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Whitefish / Glacier National Park
Montana
Here in the Flathead Valley of northwest Montana lies Whitefish. The town started in the late 1800s as a fur-trading center. The first trees were cut for the town site in the early 1900s and earned Whitefish the nickname of "Stumptown." Much of the early charm still remains in this quaint mountain town. Several factors combined make this an outdoor lover's paradise: there are more than three million acres of national forest nearby, Glacier National Park is only 24 miles away and 11 percent of all federally-designated Wild and Scenic River in the continental United States can be reached within an hour's drive. Glacier National Park Glacier National Park encompasses approximately 1.4 million acres of terrain. In 1910 President William H. Taft signed the bill that made the park possible. Today Glacier and its breath taking beauty, together with Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada, makes up the Waterton/Glacier International Peace Park. The park was designated in 1932 to commemorate the peaceful friendship between the United States and Canada. Many sites within the park are sacred spiritual sites since this area was the homeland of the Blackfoot and Kootenai Indian tribes. More than 50 glaciers grace these spectacular mountains and alpine meadows that are home to an abundance of flora and fauna. Visitors also will find more than 200 lakes or streams and more than 730 miles of trails. Rich Waters Numerous lakes, rivers and streams provide fantastic fishing opportunities, including some blue-ribbon waters. The Flathead River is popular for cutthroat and bull trout. Flathead Lake and others in the area harbor brook and rainbow trout, large and small mouth bass, grayling, Kokanee salmon, northern pike, Rocky Mountain whitefish and yellow perch. At Spencer Lake the rainbows are said to be 12 to 15 inches long, and Whitefish Lake has everything from northern pike to lake trout. Besides fishing Whitefish Lake also has a sandy swim beach, boating, canoeing, sailing, picnicking, water-skiing and a park right at the base of Big Mountain. The area's waterways offer rafting as well. Travel the Middle and North Forks of the Flathead River and run rapids with names like "Jaws" and "Bone Crusher." Trails and More Mountain bikers will find a wide array of choices, both on and off road. Thousands of miles of logging roads and trails offer something for bikers of all skill levels. This mountain bikers' paradise includes five square miles at Beaver Lake laced with trails that take riders on challenging climbs and descents, and a 20-mile round trip paved route to Whitefish Lake. Or take your bike up the mountain on the Gondola and ride down. Hikers will find endless miles of trails as well, including many in Glacier National Park. The area's two golf courses include Montana's only 36-holecourse. Several more courses are only a short distance away. History and Entertainment The Stumptown Historical Museum takes visitors into the past. Located in the historic Great Northern Railway Depot, the museum includes railroad artifacts and community memorabilia and photographs. Several galleries show off local artists' works and visitors will find one of a kind shopping and dining opportunities. Whitefish's summers are filled with exciting events. Stumptown Days, the Whitefish Annual Arts Festival and the Flathead Music Festival are only a few of the festivities awaiting visitors.  |
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