Trail Talk
Want to share the joy of your day on the trails? Have an idea, question or comment? Please post it in the box below!
Foy's to Blacktail Trail use in December, 2011
- How Can I Help?
- Donate
- Volunteer
- Where Are The Trails?
- Maps of Trails
- Keep Up With FTBT
- FTBT Newsletter
- Send Comments
- Trail Talk
If skiing or slogging through 3 ft. of snow is not your idea of mid-July fun, the Foy’s to Blacktail Trails are the place for you. No snow or mud here, but wildflowers abound (wild roses, yarrow, larkspur, and more) and the views are great. Get your legs in shape for August when Glacier Park and Jewel Basin will finally be ready!
NATIONAL TRAILS DAY on June 4 was a huge success, thanks to the many volunteers who turned out to help.
More wildflowers just keep popping out! Little purple violets, arnica, biscuitroot, Oregon grape, and arrowleaf balsamroot make for a beautiful walk. This place is SO worth saving for the future…
Help-FTBT needs a few volunteers. This past week we had a mini-excavator grade some trails and add some drainage ditches. Now that the heavy equipment has done the major dirt work we are in need a few volunteers with metal tined rakes, shovels, etc. to do some finish work on the trails.
We have a rolling compactor scheduled to pack the affected trails this coming Saturday afternoon, May 21st. Between now and then we need to create a relatively smooth surface. There are rocks that need to be thrown downhill, sharp edges that need softened, and spots that need a little hand raking.
If you have some time on Thursday or Friday or Saturday AM to help out here is the scoop…
The trails that need work are:
a) Foy’s Overlook Connector Trail
b) Foy’s Overlook Road
c) Foy’s Overlook Trail
Refer to the trail map here (http://www.mediafire.com/?eca2ce5tl15ss0v) if needed.
What we need done:
a) remove visible rocks baseball size or larger and toss them downhill
b) use a shovel to soften the edges on drainage ditches
c) rake the trail so that the surface is mostly flat (no obvious low spots) and outsloped so that water runs off the trail toward the downhill side of the trail
Matt Brake will be in the field much of the day Thursday and Friday (18th and 19th). If you can help, simply come out and do what you can. Just take a stroll towards the Overlook with your favorite tool and do your best, but keep it fun. The goal is to make it good enough by Saturday at 1PM when the compactor arrives. If you don’t see anything else that needs doing, focus on removing any berms of dirt on the downhill side of the trail.
If you have questions you can e-mail Matt at matt.ftbt@gmail.com and he’ll respond in the evening or early am.
Rode up the Horse Trail to the Overlook–what a day! The glacier lilies are in full bloom, shooting stars are scattered about, and the arrowleaf balsamroot is getting ready to put on a show. Saw a grouse up near the top. Crystal clear views and snow on the mountains make for breathtaking views. Can’t describe it all…you gotta go see for yourself.
Hey kids–do you like bugs, wildflowers, birds or being outside? Bring your parents to a free guided walk on the Family Trail part of the Foy’s to Blacktail Trails. Meet at the Herron Park Parking lot this Saturday, May 14 at 10 AM. Bring a lunch if you like and plan to have lots of fun.
Irene, sorry to hear about your bad experience.
To reiterate what Liz wrote in the April 16 post: “I encourage you to attend County Parks Board meetings and let the Parks Board know what you are thinking. These are public meetings. Meetings are the first Monday of each month at 8:30 am, please call the Parks Dept to confirm 758-5800. My understanding of the situation is that with the increased popularity of Herron Park the county has been receiving more complaints about dogs off leash prompting them to enforce the leash law. The County Parks Board also has a advisory committee for Herron Park and Foy’s Lake, I welcome you to get involved in this committee as well. Our next meeting is May 16 at 9am in the County Parks meeting room.”
