Winter trails day events planned in the Flathead

Lone Pine State Park and the Flathead Community of Resource Educators has planned a number of free outdoor activities to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of National Winter Trails Day in the Flathead Valley.

On National Winter Trails Day, Saturday, Jan. 19, Lone Pine State Park is hosting a ranger-led snowshoe/snow cleat hikes at noon and 3 p.m. The noon hike will focus on the wintering birds of Lone Pine while the 3 p.m. hike will feature how nocturnal wildlife survive the winter. Each hike will last approximately two hours and reservations are required.

To reserve a spot call 755-2706 ext. 0 or 2. Participants should come prepared with layers of warm clothing, sturdy hiking shoes or boots, water, a snack and binoculars. Snowshoes are available at first come, first served basis and are free of charge.

Other organizations hosting winter trail activities include:

- Glacier Nordic Center will offer free trail passes for cross-country skiing, free two-hour rentals, and free classic ski lessons at Whitefish Lake Golf Course from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 20. For more information, call 406-862-9498.

- Montana Wilderness Association is hosting a Wild Winter Adventure snowshoe hike around Flatiron Mountain in the Yaak Wednesday, Jan. 23. To register, please contact Grete Gansauer at ggansauer@wildmontana.org or 303-726-3931.