With Spring on the horizon and warm weather knocking at our doors, how do you decide what to do in your free time? Here are a few FUN and easy Springtime activities to enjoy around the Flathead:
Skinning/snowshoeing up Whitefish Mountain Resort
If you haven't already gotten your fill, there is still plenty of snow up at WMR (but not for long). With longer, warmer days coming, your snowsports days at WMR are numbered, but Spring conditions and sunshine are tough to beat! (no crowds either). And in case you do miss it, there's always skiing to be had in Glacier National Park.
Fly Fishing
With the surplus of water in the Flathead Valley, there are almost too many choices as to where to go fishing. If you hurry, the main Flathead River will fish well for the next week or so, but once overnight temperatures remain high, run-off will start and river fishing will cease for awhile - the lakes will then become the be the place to be.
For a close, easy, quiet and fulfilling experience, try Beaver Lake-it's just 10 miles NW of Whitefish with easy access off HWY 93. Good fishing, incomparable scenery and few people make it a worthwhile and close excursion. A float tube or pontoon boat is recommended. Fish intermediate sinking line with traditional streamer patterns.
Hiking/Trailrunning/Mountain Biking
There's still quite a bit of snow in GNP, but there are plenty of foothill hikes/runs/bikes to be enjoyed around Whitefish, Kalispell & the greater Flathead Valley. Check out Lone Pine State Park, just SE of Kalispell, a short drive down Foys Lake Rd. Great vistas and minimal elevation gains are just two of the benefits.
Also check out Haskill Basin in Whitefish. Stoltze Timber Company has gates up (no motorized vehicles over 500lbs) but allows use of their logging roads by foot/bicycle and motorcycle/four-wheelers. Great views, some single track, few people and lots of wildlife make this a locals favorite.
Serious mountain bikers should check out "The Pig Farm" as it's referred to by valley locals-a great system of bike trails in the west valley located adjacent to a wildlife perserve between Whitefish & Kalispell off Farm-to-Market Rd. Great biking and excellent wildlife viewing.
Whitewater Rafting
This is the time of year river enthusiasts start getting excited. The start of run-off gets many local's adrenaline pumping, and for good reason: Montana whitewater is, simply stated, FUN!!! With runs ranging from quiet and scenic to non-stop excitement, spring rafting has something for everyone. Just remember to be sensible-the water is a bone-chilling 38 degrees and was likely snow the day before. Wear your full waterproof gear, or rent some if you don't own it. Falling in the water this time of year could mean life or death.
For the ultimate experience, check out Moccasin Creek to West Glacier (25 miles past W. Glacier entrance) on the Middle Fork Flathead River-the best and most accessible whitewater this side of Idaho. Total distance is about 8 miles with 4-5 class III-IV rapids-this one is for fun junkies only.
Looking for something a little more mellow? Try the North Fork Flathead River from Big Creek to Glacier Rim. 10 or so miles with 2-3 class II rapids, tons of scenery and few people. A fun and safe trip-just don't underestimate "Fool Hen" rapid-it can be deceiving.
Thanks for reading! Please share some stories and get out there and have some fun!!
-JM
