Lone Pine State Park
~Visit Mt
his week's focus takes us to just outside of Kalispell, MT to Lone Pine State Park. With 7.5 miles of trails for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and horseback riding it also boast breathtaking overlooks, where you can see Flathead Lake, Big Mountain, Jewel Basin, and Glacier National Park on clear days.
Located near Kalispell, Lone Pine State Park provides incredible views of the Flathead Valley, as well as year-round and wide-ranging outdoor recreation activities.
Originally owned as part of a large sheep ranch by Ernest and Hazel White, in 1941 the White’s donated the land that now makes up Lone Pine State Park, for public use and education. The Whites stipulated that the land be developed for public use and to teach an appreciation for the benefits of conservation.
The visitor center has a gift shop and provides visitors with highlights of the wildlife and forest ecology of the park. A great spot for meetings or social gatherings (can host up to 100 people), the visitor center has a spacious meeting room with audio/visual capabilities and wrap around decks! 7.5 miles of trails can accommodate for short or long hikes where you’ll find great views of wildflowers and local wildlife.
Curious what other visitors had to say?
"Good easy access. Close to Kalispell. Easy hikes, great scenery. Wear comfortable shoes, no need for special equipment."
"You can park at the lower gate, around the corner in the upper lot, or drive by Foys Lake and take the main entrance to the top (ample parking and handicap accessible). Not only does Lone Pine have an abundance of trails for all abilities, but it has a great Visitors Center at the top as well. The staff is very knowledgeable about plants, wildlife, and other hiking opportunities in the Valley. A great place to walk your dog, view the city, or have a picnic!"
"Lots of fun and lots of wildlife. I recommend going out early before it gets too hot and the wildlife enters the woods to lay down."
"Lone Pine is pet-friendly and has excellent educational programs, well-maintained trails, guided hikes and special youth programs. We have attended programs on wild raptors/rehab and release after injury, and on the Karelian Bear Dogs. It is also right on the way to the hidden Foy's Lake, just slightly below it to the northwest.
At Foy's Lake (a County maintained park) you can also enjoy swimming, boating (no rentals, just your own), fishing (the lake is stocked yearly with trout) or have a picnic. Ice fishing in Winter. In Summer Lone Pine is also near the Herron Park Equestrian Park and its trails.
Just a few of the other things you can do at Lone Pine: Take the Archery trail, bird watching, cross-country ski/snowshoe in winter, play horseshoes, mountain bike, Take panoramic photos, Have a picnic, or go for a run."