I guess I need to get to the next meeting, because Herron Park is not alot of fun to be anymore if you have dogs. Almost all the people and dogs I have met through the years have been a good experience. Most people know to leash when there is a bike or horses coming or a large group. I have seen the most problems since dogs are leashed. One dog lunged at my dog, which jerked me to the ground and I landed on my shoulder…this was a dog that had never had a problem meeting mine before.
The new trails are absolutely beautiful, but I feel like we’re not wanted up there, and I know alot of dog owners are feeling the same way.
Irene Jensen
What a beautiful weekend in the Flathead. Stellar views from all over Herron Park and sunshine made it extra nice. First mountain biking of the year and it was great to have so many new options. The trails/roads are soft in some places, so please be mindful of riding in too-wet conditions (due to trail degredation).
Thanks to all those who are working to improve and maintain this incredible recreational resource.
To my fellow horseback riders–today someone left deep hoof prints in the Overlook trail, which is still muddy due to spring thaw. Until the ground dries out (probably a couple more weeks) horses and bicycles should avoid singletrack trails and stick to the roads.
If you know how much work it takes to build and maintain the singletrack trails, you’ll realize why this is so important. Please help keep the trails in good shape for everyone by staying on the roads. They are more compacted and less likely to get impacted by hooves and tire treads.
Thanks!
Our spring 2011 newsletter is available online now at http://www.foystoblacktailtrails.org/index.php/newsletter/
If you’re on our mailing list, your hardcopy will arrive in the next few days. You can help us reduce costs in the future by asking to receive your newsletter electronically. Please send your request to info@FoysToBlacktailTrails.org
Julie, from the green gate (north of the Herron Park parking lot) up the Plum Creek access road to the kiosk at the top of the hill, it is 0.6 miles. Not sure which route you are taking from the parking lot, but I hope this helps you approximate the distance.
An excellent FTBT trail map should be available in about a week. It will include distances along various points of the trail system in and around Herron Park. A volunteer has been hard at work on this map for quite awhile, and a grant from Flathead Electric Coop’s Roundup for Safety Program is paying for printing costs.
As soon as the map is available, we’ll announce it on this site!
Dear Mark and other concerned dog onwners,
The leash law is a county wide law that has been in place for years, just not enforced in Herron Park until recently. NO FTBT MONEY WAS USED TO MAKE THOSE SIGNS–THEY ARE ERECTED AND PAID FOR BY THE COUNTY PARKS DEPT. I encourage you to attend County Parks Board meetings and let the Parks Board know what you are thinking. These are public meetings . Meetings are the first Monday of each month at 8:30 am , please call the Parks Dept to confirm 758-5800. My understanding of the situation is that with the increased popularity of Herron Park the county has been recieiving more complaints about dogs off leash prompting them to enforce the lease law. The County Parks Board also has a advisory comittee for Herron Park and Foys Lake, I welcome you to get involved in this committee as well. Our next meeting is May 16 at 9am in the County Parks meeting room.
Mark,
The signs you are referring to were paid for and installed by the Flathead County Parks Department. They reflect a long standing law that in all Flathead County Parks (like Herron Park) dogs must be on a leash. Your concerns should be directed to the Flathead County Parks Department, 758-5800.
As far as Plum Creek and Stoltze land goes, it’s my understanding that dogs can be off leash as long as they are not harassing wildlife or creating a nuisance for others.
My Fiance and I are very frequent users of Herron Park. We love to x-country,hike,bike,snowshoe,horseback we have done the complete trail to Blacktail many times, both ways and donate to help expand it. Sadly we love to do this with our dog and it seems that the leash rule is going to far.
We frequent most of the trails in this valley but many are leash only places and Herron is one of the few where we can bike and ride horses with our dog. I understand around the parking lot and around the equestrian area, and people should use common sence. My dog likes to run and chase balls, but mostly she like to follow me on my bike and your crazy if you expect me to bike with a leash on my dog!
