E-Bike Access in and Around Kalispell, MT
Montana law (61-8-102, MCA) defines e-bikes, or “electrically assisted bicycles” as a bicycle
with two operational pedals with a motor attached propels the bicycle and a rider who weighs
170 pounds no faster than 20 miles an hour. Essentially, for the purposes of regulation and
enforcement, an e-bike is treated as a bicycle. The state does not require license or
registration. And e-bikes may be ridden on roadways and bicycle paths.
🚴♂️ E-Bike-Friendly Trails Around Kalispell, MT
1. Kalispell Parkline Trail
- Distance: 1.7 miles (paved)
- Class 1 E-Bikes: ✅ Allowed
- Highlights: Runs through downtown Kalispell on the old Great Northern rail corridor. Smooth pavement, park benches, murals, and easy access to shops and cafés.
- Tip: Start here, then connect directly to the Great Northern Historical Trail for a longer ride.
2. Great Northern Historical Trail
- Distance: 22 miles total (paved + compacted gravel)
- Class 1 E-Bikes: ✅ Allowed
- Segments:
- Kalispell → Somers (~7 miles): Gentle ride with Flathead Lake views and shaded stretches. Ends at Somers Bay for a lakeside picnic.
- Kalispell → Kila (~11 miles): Rural scenery, farmland, and gentle hills.
- Tip: Combine with the Parkline for a seamless start in the heart of Kalispell.
3. Whitefish River Pathway
- Distance: ~2.5 miles (paved)
- Class 1 E-Bikes: ✅ Allowed
- Highlights: Peaceful ride along the river with parks, fishing spots, and access to Whitefish Lake.
4. Rails-to-Trails Side Routes
- Distance: Varies
- Class 1 E-Bikes: ✅ Allowed where signed
- Highlights: Smaller connector paths and loops branching off the Great Northern Historical Trail, perfect for adding variety to a ride.
5. Glacier National Park – Paved Road Access
- Distance: Varies by route
- Class 1 & 2 E-Bikes: ✅ Allowed on roads (not on unpaved hiking/biking trails)
- Highlights: In spring, before Going-to-the-Sun Road opens to vehicles, e-bikers can enjoy car-free riding with world-class views.
⚠️ Trails Where E-Bikes Are NOT Allowed
- Whitefish Trail (non-motorized sections) – Entirely off-limits to e-bikes.
- DNRC & State Trust Land Trails – E-bikes treated as motorized, so only allowed where signed open to motorized use.
- Wilderness Areas – All motorized use prohibited.
