Ashley Creek Park

The Great Northern Historical Trail offers a delightful journey through Montana's Flathead County, following an old railway line. You'll pedal past cultivated fields and pastures, with impressive views of the Swan, Mission, Salish, and Whitefish mountain ranges, and even glimpses of Glacier National Park mountains. The eastern endpoint in Somers provides access to the stunning Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Continental Divide, making for a picturesque finish.

This easy road cycling route covers 23.3 miles (37.5 km) with a minimal 308 feet (94 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 1 hour and 46 minutes to complete. It's a family-friendly, multi-use trail that welcomes dogs. You can access the trail from Somers, Kalispell, or Kila, and bike repair stations are conveniently located in Somers and Kila.

Historically significant as a former railway corridor, the trail is a testament to the efforts of Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana, converting disused lines into community assets. While mostly serene, be aware that some portions run parallel to busy highways, which can introduce some road noise. It's an excellent choice for beginner road cycling or anyone seeking a relaxed ride with varied scenery.

The Ashley Creek Park loop from Mountain View Plaza Lot 2 offers a refreshing road cycling experience through the heart of Kalispell's natural beauty. This moderate 29.9-mile (48.2 km) route, with its 814 feet (248 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through the expansive agricultural lands of the Flathead Valley, past scenic river corridors, and provides continuous views of the surrounding mountains. Expect mostly well-paved surfaces and gentle gradients, making it a manageable and enjoyable ride for many cyclists, typically taking about 2 hours and 21 minutes.

Starting conveniently from Mountain View Plaza Lot 2, this loop is easily accessible for a day out on your bike. There are no specific permits or fees mentioned, making it a straightforward option for a spontaneous ride. The route's integration into Kalispell's growing network of multi-use trails means you have the flexibility to extend your adventure by connecting to other paths like the Parkline Trail or the historic Great Northern Trail.

The Ashley Creek Park area is a notable feature of this ride, representing a new public space under development that aims to provide treasured open space for the community. This connection to a larger trail system enhances the cycling opportunities in the region, allowing for diverse and longer rides. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Flathead Valley while enjoying a well-maintained road cycling route.

The Ashley Creek Park loop offers a delightful road cycling experience through the scenic mountain valleys and lush greenery surrounding Kalispell. You'll enjoy the tranquil backdrop of Flathead County, with Ashley Creek often a central feature of the serene surroundings. The route is generally well-paved, making for a smooth and enjoyable ride.

Starting from Mountain View Plaza Lot 3, this easy 19.4-mile (31.2 km) loop involves a gentle 761 feet (232 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 29 minutes to complete. It's an excellent option for a relaxed outing, especially for beginner road cyclists or anyone looking for a casual spin through nature. Consider an earlier start on pleasant days to make the most of the quiet roads.

This loop is a recognized favorite among local road cyclists in the area, offering a chance to explore the developing Ashley Creek Park. The park is being enhanced with a focus on connecting to other local trails like Kalispell's Parkline Trail, promising even richer cycling options in the future. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region.