Most of the dog owners I see don’t have their pets on leashes and I have never had a problem with any! The dogs I’ve seen on trail on leash have been the problem( or their handlers were) and my dog will avoid those as long as she is not chained up. I have had some dialog with other dog owners and many seem to say if we are quiet about it the leash rule it will not be enforced. I now see more DOGS MUST BE ON LEASH signs, you know the three that are right next to each other. Are they donated or did my donation pay for those? I think they are rude and misleading, can I have my dog off leash on Plum Creak land or Stolz because I know they both allow dogs on their other lands. Who made this rule and how can I get it changed.
Sorry if I am going on but Whitefish has a dog park and my dog loves to go there but I live in Kalispell and we don’t have a place for my dog to go off leash. I’d like to hear others sound off on this, maybe I’m way out in left field and if so I’ll shut up. Otherwise if you get rid of the leash signs I’ll put my money where my mouth is or i’ll save it for a dog park and my citations.
How far is it from the Herron Park parking lot to the kiosk at the top of the hill trail? A mile?
Met someone on the trails today who was under the mistaken impression that FTBT spends donors’ money on signs. For the record, all money donated to FTBT goes toward purchasing land–the land and trails above Herron Park that people enjoy every day.
The wooden trail signs were made 100% by a volunteer at his own expense. Trails are built using volunteers or with grant funds available specifically for trail building. Our new brochure was designed by a volunteer and most of the printing costs were generously donated by Trippet’s Printing. Many individuals and businesses donate time & materials.
Please help your fellow trail users understand that if they want to continue to enjoy the trails, we must buy the land these trails are on. Donations go entirely to buying land!
Today’s Community Hike to the Overlook was great! Couldn’t have asked for nicer weather or better hiking companions. If you missed it, join us for the next one on May 14. Watch the News and Events page for departure time and other details.
Get this–while hiking on the trails in the sunshine today, we saw a bluebird and a ladybug! Is it spring or what?
Still, I highly recommend snow boots. There is not a serious ice problem–just lots of snow.
Last night and today Jim Watson groomed the trail system and roads up to John Chase’s, as well as the meadow. Ski conditions are fair, and snowshoeing conditions are very good.
Hiked to the Overlook and back last night under a full moon that was totally obscured by clouds. Though we didn’t get moonlight, it was still magical! The snow reflected enough light that headlamps weren’t necessary. Since we’re familiar with the trails, we had no trouble navigating! It was a great adventure and new perspective!
Holy beautiful! Jodi and I enjoyed a great snow shoe, meandering on and off the incline trail. Got a great cardio workout among the peace and splendor of the snowy trees. Tried to stay off the great x-country grooming, but there’s a lot of it! You skiers need to get out and enjoy it!
Steve groomed today, about 15k. The conditions are stellar. The skate tracks are still a bit soft but will set up overnight, tomorrow is the day to rip.
The county reports putting 15 miles on their rig when grooming. Most roads
are groomed in-and-out, double wide; so they are laying about 7.5 miles of
track. In general they do a double pass with an 84″ Ginzu with a classic
track to one side. There is another 3-5k of hiking trail for snowshoeing.
The road system on Plum Creek is skiing well. You have to ski through the
front county boot and snowshoe tracks to get to the good stuff.
Had the honor of first tracks up the Scarey Stump trail (skating) to the end of the trail, fantastic skiing that section. Had one of the fastest downhills on the main uphill road. Be careful, ski under control on that hill. Others may be coming up. This was at dusk Feb 3.
Had a wonderful ski up the Family Trail and beyond toward the Overlook today. Trail conditions were much better than expected–the fluffy new snow has covered up any ice. Although the trails haven’t been groomed in the past few days, previous grooming has definitely contributed to the current smoothness of the trails.
Grab your skis or snowshoes and head up there, if only for an hour. You’ll be glad you did.
Join us for a winter outing in Herron Park next Saturday!!
