About the Event

Join WLP for an orienteering event in partnership with Grizzly Orienteering at the Whitefish Legacy Center!

Date and Time

The event will take place Saturday, September 12. All levels of course difficulty will be provided. Participants can start any time between 10am-1pm. Everyone must be out of the woods by 2pm.

Location

Directions: The Event will begin near the parking lot at the Whitefish Legacy Center (Not the Beaver Lakes Trailhead). 

From US-93 west turn right onto Beaver Lake Rd. 

In 1.3 miles turn right at the (small) Whitefish Legacy Center sign.

In 0.3 miles you will see the parking lot on your left. 

Please do not drive up to the Whitefish Legacy Center. Thanks!

There is construction on US-93 between Whitefish and The Whitefish Legacy Center with waits up to 30 minutes. If coming from the south it is recommended to take the KM Ranch Rd (off of US-93 heading north toward Whitefish) to Twin Bridges Rd back to US-93 West. 

Registration and Fees: Register at https://www.grizzlyorienteering.org/event-details/lion-mountain-orienteering-event

First-timers: $5, First-time groups: $10 (If first-timers wish to purchase memberships after the event, the cost of the event will be subtracted from the membership fee)

Standard event entry fee: $15 per individual; maximum of $30 for group

GrizO Member event entry fee: $8 for members; maximum of $15 for member group

Junior entry fee: $5 for youth aged 12-20

Kid entry fee: Free for kids under 12

Volunteer discount: Free for anyone who volunteers at a given event

Extra map for any additional group member who wants one: $2

Second course: Free

Compass rental: Free

Equipment  GrizO will provide specially created maps with pre-printed courses for each participant. They will also provide loaner compasses. Please return these when you are done. The compasses will be sanitized after each use. Wear clothing that is comfortable for activities in the woods and  off-trail and appropriate for the expected temperatures. Please bring your own snacks and hydration. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Beginner Instruction Beginner instruction will be provided by several experienced orienteers. If this is your first event, take a look at the "Newcomers" section of the Grizzly Orienteering website to get an idea of what to expect: https://www.grizzlyorienteering.org/newcomers .

Courses You will be able to select from five different maps (courses):  Beginner (~2km), Advanced Beginner(~3km), Intermediate (~4km), Advanced (~5km), and Long Advanced (~7km) courses. The distances indicate the shortest, straight-line  distance for visiting all the controls and returning to the finish. You  will certainly cover more distance than that. Besides differing in length, courses differ in difficulty levels -  the beginner course stays exclusively on trails; advanced beginner  offers opportunities to take some shortcuts and shorter off-trail  excursions; the intermediate course requires some traversing of the  terrain off-trail; and the advanced courses often do not have trail  options for some of the route choices. We recommend that you pick a relatively easy course if this is your  first event. If it goes quickly and you enjoy it, you can try another,  more difficult course, right away. We recommend going out individually  or in groups of no more than 2-3 so that everyone is able to get the  hang of map reading and navigation.

Start and Finish You will need to check in with one of our volunteers at registration  before proceeding to the start. Our volunteers will provide you with the  appropriate map, a loaner compass if needed, and a loaner electronic  timing chip and will keep track of  who is out and doing which course. When you have found all the controls  on your course, return to the finish and check in with a volunteer  there. Even if you decide to quit your course before finding all the  controls, please check in at the finish so we do not go out searching for you.

Electronic "punching"

An e-punch records your race. At each control, you’ll dip the e-punch  into an electronic box, which will beep and flash as confirmation.  After you finish, you’ll download the e-punch at the download tent and  get a receipt that shows which controls you visited and how long you took  between each; these are your “splits.”

Part of the fun of orienteering is comparing your splits with people  who completed the same course, and discussing the routes you took!

Join Gateway to Glacier Trails for the inaugural Cedar Flats Trail Trot! Hosted by trail-building nonprofit Gateway to Glacier Trails, the Trail Trot is a 10k route with 791 feet of elevation gain beginning at the new Cedar Ridge Trailhead and looping through the Cedar Flats Trail system. Located just outside of Columbia Falls, Cedar Flats is a 15+ mile nonmotorized, multiuse trail system built and maintained by Gateway to Glacier Trails. 

