Looking for some advice route planning. Will be in Whitefish, MT late May, 5 day trip.
From east coast FYI so my knowledge of western things is limited.
Not looking to over think things, so I found this one rather quickly
https://bikepacking.com/routes/whitefish-tamarack-forest-loop/
First question, snowpack. I know that it can last until late July. But with the limited snowfall this year + the route in question would I be in trouble?
Since I have 5 days, and this is more like a 2-3 day trip, I was thinking bringing a hardtail and adding on some single track along the way. For example, Riding up to Tuchuck Mountain was an obvious one I found along the way. Again, the biggest question is Snowpack.
Another option I was thinking of was https://bikepacking.com/routes/red-meadow-pass/
Could also just bring my gravel bike if any MTB is out of the question.
by DigPoke
2 Comments
Western MT resident checking in – you should be fine with the snowpack… looks like I should mow my lawn in a few weeks, but those passes are always interesting. MTB should be in play by then, and there are great trails up there. I would call Great Northern or Glacier Cyclery a few weeks out for better updates.
Just a reminder…
BRING BEAR SPRAY AND HAVE IT ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. The likelihood is low, but you never know. I did a 205-mile loop up there last summer and saw 4 bears.
Also, anyone have insights into biking the Ralph Thayer Memorial Trail? [https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7071439/ralph-thayer-memorial-trail](https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7071439/ralph-thayer-memorial-trail)
Looks like most people do it starting from Werner Peak Lookout Road, I was wondering if backwards was even feasible. Or again, if it would even be manageable with snow