The Whitefish Trail is a 74-mile non-motorized singletrack network ringing the hills above Whitefish, Montana, built and maintained by the Whitefish Legacy Partners as a community trail system encircling Whitefish Lake and the surrounding Stillwater State Forest lands. Construction began in 2009 and has expanded incrementally through a combination of easements and conservation acquisitions, creating a seamlessly connected loop that encircles the city while offering access to viewpoints over Whitefish Lake, the Flathead Valley, and the distant peaks of Glacier National Park. The trail system is split into named segments — including Haskill Basin, Lion Mountain, Beaver Lakes, and Star Meadows — each presenting distinct terrain characters ranging from flowing machine-built swoopy singletrack to rooty, technical natural surface sections. Difficulty ranges across the network from relatively gentle cross-country trails suitable for intermediate riders to punchy climbs and faster-paced descents on the more technical outer segments.
The primary trailhead at Lion Mountain, reached via Baker Avenue in Whitefish, provides the most central access point and connects to the majority of the network within a short warm-up pedal. Glacier Cyclery at 326 East 2nd Street in Whitefish offers full-suspension mountain bike rentals at $45–60 per day, fitting them to riders and providing basic trail orientation. The trail itself is free to use; no permit or fee is required for day visitors. A downloadable trail map is available from whitefishlegacy.org. Mountain bikes with front suspension at minimum are strongly recommended; full-suspension setups significantly improve comfort on the rooted and rocky sections of the outer loop. Riders should budget additional time for the Star Meadows segment, which involves sustained climbing and rewards with panoramic views before a flowing descent. The trail system sees moderate to heavy use from May through October, with the best soil conditions occurring after mid-June when spring moisture has dried sufficiently to harden the tread surface. Elk, white-tailed deer, and occasional black bears are regularly encountered along the outer segments. E-bikes are permitted on the trail; trail etiquette calls for yielding to hikers and uphill traffic regardless of motorized assist.
Activity facts
- Where
- Whitefish
- Duration
- 2–6 hours depending on loop choice
Equipment
- Bring or rent full-suspension mountain bike ($45–60/day, Glacier Cyclery 406-862-6446)
- Helmet, hydration pack, trail map (download at whitefishlegacy.org)
Location
Lion Mountain Trailhead, Baker Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937
48.4123, -114.3440 View on map
Highlights
- 74-mile non-motorized singletrack network encircling Whitefish Lake with views of Glacier National Park peaks
- Diverse terrain from flowing machine-built singletrack to technical rooted natural surface on the outer segments
- Free to use; full-suspension mountain bike rentals available from Glacier Cyclery at $45–60 per day
- Elk, white-tailed deer, and occasional black bears add wildlife interest to the outer loop segments
- Clearly mapped network with multiple trailhead access points and a downloadable route guide at whitefishlegacy.org
Tips for visiting
- Start from Lion Mountain Trailhead on Baker Ave for the easiest connection to most of the 74-mile network.
- Trail conditions dry out significantly after mid-June; early-season visits in May can encounter muddy tread that damages trail surfaces.
- Download the Whitefish Trail map from whitefishlegacy.org before riding — cell coverage is patchy on the outer segments.
- Rent full-suspension bikes from Glacier Cyclery (326 E 2nd St, 406-862-6446) for the technical rooted sections of the outer loop — hardtails work but reduce enjoyment.
- Carry at least 2 liters of water for any loop over 15 miles; the trail is exposed in sections and water sources require treatment.
- Check for bear activity reports before heading to the outer Star Meadows segment and carry bear spray in summer and early fall.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Whitefish Trail suitable for beginner mountain bikers?
Intermediate riders comfortable with moderate climbs and natural surface singletrack will find the inner segments manageable. True beginners may find the terrain challenging; a rental orientation session from Glacier Cyclery helps assess ability before committing to longer loops.
Is there a fee to use the Whitefish Trail?
No. The trail is free to use for all non-motorized users including mountain bikers, hikers, and trail runners. Voluntary donations to Whitefish Legacy Partners support ongoing trail maintenance and future expansion of the network.
How long does it take to complete the full 74-mile outer loop?
Strong riders complete the full perimeter loop in 6–9 hours; most visitors select shorter segment loops of 10–25 miles that take 2–5 hours depending on fitness and pace. The network's multiple trailheads allow easy customization of route length to match available time.
Are e-bikes permitted on the Whitefish Trail?
Yes. Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes are permitted on all segments of the Whitefish Trail. Riders are expected to follow standard trail etiquette, yielding to hikers and uphill traffic regardless of motorized assist.
What wildlife might be encountered on the trail?
The outer segments of the Whitefish Trail regularly see white-tailed deer and elk. Black bears are present in the surrounding forest, particularly on the Star Meadows and Haskill Basin segments in summer and fall. Making noise on blind corners and carrying bear spray is recommended on all outer loops.