Expect a fun vibe, flowy trails through the beautiful Flathead National Forest, and the chance to be part of the first-ever trail race on Cedar Flats! 

Early 10k registration is $40 until July 3, and $50 after. All proceeds go to Gateway to Glacier Trails. 

Sign up early - participant numbers are limited!

6th Annual Flathead Waters Cleanup 

This annual event brings volunteers together to clean up waters and shorelines across the Flathead Basin, including Flathead and Lake Counties. You can sign up solo, with a small group, as a family, or as part of a team to clean up trash along any river, lake, creek, or pond in the region. Afterward, join us at the Sacred Waters Brewery in Kalispell or the Flathead Lakers' office in Polson for food, drinks, and chances to win prizes.

  
When: Saturday, August 8
Cleanup: Anytime from 9 AM and 3 PM
After-Party & Prize Giveaway: 

4-8 PM at Sacred Waters Brewery in Kalispell or

4-6 PM at the Flathead Lakers office

To Register: Visit tinyurl.com/flatheadcleanup.

Whether cleaning your own site or joining a team, please register individually so we have an accurate headcount and signed waivers.  

Cleaning Your Own Site?

Complete Steps 1–4 of the Volunteer Registration Form.

Joining an Existing Team?

- Skip to Step 4 of the Volunteer Registration Form.  Enter the name of the team you are joining.

Hope to see you out there!

Flathead Waters Cleanup is hosted by the Flathead Lakers, Flathead Conservation District, Western Montana Conservation Commission, Flathead River Alliance, and CSKT NRD Fish, Wildlife, Recreation & Conservation.  

Get into the woods with some awesome orienteering at Lone Pine State Park.

Orienteering is the sport of navigating a course with a map and a compass to locate a series of checkpoints. Leave the GPS behind and find your own way! Beginner instruction and all orienteering-specific equipment is provided. The event is $5 for first-timers. All ages and experience levels welcome!

Thursday Night Race League (TNRL)
It's back again this July!
2026 Race dates: July 9th, 16th, 23nd, and 30th

Sign up here!

Summer 2026 - Four nights of $10 XC Races! 
5:30-6 Packet Pickup / 6:30 Race Time

Thursday Night Race League (TNRL)
It's back again this July!
2026 Race dates: July 9th, 16th, 23nd, and 30th

Sign up here!

Summer 2026 - Four nights of $10 XC Races! 
5:30-6 Packet Pickup / 6:30 Race Time

Time & Location

Jul 16, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Location is TBD

Other dates

Thu, Aug 20, 6:30 PM

Thu, Sep 17, 6:30 PM

About the event

Join us for a Whitefish Trail group run on the third Thursday of every month, April-September!

What to expect:

• A trail run for ALL abilities (no-drop style)

• A short education session led by local experts to help you learn about all things running--nutrition support, shoe fit/performace, injury prevention, and more!

• A welcoming space to meet other runners, future training partners, etc!

Email racedirector@whitefishlegacy.org to get on the email list! You'll be reminded when/where the next run is happening and will learn more about that week's topic.

Whitefish Legacy Partners is excited to celebrate the grand opening of the Whitefish Legacy Center on July 15.

Since acquiring the former Whitefish Bike Retreat, Whitefish Legacy Partners has transformed the property into a welcoming community hub that connects people to the outdoors. The project includes a new public trailhead, restored facilities, improved access to the Whitefish Trail, gathering spaces, and ongoing enhancements designed to serve residents and visitors for years to come.

The Whitefish Legacy Center represents a long-term investment in conservation, recreation, and community—a place where people can gather, learn, and begin their adventures on the Whitefish Trail. Join us as we celebrate this exciting new chapter and the many partners, volunteers, and supporters who helped make this vision a reality.

There will be bbq, refreshments and tours of the new property! Come check it out & celebrate this milestone with WLP.

Thursday Night Race League (TNRL)
It's back again this July!
2026 Race dates: July 9th, 16th, 23nd, and 30th

Sign up here!

