FTA Trail Events

Throughout the Flathead Valley, there are many events, including guided hikes, rides, or paddles, celebrations, ribbon cuttings, workdays, and more. Here, you can find an event near you or explore trail events throughout the valley.

Missing an event? Please send us information on your event! Event name, date/time, location, event image and any other event details!

Taking Flight: Golden Eagles in Glacier National Park
Apr
16

Taking Flight: Golden Eagles in Glacier National Park

Golden eagles are one of the largest aerial predators in Northwest Montana – or as Lisa says, “the grizzly bears of the sky.” Unfortunately, recent data indicates a decline in their numbers and they’ve been listed as a Species of Concern. Join us to learn more about Glacier National Park’s raptor / golden eagle observations and nest monitoring to better understand these avian predators, including the role that lookouts play in aiding park staff in observations and searching for nests.

Lisa Bate is a Supervisory Wildlife Biologist at Glacier National Park. She specializes in birds and bats, overseeing multiple research, inventory, and monitoring programs including harlequin ducks, songbirds, raptor nesting and migration, black swifts, Clark’s nutcrackers, and bats. Lisa Bate also oversees wildlife and compliance monitoring for projects like the reconstruction of the Going-to-the-Sun and Many Glacier Roads, focused on preventing detrimental effects to grizzly bears. Prior to her employment at GNP, Lisa worked as a private research wildlife biologist focusing mainly on birds, cavity-nesting species, and their habitat.

https://www.bmwf.org/wss

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If rocks could talk
Mar
19

If rocks could talk

The mountains of Glacier National Park tell an incredible story of the geological events that created the park’s majestic scenery. Teagan will share an overview of the forces and processes that built and shaped the landscape of Glacier National Park.

Teagan Tomlin first came to Montana in 2008 for an internship at Glacier National Park through the Geological Society of America’s Geocorps program. At that time, she was finishing her master’s degree in geology at Brigham Young University, where her research focused on teaching stratigraphy and sedimentology concepts, geological data interpretation, and problem-solving and student-centered instructional design. In 2009, she was hired as a park ranger at Glacier National Park and worked seasonally from 2009 through 2016 working in interpretation and education. In the fall of 2016, she was hired to her first permanent position in the National Park Service as a visitor services assistant. In 2019, she was hired in her current role as the executive assistant in the Office of the Superintendent.

https://www.bmwf.org/wss

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WHITEFISH: BOB Marshall Wilderness Foundation Mountain Film
Mar
14

WHITEFISH: BOB Marshall Wilderness Foundation Mountain Film

Mountainfilm on Tour brings a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and incredibly inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival held every Memorial Day weekend 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!

Join us for an evening of short films from around the world full of breathtaking scenery and indomitable spirit that explore themes connected to Mountainfilm’s mission of using the power of film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world.

Plus, grab your raffle tickets for a phenomenal selection of outdoor gear, adventure trips, and handcrafted goods in the lobby! All proceeds will benefit our trail maintenance and habitat restoration projects in The Bob.

Doors will open at 6:00 PM for refreshments and mingling in the lobby. Stop by the Bob Booth to pick up merch and learn more about our 2025 Volunteer Adventures, and grab your raffle tickets to win big! The films will start at 7:00 PM.

https://www.bmwf.org/mountainfilm

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Mar
9

Mushroom Id with mt native plant society

An Introduction to Mushroom Identification.  Sunday, March 9 2pm. Lone Pine State Park.  

Come learn the basics of fungi at this educational program. We’ll talk about what makes mushrooms challenging to identify, how to use your field guides, the art and science of the spore print, and more about why this kingdom of life is just so cool.

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BigFork: BOB Marshall Wilderness Foundation Mountain Film
Mar
7

BigFork: BOB Marshall Wilderness Foundation Mountain Film

Mountainfilm on Tour brings a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and incredibly inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival held every Memorial Day weekend 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!

Join us for an evening of short films from around the world full of breathtaking scenery and indomitable spirit that explore themes connected to Mountainfilm’s mission of using the power of film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world.

Plus, grab your raffle tickets for a phenomenal selection of outdoor gear, adventure trips, and handcrafted goods in the lobby! All proceeds will benefit our trail maintenance and habitat restoration projects in The Bob.