Foy’s to Blacktail Trails invites the public to explore the trails in and around Herron Park on a guided cross-country ski and snowshoe outing Saturday, Feb. 12. Herron Park grew by 40 acres in December, and Foy’s to Blacktail Trails is eager to showcase the addition through a series of free monthly outings. This month’s excursion is sponsored by Western States Insurance.
Volunteers have planned a 2- to 3-mile outing depending upon the ability of the group. Those interested in participating should meet at 9:00 a.m. in the parking lot of Herron Park, just past Foy’s Lake. Participants will need to supply their own gear and are reminded to bring water and snacks.
For more information, call Danielle Coffman at 871-1327.
Well boys and girls, today the Plum Creek Gate opened, adding around 5k to the system. Steve and I took the county’s ginzu out and did a double pass on the Plum Creek roads. There is classic track on the edges with enough room to skate in the middle. We went all the way to the Chase Forest property line. We went past the Plum Creek Gate pretty much to the end of the road, 3k past Scary Stump. In all Herron Park and Foy’s to Blacktail now has around 9k of groomed road. This does not include track in the meadow part of Herron Park or the hiking trails. I think the best skiing will be to take a left at Scary Stump, past Plum Creek Gate. This ground is not that steep and the snow is really good. It should be the best skate track, it groomed nice and flat. If you go right at Scary Stump to the Chase Forest try to go up the Chase Trail and back down the road. The road got a bit baked so it did not groom as flat as I would like however the ride back down should be great.
Groomed this afternoon and was able to cover the whole system. I went past Plum Creek Gate quite a ways. If you are looking for good ski track that is not real steep, this is the place to go. I went all the way to the end of the road on the Chase Forest. A great loop is to go up the Chase Trail and then back down the road. I set double tracks most of the way. The front country trails: Family, Incline, Direct and Foy’s Overlook are packed in tight and good for hiking or snowshoeing. Enjoy!
Thanks to a grant from the Flathead Community Foundation awarded yesterday, Foy’s to Blacktail is now able to purchase another electronic trail use counter. The single counter we are currently using (generously loaned by Montana State Parks) indicates that,on average, 95 people per day have been entering The Conservation Fund land this month (January). However, we know that trail enthusiasts enter the TCF land at other points where we’ve been unable to measure user numbers.
Because of the Flathead Community Foundation grant, we’ll be able to measure use at another major entry point. Flathead County Parks will provide a third trail counter to capture user data at the third primary access point. Improved data collection will bolster our case as we continue to seek grants and donations.
The trails were perfect today for walking. I used my yak trax (cleats) and it was great. You dont need snowshoes if you stay on the groomed trails
Happy Trails
Liz
Happy New Year, and hearty thanks to all of you who responded to Santa’s year-end challenge. Our wonderful community of supporters rose to the occasion with gifts of all sizes, and met the match! We did it–two more acres in two weeks. What a lasting gift!
Groomed last night, 12/30. Ran the Plum Creek Access Road, past Scary Stump to the right, then left down the connector road to the Plum Creek Gate and left back to Scary Stump. Looped up the Foy’s Overlook Road to Foy‘s Overlook Connector Trail then back down to the Upper Kiosk. Went down the South Fork of the Horse Trail, continuing down Incline Trail to the meadow. Got all of the Family Trail.
Conditions are REALLY GOOD. The best ski loop is to go up Family Trail, down the Plum Creek Road, veer right at Scary Stump to the connector road (there is a sign post there with a sign pointing right to Chase Forest). Go left (down) the connector road to the Plum Creek Gate, go left toward Scary Stump but veer right onto the Horse Trail. This connects to Incline Trail which completes the loop back to the meadow. All front county trails get boot pounded but once you get in a ways the tracks are really nice. There is a skied track all the way to the Chase Overlook.