Summer 2026 - Four nights of $10 XC Races! 
5:30-6 Packet Pickup / 6:30 Race Time

Women's Advanced Clinics
Registration Opens June 3

Tuesday, June 16 - Women's Advanced Clinic
Spencer Mountain Trails

Thursday, June 25 - Women's Advanced Clinic
Spencer Mountain Trails

Tuesday, June 30 - Women's Advanced Clinic
Spencer Mountain Trails

Tuesday, July 7 - Women's Advanced Clinic
Spencer Mountain Trails

Join the Whitefish Trail group rides hosted by Whitefish Legacy Partners, Glacier Cyclery, and FAMB!

What to expect:

• A mountain bike ride for all abilities (no-drop style)

• A welcoming space to meet other bikers, future training partners, etc!

• Ride Dates:

  • May 19, Tuesday, 6-8pm

  • June, July, August, and September: rides are on the first Thursday of each month from 6-8pm

Email info@glaciercyclery.com to get on the email list to learn the location of the next ride and helpful info (distance, elevation, what to bring, etc)!

Women's Advanced Clinics
Registration Opens June 3

Tuesday, June 16 - Women's Advanced Clinic
Spencer Mountain Trails

Thursday, June 25 - Women's Advanced Clinic
Spencer Mountain Trails

Tuesday, June 30 - Women's Advanced Clinic
Spencer Mountain Trails

Tuesday, July 7 - Women's Advanced Clinic
Spencer Mountain Trails

Women's Advanced Clinics
Registration Opens June 3

Tuesday, June 16 - Women's Advanced Clinic
Spencer Mountain Trails

Thursday, June 25 - Women's Advanced Clinic
Spencer Mountain Trails

Tuesday, June 30 - Women's Advanced Clinic
Spencer Mountain Trails

Tuesday, July 7 - Women's Advanced Clinic
Spencer Mountain Trails

FTBT Trail Marathon

https://foystoblacktailtrails.org/ftbt-trail-marathon/

This is a 26.2 mile running trail race open to the first 100 participants to register and takes place on mostly single track with more than 5,000 feet of climbing.

The first 2,800 feet of climbing occur in just over 5 miles to the top of Blacktail Mountain. The last 21 miles still include >2000 feet of climbing as you gradually descend the long ridge leading to the finish at Herron Park.

ftbt 5k 10k and half marathon

Saturday, June 20, 2026

Register online at RunSignUp.com - Register & see the Interactive Map

Proceeds from these races go directly toward building and maintaining the 34-mile Foys to Blacktail Trails (FTBT) system. In addition to race entry fees, the continued success of our trail system depends heavily on the generosity of our sponsors and individual donors.

These races are our largest annual fundraising events, and for the past 12 years, we’ve worked hard to keep registration fees affordable for everyone. If you’re able, please consider adding a donation when you register—every contribution makes a difference!

Women's Advanced Clinics
Registration Opens June 3

Tuesday, June 16 - Women's Advanced Clinic
Spencer Mountain Trails

Thursday, June 25 - Women's Advanced Clinic
Spencer Mountain Trails

Tuesday, June 30 - Women's Advanced Clinic
Spencer Mountain Trails

Tuesday, July 7 - Women's Advanced Clinic
Spencer Mountain Trails

3-6PM at Smith Fields in Whitefish, free beer, raffle prizes, live music food trucks & kids games!

The Flathead Trails Association Trails Fest is an annual community event that brings together outdoor recreation nonprofits, land management agencies, trail organizations, businesses, and community members to celebrate and support trail stewardship across the Flathead Valley. Hosted by the Flathead Trails Association, the event focuses on connecting local residents with volunteer opportunities and educating the public about the importance of maintaining and protecting regional trail systems.

Trails Fest features partner booths from recreation and conservation organizations, live music, family-friendly activities, outdoor education demonstrations, raffles, food vendors, and free beverages donated by local breweries. The event creates a collaborative space where hikers, bikers, equestrians, motorized users, paddlers, skiers, and other recreation communities can connect around a shared goal of sustaining accessible and well-maintained trails throughout Northwest Montana.

The event also serves as a volunteer recruitment and community outreach opportunity for FTA and its partners. Attendees can learn about trail stewardship projects, public land initiatives, trail safety, outdoor education programs, and ways to get involved in local recreation efforts.