Doors will open at 6:00 PM for refreshments and mingling in the lobby. Stop by the Bob Booth to pick up merch and learn more about our 2025 Volunteer Adventures, and grab your raffle tickets to win big! The films will start at 7:00 PM.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!
$20 in advance / $25 at the door

https://www.bmwf.org/mountainfilm

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Snowshoe up sperry trail w/ wild montana
Mar
2
to Mar 7

Snowshoe up sperry trail w/ wild montana

NEAREST TOWN: West Glacier
MEETING TIME: 8 a.m.
MEETING LOCATION: Park and Ride, Jct Hwy 2 and 206
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous (
view difficulty ratings here)
ROUND-TRIP MILEAGE: 9 miles
LEADERS: Chris Rost and Leila Avery

Join us for a Glacier National Park winter classic. We’ll snowshoe up the Sperry Trail starting at Lake McDonald Lodge. We will branch off that trail and head into the Snyder Lakes Basin, enjoying fantastic views while having lunch and hot cocoa. The basin holds both Snyder Lakes and is surrounded by Mount Brown, Little Matterhorn, and Edwards Mountain.

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Feb
26

Animal Footprints in the Snow

Join Whitefish Legacy Partner’s to discover the basics of animal tracking in the snow. FWP Wildlife Conflict Management Specialist Garrett Tovey will be sharing track I.D. knowledge for the whole family to enjoy!

We will meet at Big Mountain Trailhead. Please be prepared for a 1-2 mile hike on and off trail.

Snow shoes highly recommended as we will be spending most our time off trail. Sportsman Ski Haus will be providing free rentals for those registered who need them. Please contact wteducation@whitefishlegacy.org before February 24th at 5pm if you do not have your own and would like to reserve some for the program, and Legacy Partners will pick them up for you.


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.

This event is weather dependent. Please check your email for last minute cancellations before attending.

For more information about this or other scheduled outings call 406-862-3880 or email wteducation@whitefishlegacy.org.

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XC Ski with Wild Montana
Feb
21

XC Ski with Wild Montana

Strap on your XC skis as we head out for a ski among the trees at Round Meadows. We’ll start on the wooded Round Meadows Loop trail and then make our around the full tour. Then, we’ll head back on the and finish where we started. A hot cocoa thermos will be waiting for us in the parking lot. This will be a moderately paced ski with some short hills, so pack some snacks and get ready to shed some layers.

https://wildmontana.org/event/round-meadows-xc-ski/

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Public lands and the space to walk free
Feb
19

Public lands and the space to walk free

Walking, particularly walking in nature, has been shown by decades of research to improve all aspects of human health, from cardiovascular function and bone strength to depression and risk of Alzheimer's disease. Human and non-human flourishing cannot be separated from our access to nature, and the health of land and water. Explore how wilderness and intact ecosystems like the Bob Marshall – and the public's access to both – play a vital role in our individual physical and mental well-being, but also in ensuring fundamental human liberties. 

Antonia Malchik has written essays and articles for The AtlanticOrionHigh Country News, the Los Angeles Times, and a variety of other publications. Her first book, A Walking Life, is about the past and future of walking’s role in our shared humanity. She currently writes On the Commons, a newsletter about ownership, private property, and the loss of the commons, and is a scholar of the history and ongoing consequences of private land ownership. A descendant of eastern Montana homesteading ranchers and wilderness advocates, and an enthusiastic volunteer for BMWF trail crews, she lives in northwest Montana.

https://www.bmwf.org/wss

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Wintering Birds of Prey Field Trip, Co-Sponsored by Owl Research Institute
Feb
1

Wintering Birds of Prey Field Trip, Co-Sponsored by Owl Research Institute

Denver Holt, world-renowned owl and bird of prey expert and founder of the Owl Research Institute, and Laura Katzman of Flathead Land Trust will lead a tour of the wintering birds of prey in the Mission Valley on Saturday, February 1. The Owl Research Institute monitors raptors each winter in the Mission Valley with monthly surveys. The tour route will be based on those surveys and will include lands that are important to wintering birds of prey that are in the process of being conserved. Last year on a similar tour participants saw rough-legged hawks, red-tailed hawks, northern harrier, bald eagles, and American kestrel as well as other birds. Group size is limited and carpooling will be required. To sign up please e-mail: lkatzman@www.flatheadlandtrust.org.

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Jan
22
to Jan 23

Documentary Screening w/ Wild montana

Wednesday, January 22nd - Screening of the film 'Youth v. Gov' which is a documentary about the national climate change lawsuit filed in 2015 by 21 American youths who argued that the government's actions caused climate change and violated their constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property. This will be held at 6pm at the Gateway Community Center at 124 2nd Ave E. in Kalispell, MT. 