December 29th my daughter and I and other friends skied Foys to Blacktail Trails through heavily falling snow and perfect 8 inch powder on the longer loop towards the Overlook. Spectacular conditions! Skiing the up the new family trail made it so easy. I could actually enjoy the scenery and not gasp for air. How lucky we are to have this so close to home. Thanks to everyone who has helped make this possible. We must secure the entire 320 acres; it is too special not to.
Thank you groomers. Its cold but great snow and scenary. Make it to Herron Park this New Years weekend. You won’t be disappointed. The groomed ski trails are fresh, plentiful and available to all skill levels. Enjoy!! I was priviledged to get first tracks tonight and it was a blast!
I was out this evening doing a little grooming and wow am I impressed with how many people are enjoying the trail system. All the major trails are packed in solid. Steve used the county’s big equipment to renovate and groom the Plum Creek Road from green gate to the upper Kiosk. With the close of Phase 1 that entire section of the road is now in Herron Park. He has several loops around the meadow and the sledding hill looks wicked fast.
I ran my rig up Incline Trail, continuing down the South Fork of the Horse Trail. I then went back to Scary Stump, looped toward the Chase Forest and then down the little connector road to the Plum Creek Gate. I went around the gate in order to scout for a turn-around anticipating Plum Creek permission for the county to groom their roads with the big equipment.
Overall coverage is excellent for this time of year and the snow on the forest trails is holding up really well. Skiing is good if you can go deep. The front country trails are packed solid from boots, snowshoes and dogs. This is good if you want a quick hike to Foy’s Overlook, all you really need are Yak Tracks for the icy spots.
Ho, ho, ho! Let’s team up and give two acres in the next two weeks. Here’s how it works, boys and girls…for every dollar you donate to Foy’s to Blacktail between now and the end of December, I will match it, up to $7,000. That means FTBT can buy two more acres of land for everyone to enjoy. Get busy, and tell all your friends!
I’d better get back to the elves and reindeer. See you soon, and be good, for goodness sake.
(Editors note: You can donate online via this website, or by mail–see the “donate” page).
Thank you to Jim Watson for doing a great job grooming with your own resources. The park has been a magical place to ski over the past 10 days. Make sure to get out and enjoy this wonderland!1
Wow! I had a great day skiing the trails with my friend Rachel. “Arthur” is right–The Family Trail is absolutely ideal for skiing up…its gentle grade is perfect! We went up the Family Trail, then part way up the Overlook Trail (definitely steeper). We veered off the Overlook Trail onto the cutoff that connects back down to the main access road–then skiied all the way back down the road (yes, we snowplowed; not pretty, but great fun).
Hopefully the snow is here to stay…but just in case it’s not…go out and enjoy it now!
Peter,
Thanks for the question. This is the best early season snow we have had in many years and we are just getting a grip on how to groom the area. I have been grooming as a volunteer with my personal snowmobile, pulling a drag that makes a single classic track. The county groomed yesterday with their big equipment. I have not been over to have a look but I think it lays down a 7 foot bed with a classic track on one side. This is plenty for skating. The county is currently working with Plum Creek to groom 3 or 4 miles of the logging road system with the same equipment. I will continue to groom the trails, like Family Trail and Foy’s Overlook.
The WF golf course is a great place to skate ski and you probably will not want to abandon it. Other than the meadow area, the terrain around Herron Park and Foy’s to Blacktail is mountainous (steep). However it is also really beautiful and has a nice wild feeling to it. In addition, walkers and dogs are allowed at Herron Park so the ski tracks get holes punched in them.
Hi, I am not new to the area, but I haven’t spent much time in the Foy’s to Blacktail trails…For the past 5 yrs or so, my wife and I have purchased a ‘family pass’ to ski on the golf course at Whitefish, which is great… It just seems that it would be nice to ski here when this beautiful area is in our “back yard.” When the postings indicate that the area has been groomed…how exactly is that defined? Does the grooming include a track for skate-skiing?? If not, has this been considered? Thanks in advance
The county brought their big equipment out today, pulling an 84” Ginzu groomer. I wanted to do a ride along but was unable to. Steve will certainly groom around the meadow, whether he makes it up Green Gate Road remains to be seen. I am in discussions with the county to change vehicle access to the sledding hill. Historically the Green Gate is left open. This year they may plow a road from the stable parking lot instead. This leaves the lower green gate road open for skiing. This is big–>Plum Creek is open to giving the county a permit to groom onto their land if the Parks Board and the county attorney approve. Currently the idea is to groom the left fork past Scary Stump to the meadow and the right fork all the way to the Chase Family Forest.