Join Foys to Blacktail Trails, Lone Pine State Park, and the Montana Conservation Corps for a morning of volunteer trail work at Herron Park and Lone Pine State Park to celebrate National Trails Day. Lunch is provided by Daybreak Rotary Club.

When: June 6

Where: Herron & Lone Pine

Time: 8:30 am – 1:00 pm

Email - Nathan@foystoblacktailtrails.org for more information

Women's Fundamental Clinic
Registration opens April 18th @ 8am
FAMB 2026 Membership is required prior to registration, but once You've Joined FAMB, the clinics are FREE!!
Advance Registration is Required. Clinics are limited to 40 participants (we split into several groups), and there will be a wait list (clinics fill up fast!).

Wednesday, May 13 - Women's Fundamental Clinic
Herron Park, Kalispell

Wednesday, May 20 - Women's Fundamental Clinic - Ascending
Pig Farms Trails

Wednesday, May 27 - Women's Fundamental Clinic - Descending
Pig Farms Trails

Wednesday, June, 3 - Women's Fundamental Clinic - Cornering
Location TBD - Stay Tuned

Wednesday, June 10 - Women's Fundamental Clinic Make up Day
TBD, if necessary

Women's Fundamental Clinic
Registration opens April 18th @ 8am
FAMB 2026 Membership is required prior to registration, but once You've Joined FAMB, the clinics are FREE!!
Advance Registration is Required. Clinics are limited to 40 participants (we split into several groups), and there will be a wait list (clinics fill up fast!).

Wednesday, May 13 - Women's Fundamental Clinic
Herron Park, Kalispell

Wednesday, May 20 - Women's Fundamental Clinic - Ascending
Pig Farms Trails

Wednesday, May 27 - Women's Fundamental Clinic - Descending
Pig Farms Trails

Wednesday, June, 3 - Women's Fundamental Clinic - Cornering
Location TBD - Stay Tuned

Wednesday, June 10 - Women's Fundamental Clinic Make up Day
TBD, if necessary

About the Event

Kick off the Hit the Trail Challenge by joining Whitefish Legacy Partners for an orienteering event in partnership with Grizzly Orienteering at the Lion Mountain Trailhead!

Date and Time

The event will take place Saturday, May 2. All levels of course difficulty will be provided. Participants can start any time between 10am-12pm. Everyone must be out of the woods by 2pm.

Registration and Fees: Register at https://www.grizzlyorienteering.org/event-details/lion-mountain-orienteering-event

First-timers: $5, First-time groups: $10 (If first-timers wish to purchase memberships after the event, the cost of the event will be subtracted from the membership fee)

Standard event entry fee: $15 per individual; maximum of $30 for group

GrizO Member event entry fee: $8 for members; maximum of $15 for member group

Junior entry fee: $5 for youth aged 12-20

Kid entry fee: Free for kids under 12

Volunteer discount: Free for anyone who volunteers at a given event

Extra map for any additional group member who wants one: $2

Second course: Free

Compass rental: Free

Equipment  GrizO will provide specially created maps with pre-printed courses for each participant. They will also provide loaner compasses. Please return these when you are done. The compasses will be sanitized after each use. Wear clothing that is comfortable for activities in the woods and  off-trail and appropriate for the expected temperatures. Please bring your own snacks and hydration. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Beginner Instruction Beginner instruction will be provided by several experienced orienteers. If this is your first event, take a look at the "Newcomers" section of the Grizzly Orienteering website to get an idea of what to expect: https://www.grizzlyorienteering.org/newcomers .

Start and Finish You will need to check in with one of the volunteers at registration  before proceeding to the start. Volunteers will provide you with the  appropriate map, a loaner compass if needed, and a loaner electronic  timing chip and will keep track of  who is out and doing which course. When you have found all the controls  on your course, return to the finish and check in with a volunteer  there. Even if you decide to quit your course before finding all the  controls, please check in at the finish so we do not go out searching for you.

Electronic "punching"

An e-punch records your race. At each control, you’ll dip the e-punch  into an electronic box, which will beep and flash as confirmation.  After you finish, you’ll download the e-punch at the download tent and  get a receipt that shows which controls you visited and how long you took  between each; these are your “splits.”