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Winter Trails Day with Glacier Nordic Club
Jan
19

Winter Trails Day with Glacier Nordic Club

Celebrate Winter Trails!  This is a chance to try out cross country skiing on groomed trails!

January 19th, 2025:

Where: Glacier Nordic Center at Whitefish Lake Golf Course
Hours: 10am – 3pm

  • Free trail pass for cross-country skiing.

  • Free one-hour rental and demo for classic skis; limited skate skis available.

  • Free classic ski lessons. Learn the basics to get you going.

  • Free cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee.

Some Details

Lessons:

– Group Lessons are first come first serve!

– All lessons are Classic Only

– 12pm and 2pm Lessons are for people with their own ski gear ONLY

– Each group lesson is capped at 20 (2 groups of 10)

– 11am and 1pm are for those who want to use Rentals

Rentals: Arrive 30 minutes prior to the lesson to get outfitted with skis, boots, and poles.

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Montana Outdoor Recreation Summit - Indigenous Collaboration in Outdoor Recreation
Jan
16

Montana Outdoor Recreation Summit - Indigenous Collaboration in Outdoor Recreation

Gain valuable insights from Indigenous leaders as they discuss the importance of cultural relationships in successful collaborative outdoor recreation projects. Learn firsthand how integrating cultural heritage and traditional knowledge with recreation and conservation efforts can create more inclusive, respectful, and meaningful experiences for all. Click here to register!

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Montana Outdoor Recreation Summit - Unleashing the Power of Data Driven Storytelling
Dec
12

Montana Outdoor Recreation Summit - Unleashing the Power of Data Driven Storytelling

How can data storytelling make a difference? Join Montana Outdoor Recreation Summit to hear from data experts and community organizers as they share practical strategies for turning data into engaging stories and why it matters. Learn how to leverage insights to boost support and secure funding to create a lasting impact in your community. To register click here!

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The BobFest
Oct
25

The BobFest

The great Bob get-together! Gather with fellow wilderness enthusiasts and help us celebrate an unforgettable summer season in the Bob. Our annual gala includes live music, food, drinks, family friendly activities and special guests – plus incredible silent and live auctions filled with art, outdoor gear, adventures and getaways, gifts, and so much more!

More details to come: https://www.bmwf.org/bobfest

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Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation Volunteer Appreciation Party
Oct
16

Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation Volunteer Appreciation Party

Join the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation celebrating their dedicated volunteers —

We want to say THANK YOU to all of you who volunteered with us this summer! All are invited to join the party and raise a glass to the hardworking folks who gave their time and sweat equity to keep the trails in tip top shape. Bring your friends and family for a fun night of catching up with old friends plus some Wilderness-themed games and activities for all ages.

If you volunteered this year, keep an eye on your email next week for a coupon for your first round on us! We'd love to buy you a beer (or N/A drink) to celebrate another successful season in the Bob.

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THE WHITEFISH TRAIL BLAZER
Oct
5
to Oct 6

THE WHITEFISH TRAIL BLAZER

The Whitefish Trail Blazer is Whitefish Legacy Partner's annual community racing and open lands celebration. If you've raced in the Whitefish Trail Legacy Run in the past 10+ years, come join us this year as we celebrate open spaces and blaze a trail forward for conservation and recreation in Whitefish. 

Sign up here! https://www.whitefishlegacy.org/whitefish-trail-blazer

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Trail Blazer Training Series
Sep
26

Trail Blazer Training Series

Join us for our training series on the last Thursday of every month until the Trailblazer race! 

What to expect:

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

- Education from local professionals to help you prepare for the race (nutrition support, shoe fit/performace, injury prevention, etc)

Each run location and topic will be listed in advance on the website (click here!)

All events are free. Please bring bear spray, water, and your race prep questions! 

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Paved Path Group Bike Ride with Dream Adaptive Recreation
Sep
16

Paved Path Group Bike Ride with Dream Adaptive Recreation

DREAM is so excited to offer a paved path cycling program. This program is open to any individuals with a permanent disability who’d like to get out and ride with others. DREAM will offers two organized Paved Path Group Bike Rides during the summer of ’24.

If you are new to biking, need a refresher, or are new to the DREAM Adaptive Cycling Program you must sign up for a private ride session to determine if a group ride is an appropriate fit.

  • Helmets are required for all DREAM rides.

    • If you need to borrow a helmet, please communicate that to DREAM staff in your program confirmation.

