarp, food, and water... (Read entire article)