Outside Kind Flathead Valley
From backcountry wilderness trails to community trails right out our back door, the Flathead Valley’s rich network of multi-use trails benefit us all. As use on them increases, we celebrate that more and more locals and visitors are enjoying our trails: it means more people are discovering opportunities to enjoy the May wildflowers, clear their head after a long day of work, exercise without needing a gym membership, and introduce their kids to new ways of connecting with nature. But as more people enjoy the trails, we must remind everyone to recreate with courtesy and kindness.
Outside Kind Flathead is a partnership between Whitefish Legacy Partners, Foys to Blacktail Trails, Gateway to Glacier Trails, Rails to Trails Northwest Montana, Flathead Area Mountain Bikers, Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, Flathead National Forest, and Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks. The Flathead Valley is home to many trail networks with varying and complex ownership and management. The goal of the partnership is to create consistent and clear messaging, so that no matter what trail users are enjoying, they are reminded to do it with kindness.
Have questions or comments about Outside Kind Flathead?
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Be aware of how your actions impact others and make everyone feel welcome on the trails. Take a moment to say ‘hi’ to other users - it can make a big difference in someone’s day, and that someone could be you! Avoid smoking or playing music on speakers around other users, and always respect private property.
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Before you head out for a hike, familiarize yourself with the trail and its rules: some trails have special rules or seasonal closures. Come prepared for the terrain and changing weather. Know when hunting season is and take appropriate precautions.
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Remember to leave no trace during your hike. Only park in designated areas at the trailhead, stay on trails, never cut switchbacks or create new trails, pick up your dog’s waste, and pack it out along with your trash.
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Always be prepared. When heading out on the trail, dress for varying weather conditions and pack food and plenty of water. Be prepared for emergencies by letting someone know where you’ll be hiking and bringing your phone and first aid kit. Always carry bear spray that’s easily accessible and know how to use it!
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You may be a seasoned hiker but remember that everyone started out as a beginner. Create an encouraging environment for new hikers, and always offer assistance to others on the trail. When planning to hike in a group, be transparent about the difficulty of the trail and respect differing abilities. Remember, multi-use trails are for everyone!
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Consider how your actions impact others and help make all trail users feel welcome. Never assume other users will step off the trail to let you pass. If they do, smile, say ‘hi’, and thank them. Being friendly can go a long way!
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Before heading out on the trail, be sure you know the rules: bikes aren’t allowed on all trails, and some trails have a single direction of travel. Generally, bikers yield to all other users, and downhill traffic yields to uphill users. When in doubt communicate with other users, especially when encountering horseback riders. No matter what, bikers should always slow down when approaching other trail users or in congested areas. Always be aware of your surroundings and don’t bike with both headphones in.
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Leave the trail better than you found it! Always pack out your trash and dog poop bags. Never cut corners or switchbacks and stay on designated routes. Riding on muddy trails causes damage, so always be aware of trail conditions, and have a plan B if you find the trail you want to ride is too wet.
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No matter what kind of trail you’re riding, always ride safe. Control your speed so you’re always able to stop for fellow trail users, wildlife, or hazards in the trail. Be aware of wildlife and always carry bear spray that is easily accessible. Come prepared for changing weather and emergencies and equipped for and trail-side bike repairs.
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Getting started with a new sport like mountain biking can be intimidating. Welcome all kinds of riders into the biking community, and help new riders learn the skills they need to safely enjoy our trails. If you’re out riding with others, check on your group and wait at trail junctions.
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Be courteous to other trail users and understand that not everyone is comfortable around dogs. Keep your dog by your side as you pass others and never allow them to charge or jump on other trail users.
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There is no magical fairy who comes around to collect dog poop or abandoned mutt mitt bags. Always clean up after your dog and pack it out with you. While it may not seem like a big deal to not pick up after your dog once, it's a problem that compounds with thousands of four-legged trail users.
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Know and obey the rules of the trails and land you’re enjoying. Dogs are allowed off leash, under voice control, on many local trails, though there are some where leashes are required. Only dogs who can reliably be called back to their owner should be allowed off-leash, and dogs should never be allowed to chase or bother wildlife.
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Keep your dog close to you, particularly in popular areas for biking, skiing, horseback riding, and in parking lots. Accidents can happen when dogs run in front of other trail users. Be aware of hunting and trapping seasons, taking safety precautions during them.
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Your dog may be friendly, but remember that not everyone, or every dog, is okay being approached by an off-leash dog. If you see another dog on-leash, assume its owner doesn’t feel confident about interactions with other dogs or people, and do not allow your dog to approach. Help make our trails inclusive for all the good dogs.
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Fellow trail users may not expect to meet horses or know what to do, so don’t be afraid to help educate them. Smile, say ‘hi’, let them know what you’d like them to do as you pass, and be sure to thank them! Being friendly can go a long way to helping everyone feel welcome on our trails.
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Before you go, know the stock requirements of the trail including where to park trailers, where you’re allowed to ride, and what other users you should expect to meet on the trail. Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for others, including users needing to pass from behind or those traveling uphill.
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When using a public area, like a trailhead or park, be considerate of other users and clean up manure. Always pack out your trash with you. While on trail, stay on designated routes and don’t cut corners or switchbacks. Riding on muddy trails causes damage, so always be aware of trail conditions, and have a plan B if you find the trail you want to ride is too wet.
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Only ride on public trails if you know that you have full control of your horse. If you or your horse are new to trail riding, get a sense of how busy different trails are and choose less popular ones. Always be prepared for changing weather and emergencies on the trail. When riding in bear country, always carry bear spray that is easily accessible.
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Getting started riding or packing can be hard for people who did not grow up around the culture. Welcome others and help make the equestrian and packing community more inclusive by mentoring youth and new users, passing on the skills and ethics they need.
Run Kind
Run Kind is coming soon!
Ski Kind
Ski Kind is coming soon!
Outside Kind Flathead Partners
Thank you to our Funders
Outside Kind Flathead has received generous financial support from the Whitefish Community Foundation Community Grant, Explore Whitefish, and Discover Kalispell to help spread the word to locals and visitors.
About the Flathead Valley
Located in Northwest Montana between the mountains of Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness to the east and the Salish Mountains to the west, the Flathead Valley is home to high peaks, breathtaking views, wild and scenic rivers, and hundreds of miles of trails. These natural wonders are enjoyed by the over 100,000 residents of the Flathead Valley, and the millions of visitors who come each year.