  • If riding a personal bike, it is required that you bring a spare tube(s), and appropriate tools for your bike when joining DREAM for a ride.

    • If using a DREAM bike, these items will be provided with the bike.

  • We will do our best to accommodate all riders each week. DREAM bikes *are reserved on a first come, first serve basis.

    • If you need to use one of DREAM’s bike for any of these rides please communicate your needs with our Program Team at least 1 week prior to the ride.

**Please note the DREAM Fleet of adaptive bikes doesn’t include bikes for kids at this time or two wheel bikes, however we will do our best to accommodate each rider.

Pre-Registration is required; this program fills quickly and bikes will be assigned on a first come first serve basis.

 

Paved Path Group Bike Ride Details:

When:

  • Monday, August 5th

  • Monday, September 16th

Time: 4:30pm – 6pm

Where: Smith Fields, Whitefish

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Home Ranch Bottoms Community Benefit Day - With Flathead Rivers Alliance
Sep
12

Home Ranch Bottoms Community Benefit Day - With Flathead Rivers Alliance

Join us September 12th at Home Ranch Bottoms in Polebridge, MT, for a Community Benefit day/night, anytime between 9am-9pm.  Home Ranch Bottoms will contribute a percentage of total sales for the day- so come on out and taste their legendary pies, and enjoy food and drinks all while supporting FRA.  There will be live music, and camping is available for those of us who get to the North Fork and never want to leave.  

As Home Ranch Bottoms puts it.... Come by for some pie and beer (and to support Flathead Rivers Alliance!), and stay for the live music, the old friends you'll run into, and the new friends you'll make.

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Hush of the Land Storytelling & 60th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act Celebration
Sep
3

Hush of the Land Storytelling & 60th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act Celebration

Tuesday, September 3rd, 6 to 8 PM at Flathead Valley Community College AT-139

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, Backcountry Horsemen of the Flathead and Flathead Valley Community College are partnering to present an evening of campfire storytelling on the 60th anniversary of the Wilderness Act. Join Smoke Elser and Eva-Maria Maggi as they share tales from their book, Hush of the Land, that chronicles the six-decade quest of packer and outfitter Arnold “Smoke” Elser to protect wild lands by bringing thousands of people deep into the mountains of Montana on horseback.

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Trail Ambassador Service Day w/ Wild Montana
Aug
24

Trail Ambassador Service Day w/ Wild Montana

This year, the local Flathead-Kootenai Chapter of Wild Montana will host several trail ambassadors events at the Camp Misery trailhead in the Jewel Basin. Trail ambassadors are public lands advocates who educate trail users on Wilderness values and responsible recreation. In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, we work to ensure hikers are prepared for the day ahead and educate trail users on best practices. This is an all-ability levels volunteer opportunity.

#5 Trail Ambassador Service Day - Jewel Basin - Saturday, August 24th

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Meet the Mules Monday with BMWF
Aug
12

Meet the Mules Monday with BMWF

Monday, August 12th, 11 AM to 1 PM at Whitefish Credit Union in Whitefish.

The mules are taking a break from the trails to say hi and raise awareness for the Great Fish Community Challenge! Join the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation for this family-friendly lunchtime gathering outside of Whitefish Credit Union to meet some of our favorite co-workers – the mules who help pack our crews in and out of the Bob. Learn more at www.facebook.com/share/NqrTDSApbpwYGuzT/

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Trail Ambassador Service Day w/ Wild Montana
Aug
8

Trail Ambassador Service Day w/ Wild Montana

This year, the local Flathead-Kootenai Chapter of Wild Montana will host several trail ambassadors events at the Camp Misery trailhead in the Jewel Basin. Trail ambassadors are public lands advocates who educate trail users on Wilderness values and responsible recreation. In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, we work to ensure hikers are prepared for the day ahead and educate trail users on best practices. This is an all-ability levels volunteer opportunity.

#4 Trail Ambassador Service Day - Jewel Basin - Thursday, August 8th

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Jul
27

Trail Ambassador Service Day w/ Wild Montana

This year, the local Flathead-Kootenai Chapter of Wild Montana will host several trail ambassadors events at the Camp Misery trailhead in the Jewel Basin. Trail ambassadors are public lands advocates who educate trail users on Wilderness values and responsible recreation. In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, we work to ensure hikers are prepared for the day ahead and educate trail users on best practices. This is an all-ability levels volunteer opportunity.

#3 Trail Ambassador Service Day - Jewel Basin - Saturday, July 27th

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