Discover the Great Northern Historical Trail, a scenic 22‑mile paved rail‑trail winding through Montana’s Flathead Valley between Somers, Kalispell, and Kila. Ideal for walking, biking, wheelchair‑accessible, and snow‑shoe or cross‑country skiing in winter, this corridor offers a blend of history, nature, and outdoor recreation.
The trail overlays the former Great Northern Railway branch built in 1900–1901 to serve timber and tourism in the Flathead Lake region. Abandoned in the late 1950s when lumber declined, the corridor was reborn for recreation decades later as a Rails‑to‑Trails conversion.
Trail Overview
- Length: Approximately 22.6 miles, forming a V‑shape from Somers on Flathead Lake north through Kalispell, then west to Kila. TrailLinkRails to Trails of NW MT
- Surface: Smooth asphalt, roughly 10 ft wide, with minimal grades (<5%), cross slopes under 2%. Adaptive Hiking Trails
- Access: No fees required. Accessible restrooms at Kila, multiple parking zones in Somers, Batavia, and Kila.
Access points & parking
- Park at Wild Geese Gardens parking area. Cross Meridian Rd. and hop on the bike trail near the round about. From here you can ride all the way to the Flathead Lake Somers MT Boat Ramp. Here is a map of the ride: Google Map
- 2490 Hwy 93 N to Flathead Lake. Hop on the bike path directly behind our building and follow it down to the Kalispell Youth Sports complex. You’ll ride through this, cross the road for a short jaunt where you’ll hop back on the bike path which will take you all the way to Somers MT. Here is a handy map of the route. This will take approx. 1 hour 15 minutes one way, or 2 1/2 hours round trip.
- 2490 Hwy 93 N (our location) to Kila MT: This ride will take approximately an hour and twenty minutes one way. There are public restrooms available in Kila
Trip Tips & Planning
- Best times: Spring through fall for biking/walking; snow‑covered trails in winter for fat tire‑biking.
- Bring essentials: Water, snacks, layers (wind can pick up on the open sections), bear-aware gear if exploring natural areas.
- Side adventures: Stop at the Somers Bay Cafe for breakfast or lunch, stop at Somers Beach State park for a unforgettable unique Flathead Lake experience, a stroll along Flathead Lake at the Boat Launch where you can lock up your e-Bike & exchange it for a paddle board rental while you’re there, or hop on a sailboat with Big Sky Sails for an unforgettable Flathead Lake experience.
Your Next Adventure
The Great Northern Historical Trail offers a superb combination of historic legacy, accessible design, and unforgettable scenery. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting Glacier Country, it’s an ideal way to immerse yourself in Montana’s big‑sky beauty—by bike, by foot, or even in winter gear.
Ready to explore? Grab your gear, pick your route, and experience this gem of the Flathead Valley. Let me know if you’d like custom itineraries, bike rental suggestions, or seasonal tips!
RESOURCES
The Great Northern Glacier 1925 Map helps you visualize the original rail corridor through Flathead Valley—including Kalispell and Somers—which is directly tied to today’s trail route. This historic map is perfect for anyone wanting a glimpse into the railway era that shaped Northwest Montana.
The Montana Railroad Maps Atlas is a compact guide ideal for tracing the GN route across county lines and understanding how it connected into the broader statewide rail network.
The Montana Recreation Map offers modern background context, showing public lands, topography, and trails. It’s perfect for overlaying with historic maps or planning your route along the Great Northern Historical Trail.
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