Jim – Years ago I groomed Glacier Nordic Center when we were still grooming “Chicken Ridge”. This trail had steep switch-backs and we were using under powered snomoblies. The only way to get good results and not get stuck was to groom the switch-backs going down hill. I don’t know if this trick will help you.
Congratulations on reviving this great trail network! it has been a long time since it has been groomed. Becky Smith-Powell used to teach Nordic skiing here in the 80′s.
I can’t wait to get down and see all of the new trail development.
I skied up the Family Trail and it was fantastic. It is the perfect trail for climbing in skis. The parking lots was packed though I only saw one other group on the trails. Thanks for grooming, it makes a big difference.
Think Snow!
Arthur
I was able to make it back up today, 11/28, for more grooming. I set a wide track all round the meadow with two ski lanes. There are some random tracks here and there as I learn how to groom the hill above the dressage arenas. I set track on the Incline Trail all the way to Horse Trail and then came down Lower Family Trail. I have a hard time with the two switchbacks on Upper Family Trail so did not attempt it today. I got Green Gate road but only as far as the Scary Stump Hill when I noticed I was low on gas. All in all the tracks look good and firm base is getting set. The county’s snowmobile is in the shop, when it is repaired we can use it to set some really good track on the roads, and I can concentrate on the smaller trails.
I groomed ski and snowshoe trails today (Thanksgiving). The snow is really good, dry and fluffy with good coverage. There is a good foot of snow in most places. I was able to pack the entire Family Trail but had some problems negotiating the two switchbacks. I got the Green Gate road to the Plum Creek Gate, but alas the gate was locked. I packed the Foy’s Overlook Road but could not make it all the way to the top of the Overlook. I hit the Foy’s Overlook Trail on the way down. I also made a few loops around the meadow and set a boot track from the parking lot to the sledding hill. I expect the sledding hill road to open soon. ENJOY!
Today I’m thankful that we have this area to enjoy. Hiked a few miles back on snowshoes and was almost run over (not really) by a snowmobile….because it was soooo quiet!! Somebody was up grooming the trails today for the cross-country skiers and that snomachine is incredibly quiet. You don’t even know it’s running unless you’re right next to it. I must say it leaves quite the nice track for skiers, and he must have done several miles worth of trails today in the meadows and on the road up towards Chase Family Forest. Happy Thanksgiving!
We had a fabulous walk Saturday evening, lots of whitetail deer, did not see anyone else even though there were 5 or 6 cars in the parking lot. The trails in perfect condition, thank you to the folks who did work on the Family Trail–it is better than ever
In order to attract the grants and donations needed to buy The Conservation Fund land next to Herron Park, FTBT relies on an electronic trail user counter. This device measures the number of people leaving Herron Park to enter the private property temporarily owned by The Conservation Fund. Thanks to this trail counter, we know that, on average, every day more than 100 people enter the private property FTBT is working to preserve access to.
The problem? Someone has been deliberately blocking this counter with a stick. Why? We have no idea. Maybe they think it’s a camera that takes photos? We can assure you that it is not. If you know who may be doing this, please ask them to stop. The data is vital to our efforts to keep these trails open for everyone to enjoy, forever.
I was just on the trails for the first time ever. I am impressed by how beautiful this place is, especially with all the gold larches right now. My friend told me that most of the trails are on private land and you need to raise money to add the land to Herron Park. I agree this is really important!!