Tour Whitefish and it's emerging system of bike and pedestrian trails on this easy 7.4-mile cruise that hits some of the small town's recreational highlights.
From Great Northern Cycles, this easy ride circles downtown Whitefish connecting small-town streets with a system of pedestrian and bike paths accessing all parts of the city. Begin with a vanilla espresso at the O'Brien Avenue bike shop and jump on the bike path just one block to the north.
You'll climb on the path alongside Baker Avenue to cross over the railroad tracks and eventually turn west to skirt the public-access Whitefish City Beach alongside the lake. There's a short gravel section of trail before you rejoin the nice, paved path along the Whitefish River—enjoy benches, a picturesque bridge and plenty of rest-worthy shade in the riverside park.
This route jumps the path at mile 3.5 and heads north on Baker Avenue for a quick roll past the Great Northern Railway Depot. Follow bike lanes heading east out of town and turn right on Armory Road to skip the steep climb, opting instead for a mellower roll toward the skate and dog parks on the edge of town before cruising down the same hill. Heading back downtown, close the loop at Great Northern Cycles—or at Pescado Blanco 2 blocks east to refuel on elk chorizo tacos.
The Fish Trail system is expanding. Check out the Fish Trails website for updates and alternative additions to this route.
-Mapped by Kristy Holland
TO TRAILHEAD: Great Northern Cycles is located at 104 O'Brien Ave. in downtown Whitefish.
Position Format:
Datum:
Tracks
Fish Trails
Distance: 7.39 mi
Points: 638
Calories: none
Total Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Active Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
#
Distance
Instruction
Distance to next
1
0.00 mi
Stop -
Then go 0.12 mi
2
0.13 mi
Turn Left - 1st Street
Then go 0.07 mi
3
0.20 mi
Turn Right - Baker Avenue
Then go 1.28 mi
4
1.48 mi
Turn Left - 2nd Street
Then go 0.33 mi
5
1.81 mi
Turn Left - Skate Park - Dog Park Bike Path
Then go 0.36 mi
6
2.18 mi
Turn Left - Armory Road
Then go 0.25 mi
7
2.42 mi
Turn Right - Armory Road
Then go 0.72 mi
8
3.14 mi
Turn Left - 2nd Street
Then go 0.19 mi
9
3.33 mi
Turn Right - Spokane Avenue
Then go 0.07 mi
10
3.40 mi
Turn Right - Depot Street
Then go 0.46 mi
11
3.86 mi
Turn Right - Central Avenue
Then go 0.03 mi
12
3.88 mi
Turn Right - Bike Path Ramp
Then go 0.08 mi
13
3.96 mi
Straight - Bike Path
Then go 0.21 mi
14
4.17 mi
Turn Right - Bike Path
Then go 0.25 mi
15
4.42 mi
Straight - Bike Path
Then go 0.12 mi
16
4.54 mi
Turn Right - Miles Avenue
Then go 0.58 mi
17
5.12 mi
Straight - Bike Path
Then go 0.06 mi
18
5.18 mi
Turn Left - Oregon Avenue
Then go 0.18 mi
19
5.36 mi
Turn Left - Lakeside Blvd.
Then go 0.13 mi
20
5.49 mi
Turn Right - Skyles Place
Then go 0.53 mi
21
6.02 mi
Turn Left - Dakota Avenue
Then go 0.24 mi
22
6.26 mi
Turn Left - LaBrie Drive
Then go 0.93 mi
23
7.19 mi
Turn Left - Baker Avenue Bike Path
Then go 0.14 mi
24
7.33 mi
Turn Right - Bike Path
Then go 0.06 mi
25
7.39 mi
Start - O'Brien Avenue and 1st Street
Points of Interest
FSH001
Location: 48.411503, -114.341023
Great Northern Cycles is the start point for this ride. Hop on the bike path 1 block north of the shop and begin a short climb over the railroad tracks alongside Baker Avenue.
FSH002
Location: 48.421426, -114.346390
As you climb the hill on Dakota Avenue, look right for glimpses of Whitefish Lake, Lion Mountain and the forested hills on the lake's west side.
FSH003
Location: 48.415487, -114.352012
After cruising past City Beach, you'll continue onto the bike path at the end of Oregon Avenue. There's a short stretch of gravel on the downhill at the start of the trail. Watch your speed around the loose, blind corner.
FSH004
Location: 48.411827, -114.342484
Slow down approaching the Miles Avenue downhill. There's a busy crossing at US 93 (1 block south) and there's no signal or crosswalk. Some day, there will be a pedestrian bridge at this break in the trail system.
FSH005
Location: 48.406357, -114.336991
Turn up the ramp onto Central Avenue for a northbound cruise through town. Though traffic is light, watch for cars as you cruise the narrow, historic streets.
FSH006
Location: 48.412881, -114.336262
On Tuesday afternoons between May and September, this park near the O'Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center and the Amtrak station hosts the downtown Whitefish Farmers Market. It's a popular event with music, food, and plenty of produce and arts and crafts.
FSH007
Location: 48.410531, -114.321005
There's a short section of bike path just before the hill on 2nd Street, but it's pretty small. Stick to the road as you approach the outskirts of town.
FSH008
Location: 48.407796, -114.310234
If there aren't any skate boarders, enjoy a couple of rolls around the smooth ramps of the Dave Olseth Memorial Skatepark. From here you'll head north through fences at the dog park before turning west.
FSH009
Location: 48.410502, -114.310062
If you're on fat tires, consider a run or two at the dirt ramps of the Armory Bike Jumps before heading back onto 2nd Street.
FSH010
Location: 48.412133, -114.338021
Markus Foods is an all-purpose, no-frills grocery store near ride end.
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