Part of the fun of orienteering is comparing your splits with people  who completed the same course, and discussing the routes you took!

GET OUTSIDE MAY 1-31, 2026

Join WLP for the 8th annual Hit the Trail Challenge to celebrate health, outdoor recreation, and conservation! Whether you’re hiking, running, biking, or riding horseback, every mile you log on the Whitefish Trail during the month of May helps support our local trails and land conservation.

Wild Montana’s Flathead-Kootenai Chapter and the Flathead Rivers Alliance are teaming up to celebrate Earth Day. Join us on Saturday, April 25, to clean up several fishing access sites along the Flathead River.

Flathead River Earth Day Cleanup 2026
Saturday April 25, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Meeting at Marantette Park, Columbia Falls

Registration opening soon.

We’ll meet at Marantette Park in Columbia Falls, break into cleanup crews, and distribute supplies. Then, we’ll split up to remove garbage and debris from access sites along the Middle and North Forks of the Flathead.

Pre-registration is required.

Let’s make this Earth Day a fun one by giving back to the watershed!

Time & Location

Apr 22, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM —> Holbrook Overlook Trailhead, 2930 Big Mountain Rd, Whitefish, MT 59937, USA

About the event

Join WLP and the Big Sky Astronomy Club for a memorable night under the stars!  See Jupiter and its moons shining in the west, very close to Earth's own crescent moon. As darkness sets in look through our telescopes to view distant galaxies, glowing nebulae, and dazzling star clusters scattered across the spring sky.

Please bring your own chairs and blankets and dress warmly. Bring binoculars and a red filtered flashlight if you have them. To preserve the sensitivity of our night vision we ask that you do not use of normal white light flashlights or cell phone lights. 

Hot cocoa and snacks provided in celebration of Earth Day!

*NOTE: In case of poor weather, we will post on instagram/facebook about cancellation and will cancel the event via email to all registered individuals by 3pm the day of the event.

This program is free and family friendly! When you RSVP, be sure to do so for each member of your party and cancel if you change plans.

Accessibility: This event is accessible by car, has an accessible parking spot, and bathroom. The surface is gravel but is wide enough for a stroller, off road mobility device, and wheelchair. Please reach out with any questions!

For more information about other outdoor education programs call 406-862-3880 or email wteducation@whitefishlegacy.org

Time & Location

Apr 20, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Lion Mountain Trailhead, Mountainside Dr, Whitefish, MT 59937, USA

About the event

Come out to Lion Mountain to learn from People and Carnivores about bear behavior, habitat, safety, and to practice discharging inert bear spray canisters!

Come prepared for a 1 mile hike.

ACCESSIBILITY: We are happy to chat--please reach out with any questions about accessibility! Lion Mountain Trailhead has accessible parking spots and bathroom set on a gravel surface. We will travel on a single-track, dirt trail that starts at the trailhead and is ~.5 miles long with minimal rocks and roots, and we will end at the Learning Pavilion. This trail can be accessed by walking, using an off road mobility device, and wagons/strollers. For accessibility needs, a car can be driven to the Learning Pavilion as long as there is not snow on the road.

This program is free and family friendly! We know committing to plans can be difficult--your RSVP is appreciated but not required. When you RSVP, be sure to do so for each member of your party and cancel if you change plans.

For more information about this event and other outdoor education programs call 406-862-3880 or email wteducation@whitefishlegacy.org.

2026 Flathead Wild & Scenic River Volunteer Interest Meeting

Date & Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: Glacier Outdoor Center – Ridgetop Retreat (Ground Level)
12400 U.S. 2, West Glacier, MT 59936, United States

Join Flathead Rivers Alliance for our 2026 Volunteer Interest Meeting and learn how you can make a meaningful difference in protecting and enhancing the Three Forks of the Flathead Wild & Scenic River. This event is your first step to becoming a volunteer and connecting with our partner agencies.

Meet key partners from:

• Glacier National Park

• Flathead National Forest

• Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

What to Expect

• Overview of the Flathead Wild & Scenic River – Learn about its history, designation, and ongoing stewardship.

• Agency Partner Projects – Hear about special projects and programs currently underway across the river system.

