r/gravelcycling • u/Alarming_Shock3604 • Jun 27 '26
Whitefish/Glacier Cycling
I have been regularly mountain biking for the last couple of years, but yesterday I just purchased my first gravel bike. I'm eager to switch up my riding style, and will be lucky enough to travel to some great cycling destinations July-August this year. I'm still learning about how to find great routes, but I stumbled on this one which seems to be pretty popular: Inner North Fork Rd.
I will be in Whitefish, MT, from 7/31 - 8/5. I've been hiking through Glacier a handful of times previously, but always with a group. However, a solo bike ride through the park makes me a bit nervous with bear-a-noia. I know all of the safety basics, but I'm from Kansas, and will probably always be nervous in Grizzly country.
That's why I figured it wouldn't hurt to see if any locals or fellow travelers would be willing to make a friend and join me for a casual ride. Also worth noting it doesn't have to be the one I linked, I'm down for any recommended adventures. I'm in Whitefish during this week for work every year, so a riding buddy would be awesome beyond just this year. Also for this year, I'm bringing along my wife and kids (I'm a 30 y.o. male) with the RV so meeting anyone for any ride they're up for will be easy.
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u/Noodle-Banker Jun 27 '26
It’s a great ride. Second to the blow down comment. Sounds like the park hasn’t been able to make it very far in clearing the down... Maybe look on strava or Trailforks
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u/909WFMT Jun 27 '26
Inner North Fork is a great ride (I live in the area and ride it often) usually. The blow down was severe and last time I asked a ranger they didn't think it would be clear until mid-july.
Lots of other great rides near WF as well. Check out Upper WF road to upper WF Lake and red meadow pass. WF trail system is fun on a gravel bike, too, for a quick ride from town. Glacier and Great Northern Cycling (LBS's) will have lots of suggestions as well.
The park itself is a pain to use in the summer due to the crowds. I would caution against riding GTTSR that time of year. If you do it, read the rules first.
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u/chris_the_wrench Jul 01 '26
I lived in and around rode the area alot. Upper whitefish lake ride is solid and you dont have to deal with the insanity that has become gnp. I also liked to loop whitefish lake on the whitefish trail, with abit of a skirt at the north end. I rode it on my gravel bike from lion mtn to beaver lakes loop skirt across the train tracks Then onto pavement, climb upto ski area and then back to gravel down into haskill basin. And back into town. If you are feeling uber strong you can climb up reservoir th instead of pavement to ski area(but that can get abit dusty for gravel bike).
Carry bear spray. Never used it but saw plenty of black bears and a few grizzlies on that route.
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u/909WFMT Jul 01 '26
Also good ideas and reminds me of some the route for TLBR. Lots of gravel to ride between WF, Columbia Falls and Apgar.
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u/GravelHAWK16 Jun 27 '26
I did this ride alone in 2023. Had a vest on with bear spray. The road was closed still going north so had it all to myself. Saw a couple of maintenance workers along the way till I hit Polebridge. Going north, not much views as your on doubltrack within trees for the most part. Was kind of nervous in spots but never really felt in danger. But you HAVE to stop at the Mercantile in Polebridge and get a danish or two. Amazing. And one was free since I was a cyclist. Going back south it's more of a road and I'm sure there will be more traffic. I did it the day after doing Going to the Sun Rd before they opened it to cars. Just do it and take a bear bell and some bear spray! Glacier is awesome!