Category Archives: News

USFS releases Pacific Northwest Trail management plan

Good article . . .

From the Chief Mountain port of entry on the Montana-Canada border, a dedicated hiker can follow a series of backcountry trails, bike paths, old rail beds, paved roads, bushwhacks, and cow paths, all the way to the beach of Cape Alava, Wash., the westernmost point in the continental United States.

This stitched-together route connecting Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park, known as the Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT), stretches 1,200 miles, “from the Rockies to the sea,” crossing seven National Forests, six wilderness areas, and three national parks, as well as tribal, municipal, and private lands in Montana, Idaho and Washington.

In December, the U.S. Forest Service released the final version of the PNT comprehensive plan, a document which outlines a vision for the non-motorized trail and provides guideposts for management, conservation and use into the future. The trail has only existed in its official capacity for 15 years, and like other early national scenic trails “much more work is needed to complete the optimal route from end to end,” the plan states.

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Grizzly Inn repairs are complete!

Grizzly Inn repair, new roof almost finished, Sep 19-20, 2023 - photo by Ryan Powell, USFS

Grizzly Inn repair, new roof almost finished, Sep 19-20, 2023 – photo by Ryan Powell, USFS

Apologies for not posting this right away, but the Grizzly Inn now has a long-overdue new roof. Many thanks to the Forest Service personnel who, working in less than ideal conditions at a very remote location, put a lot of effort into a project that spread across three days and at least one overnight stay.

See our earlier post for more detail on this effort and its historical significance.

Flathead Trails Association rolls out illustrated map

The Flathead Trails Association (FTA) has just introduced an illustrated map of the valley. On the back, are descriptions of the member organizations Including our own!) with QR codes linking to their web sites . . .

For an outdoor enthusiast in northwest Montana, opting for a trail-based adventure brings myriad options for choosing a map to help plan your outing…

…Now, however, there’s a comprehensive guide to the Flathead Valley’s recreational opportunities, a long-time-coming initiative by the Flathead Trails Association (FTA) that locals and visitors alike can use to plan, discover and learn about the outdoor scene in our own backyard.

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