When snow falls on your favorite trails, getting out of doors with you dog can be daunting. Luckily, the Flathead Valley offers a host of dog-friendly trails that makes cavorting with your canine possible in the wintertime—all that is required of pet owners is a little canine control and etiquette.
Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing is one of the best ways to get outdoors when the snow hits. In that vein, the Round Meadows Cross Country Ski Area in Tally Lake Ranger District (part of the Flathead National Forest) is set up as a ‘dog-friendly’ area. Because dogs can track up developed or groomed trails, Round Meadows is a pet owner’s haven—with miles of developed trails and lots of choices that make a romp in the woods good for man and dog.
Prevailing rules in all National Forest lands require that your dog be on leash or under voice command in all developed areas, particularly in the parking areas where other dogs are likely to be. Under voice command means that you call your dog or dogs to your side when you see oncoming skiers approaching. Since not everyone loves dogs as much as their owners, this rule is essential to protecting the privilege of pets on trails.
“Lots of folks ski with their dog,” noted Paula Peterson, the resource assistant at Hungry Horse and Glacier View Ranger District, “But pet owners should understand that dogs aren’t welcome in all parties.”
Even with a blanket leash and voice control rule in effect in the Flathead National Forest, not all National Forest areas allow dogs—and it’s important to call ahead to be sure of the rules.
Wildlife is another reason to keep your dog under control on trail systems. While many people enjoy the wildlife viewing that comes with outdoor recreation, it’s the wildlife and dog interactions that cause rangers angst during the winter season.
According to Peterson, this is the time of year when ungulates—deer, elk and moose—must conserve energy and congregate in lower, warmer areas in order to survive Flathead’s tough winters. That also means that curious canines have more chances to interact with wildlife. But while curiosity from a distance is fine, harassing wildlife is a state penalty that rangers will enforce in order to protect wildlife.
“If you see deer, elk and moose tracks you must control your pet accordingly,” Peterson explained, adding that oftentimes moose will not cede an area even when they know that a dog is around, “[We do not allow] chasing wildlife.”
Several private outfitters maintain trail systems and allow limited dog time on those trails. Glacier Raft Company and Outdoor Center near Glacier National Park has groomed trails and special times when dogs are allowed. Call 406-888-5454 for more information.
The Stillwater Mountain Lodge is located on state trust land surrounding Whitefish. This beautiful little lodge offers groomed and backcountry skiing and snowshoeing and has set aside 3.5 kilometers of dog friendly loops. Call 406-862-7004.
Whitefish Mountain Resort allows dogs on a leash in the winter but only before and after the regular 9 a.m.- 4p.m. ski times.
Forest Service cabins are another popular recreation destination in the Flathead, but be aware—dogs are only allowed in two of the cabins—Tally Lake’s Star Meadow Cabin and Spotted Bear’s Silver Tip Cabin. Dogs discovered in any of the other Forest Service cabins will be fined $150.
Peterson offers one more piece of advice to dog owners that love the outdoors—several dog mushers operate in the Flathead, “A loose dog and a team of dogs is a very bad combination. It’s just another thing for private dog owners to be aware of.”
In addition to dog friendly trails, Flathead Valley has lots of winter fun for everyone. For more information or to order a FREE Vacation Travel Guide, please visit www.montanasflatheadvalley.com or call 1-800-543-3105.
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