Bug Creek project making headway near Bigfork

Flathead Area Mountain Bikers and Flathead National Forest will continue work on the forest’s first dedicated mountain bike trails around Crane Mountain this spring.  

The Forest Service’s Bug Creek Integrated Resource Management Project seeks to introduce wildfire mitigation efforts, improve vegetation and wildlife habitat and provide outdoor recreation opportunities. The project area – roughly 35,675 acres – spans between Flathead and Swan Lakes on the east and west sides of Crane Mountain. The Bug Creek trail system will include about 15 miles of trails, 5.3 miles of mountain bike specific trail and 9.8 miles of multiuse single track.  

“This is a good example of a project that includes everything: the Forest Service, the urban-wildland interface, wildfire mitigation, revenue for local loggers and local people building these trails... It’s pretty cool to see the vision and have it actually happen,” FAMB Executive Director Ron Brandt said.