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

2026 Wilderness Speaker Series

Speakers: Franz Ingelfinger, Montana FWP
Topic: “What’s Happening to the Elk in the South Fork of the Flathead?”

Elk numbers in the Flathead’s South Fork has been a topic of interest for generations. Today, elk numbers are at lows not seen in almost a century. The general perception of those with a history hunting the area is that predators are the root cause of this decline. At the same time, the legacy of past forest management, including harvest history, fire suppression, Wilderness designation, and now, recent large-scale wildfires, have resulted in habitat changes that affect forage quality and quantity, and thermal cover in winter. To inform management, Montana FWP recently initiated a collaring effort to evaluate habitat use, movement, fecundity, and survival of cow elk. Franz will share information from the first years of this study and discuss factors influencing elk numbers in the South Fork drainage.

Franz has worked in natural resources for more than 20 years, having earned a master’s degree emphasizing wildlife management from the University of Wyoming. He’s worked with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks since 2016 and currently serves as the Kalispell area wildlife biologist. Franz’s scope covers wildlife management efforts across the greater Flathead Valley area, including a large portion of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.

2026 Backslope Brewing Community Benefit Day for Flathead Rivers Alliance

• Tuesday, April 14, 2026

• 11:00 AM  8:00 PM

• Backslope Brewing1107 9th Street WestColumbia Falls, MT, 59912United States (map)

Join Flathead Trails Association for a FREE First Aid & CPR Training. Email coordinator@flatheadtrail.org for more information

USFS public meeting addressing Limits of Acceptable Change

9:30 to 14:30, Saturday, April 11th

Flathead Supervisor’s Office (650 Wolfpack Way, Kalispell) 

Time & Location

Apr 09, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Grouse Mountain Lodge, 2 Fairway Dr, Whitefish, MT 59937, USA

About the event

Join us in Whitefish for an informative, in-person presentation with Justine Vallieres, Grizzly Bear Management Specialist of NW Montana, from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. We will learn all about Grizzly Bear management and recreating safely in bear country and have time to ask questions. 

The presentation will take place in the Lower Glacier room which is just inside Grouse Mountain Lodge and adjacent to Logan’s Dining Room.

When you RSVP, be sure to do so for each member of your party and cancel if you change plans by emailing wteducation@whitefishlegacy.org

About the presenter:

Justine Vallieres is the Bear and Mountain Lion Conflict Management Specialist for MT FWP in Region 1. She has worked grizzly bear conflict management for the last 7 years here in region 1, and prior to that she worked on the wolf management project. She graduated from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver with her B.Sc. in Natural Resources and Conservation with a focus in Wildlife Biology.

ACCESSIBILITY: We are happy to chat--please reach out with any questions about accessibility! The presentation will take place in the Lower Glacier room in Grouse Mountain Lodge which is ADA accessible. The lodge also has ADA accessible parking spaces.

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

Mountainfilm on Tour: Bigfork

• Friday, April 3, 2026

• 6:00 PM  9:30 PM

• Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts526 Electric AvenueBigfork, MT, 59911United States (map)

Mountainfilm on Tour brings a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and incredibly inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado. BMWF is bringing the tour to five different cities around the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex to celebrate the power of wild places and gear up for another terrific summer in the backcountry!

Learn more and get tickets: bmwf.org/mountainfilm