• Volunteer Program Introduction – Flathead Rivers Alliance will provide details on our core programs:

  • River Ambassador Program (River Access)

  • River Recreation Monitoring / Citizen Scientist Program (Floating)

  • Water Quality Monitoring Program

• Training Overview – Receive initial training on Authority of the Resource and Be a Good Host principles.

You’ll be treated to dinner, please RSVP by tapping button or tapping link (https://forms.gle/nDomoJbP2L32xX1YA) to help us with estimated head count:

RSVP NOW

Volunteer Programs

River Ambassador Program

Are you passionate about the river system that inspired a national protected Wild & Scenic River system? Join our River Ambassador Program and serve as a friendly, knowledgeable liaison at popular river access sites along the Three Forks of the Flathead Wild & Scenic River.

Volunteers will help:

• Celebrate the Outstandingly Remarkable Values of the river system

• Provide safety, ethics, and river etiquette guidance

• Share information about rules and regulations

• Reference maps and suggest float routes

• Collect river access site user information

• Offer loaner life jackets/PFDs through our partnership with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Whether you can commit to a few days or more regularly throughout the summer, we’ll help you find a schedule and training track that fits your availability. Minimum commitment of (4) 2-hour River Access Shifts.

River Recreation Monitoring / Citizen Scientist Program

Combine your love of floating the river with active stewardship. Volunteers are trained to collect river recreation, wildlife, and invasive species data using the Survey123 mobile app. This information strengthens datasets used by our agency partners and supports science-based river management.

This program is ideal for volunteers who:

• Have their own river-running equipment (for at least two people) or can be paired with an experienced paddler

• Enjoy outdoor recreation while collecting data

• Want to directly support river monitoring and conservation efforts

Water Quality Monitoring Program

Volunteers help monitor water quality on the North and Middle Forks of the Flathead Wild & Scenic River from May through October.

Monitoring helps:

• Track long-term river health trends

• Understand impacts from recreation, population growth, and climate change

• Guide education and outreach on nonpoint source pollution

• Identify where and how monitoring efforts should expand

Volunteers receive training in sampling techniques, data collection, and field safety. Data collected supports our agency partners in managing the river for current and future generations.

2026 Volunteer Training Series

Runoff Rivers Rundown Speaker Series

All volunteer programs require additional training. As part of our 2026 training program, volunteers will participate in the Runoff Rivers Rundown Speaker Series depending on your volunteer track of choosing, offered throughout the Flathead Valley on:

• April 21: North Fork History with Jedd Sankar-Gorton @ Jersey Boys Pizzeria, Whitefish

• April 28: Flathead Wild & Scenic River Wildlife -Mountain Goats Location TBA

• May 14: Fisheries with Montana FWP Location TBA

• May 21: Rescue, River Safety, Etiquette with North Valley Search & Rescue @ Backlsope Brewing

This spring series includes presentations from agency and resource specialists on topics such as fisheries, North Fork history, wildlife (including mountain goats), river safety, rescue, and etiquette.

The speaker series is:

• Required for volunteers based on program track

• Open to the public

• Designed to provide in-depth knowledge to support stewardship

Unable to attend in person? All presentations will be recorded and available online through the volunteer portal.

Additional classroom and field trainings will be available depending which volunteer program track you choose.

Why Volunteer?

The Three Forks of the Flathead River inspired the creation of the National Wild & Scenic Rivers Act and remains one of the nation’s most significant river systems. As a volunteer, you help protect access, improve visitor experiences, support science-based stewardship, and ensure this remarkable river system remains outstanding for generations to come.

RSVP HERE

Take the first step toward becoming a Flathead Rivers Alliance volunteer. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today!

For questions, contact:
Geoffrey Gill, Volunteer Coordinator
program@flatheadrivers.org

This year, we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Flathead Wild and Scenic River designation. Join Glacier National Park Conservancy for an important conversation with Sheena Pate, Executive Director of the Flathead Rivers Alliance, as we learn more about their work and partnership with Glacier National Park to safeguard the future of the Flathead River system.

Join us and have a conversation with Sheena Pate, Executive Director of the Flathead Rivers Alliance. This is a virtual event. Register here (www.glacier.org/glacier-conversations)!

REGISTER HERE