Gateway to Glacier Trail events on tap for coming weeks
MCC crewmember Callie Snow moves a log while working on the Crystal-Cedar trail network last week.
Hungry Horse News
Over the next two months all are invited to a series of social and pop-up events highlighting current Gateway to Glacier Trails projects. Pop-up events will be held at the Gateway to Glacier Trail and the Cedar Flats Trail system, and social events will be at local businesses Glacier Cyclery, Stonefly Lounge, Backslope Brewing and Great Northern Resort. Established in 2010, Columbia Falls-based Gateway to Glacier Trails (G2GT) has completed the 10-mile paved path from Hungry Horse to West Glacier (with a one-mile stretch in Columbia Falls), 4 miles of the planned 25-plus mile Cedar Flats Trail system and the River Trail located in the Bad Rock Canyon Wildlife Management Area.
Made up of 11 volunteer Board members and one part-time Program Coordinator, G2GT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that exists to build and maintain local trails while stewarding the land and connecting local communities. Each of the pop-up trail events will feature project information, chances to ride, walk or hike the trail, light refreshments and opportunities to connect with Board members and the Program Coordinator to learn more about the projects and how to become involved. The social events hosted at local businesses will serve as a chance to connect with the G2GT team and learn more about existing projects and future plans.
“We’re really looking forward to these concentrated opportunities to connect with existing and potential trail users of all ages and abilities,” says Amanda Minatra, Program Coordinator for the nonprofit. “These pop-up and social events will provide community members with a chance to learn more about the trails from those who work to build and maintain them, while also learning about ways to become involved in current and future projects.”
The Cedar Flats Trail system, located north of Columbia Falls, features 4 miles of new multi-use, non-motorized trail with an additional 6.5 miles planned for the 2023 season. Work is also slated for the Fourth Avenue trailhead this fall, with a planned gravel parking lot, large turnaround space, two-panel kiosk and vault toilet. The namesake Gateway to Glacier Trail is the project that started it all, with the ultimate plan of a paved, off-highway path from Columbia Falls to West Glacier. G2GT also built the River Trail, a public access trail in the Bad Rock Canyon Wildlife Management Area, which opens for the season on May 15. (There will be no events at the River Trail, as landowners Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks would like to assess conditions and access prior to any group events being scheduled.)
Most pop-up events will be on Thursdays. May 11 brings a pop-up event at the Cedar Flats 4th Avenue trailhead. Friday, May 19 there will be a social event at Stonefly Lounge rounding out the month’s calendar. On June 1, the community can enjoy a ride on the Gateway to Glacier Trail starting in West Glacier, with a social event at Backslope Brewing a few days later on June 6. A ride from Columbia Falls to Cedar Flats will be hosted on June 8, and Great Northern Resort will be hosting a social event June 13. Things will be capped off with a final event at Cedar Flats on June 15.
“It’s a dream come true to see what we’ve been able to accomplish these last 13 years through hard work, determination, and most importantly support from our communities,” says Val Parsons, G2GT founder and current Board member. “I can’t wait to see what’s ahead as we continue to build and maintain trails for people to enjoy for generations to come.”
For a full calendar of events with additional details, or more information about Gateway to Glacier Trails, including information about existing trail projects, please visit www.gatewaytoglaciertrail.com.