CAMP 2015: Things to do in Whitefish, Montana

By Chris Vachon, CAMP Event Planner

For those attending the Conference and Mentoring Project (CAMP) in Montana, we have a few suggestions for activities in the area.

The Purple Pomegranate
Free
1 mile from Grouse Mountain Lodge
Features one of a kind work from over 150 artists from the U.S. and Canada.

Stumptown Art Studio
Donations accepted
1 mile from Grouse Mountain Lodge
Walk right in to this nonprofit art studio and work on something pretty.
Make a mosaic, paint pottery, or even fuse glass.
Items you make won’t be available to take home right away, but can be mailed to you.

Downtown Whitefish Walking Tour
Free
Take a self-guided walking tour through downtown Whitefish.

Bonsai Brewing Project
2 miles from Grouse Mountain Lodge
Head over to Bonsai Brewing Project to try out some local beers!

Glacier Sun Winery and Tasting Room
15 miles from Grouse Mountain Lodge
The winery has a lovely selection of quality wines with grapes sourced from Washington and local fruits from Montana.

Remedies Day Spa @ Grouse Mountain Lodge
Take some time off, you deserve it!
You are responsible for booking your appointment in advance – (406) 862-3000
Facials, waxing, massages, body wraps, manicures and pedicures!

Fish Trails and Walking Paths
Free
.8 miles from Grouse Mountain Lodge
Enjoy the sites of the meandering Whitefish River as you walk along the Whitefish Bike and Pedestrian Trail.

Danny on Trail
Free (unless you choose to take the chairlift)
Trailhead located at Whitefish Mountain Resort Village
8 miles from Grouse Mountain Lodge
3.8-5.6 mile trail, Skill Level: Moderate
Leaving directly from Whitefish Mountain Resort Village is the popular hiking experience of the Danny On Trail. It meanders up the slopes of Big Mountain through a dazzling array of blooming wildflowers to the 6,817ft summit where it passes through forests and fields. Epic vistas look out over the valley and the mountains from various points along the trail. Finish at the Summt House for lunch and take the chairlift back down. Leaving directly from Whitefish Mountain Resort Village is the popular hiking experience of the Danny On Trail. It meanders up the slopes of Big Mountain through a dazzling array of blooming wildflowers to the 6,817-foot summit where it passes through forests and fields. Epic vistas look out over the valley and the mountains from various points along the trail. Finish at the Summit House for lunch and take the chairlift back down.

Lion Mountain Trailhead
Free
1.4 miles from Grouse Mountain Lodge
Located conveniently close to town, the trails at Lion Mountain provide access to a scenic overlook as well as loop options for quick excursions. Looking for a quick and simple option, many head to Lion Mountain Trailhead, where a 3 mile loop makes exercise an easy option after work, or as a mid-day outing. After traveling through the dry montane, yet botanically diverse forest, you are rewarded with a sweeping vista overlook of Skyles Lake.

Beaver Lakes Trailhead
Free
8 miles from Grouse Mountain Lodge
Pristine waters and beautiful forests have inspired families for generations to fish, hike and camp in quiet seclusion. With over seven lakes, numerous vistas and several loops, there is so much to explore on the Whitefish Trail. Three trailheads provide several options for long excursions, scenic vistas or shorter loop hikes throughout this beautiful area.

Living Wetlands Interpretive Trail
Free
2.4 miles from Grouse Mountain Lodge
Newly finished Nature Trail. The trail meanders through the Whitefish Lake Institute’s Averill’s Viking Creek Wetland Preserve. The WLI manages the Preserve for water quality, wildlife value, public education, awareness and citizen enjoyment.

Horseback riding
The best trail riding option is at Bar W Guest Ranch. It’s four miles from Grouse Mountain Lodge. It offers 1-2 trail rides.