Stargazing, orienteering and history of Whitefish Trail at Earth Day Bash

Whitefish Legacy Partners will celebrate the Earth and Whitefish’s little section of it with an Earth Day Bash on the Whitefish Trail on April 26 and 27.  

The Bash kicks off with an opportunity to learn about the Whitefish Trail during a history walk at the Lion Mountain trail on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

On this 2.5-mile guided hike to the cliff section between Lion Mountain and Skyles, Whitefish Trail founders and partners Steve Thompson, Greg Poncin and Heidi Van Everen will share the story of how Whitefish Trail came to be and the massive community effort that protects Whitefish’s public lands.  

On Saturday night, April 26, from 8:30 – 10:30 p.m., the Earth Day Bash turns its attention to the night sky for a star gazing party, hosted with the Big Sky Astronomy Club.  

Meet at the Holbrook Trailhead on Big Mountain Road to gaze over Whitefish Lake as astronomer and Polebridge resident Jim Rittenburg leads a constellation tour from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. 

For the rest of the evening, participants will use telescopes to observe heavenly bodies like Jupiter.  

Those interested are encouraged to carpool and to bring chairs and blankets. The astronomy hour with Rittenburg will still occur, even if it is cloudy. If a rain or snow cancellation is needed, Whitefish Legacy Partners will notify registrants via email and on social media.  

The last event of the Earth Day Bash is Orienteering Day on Sunday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lion Mountain Trailhead.  

WLP will partner with Grizzly Orienteering to introduce people to orienteering. All levels of experience are welcome to choose from five different courses ranging from introductory to advanced.  

Experienced orienteers will provide instructions for beginners at 11 a.m. The instructor will teach the basics of map reading and compass use, as well as provide strategies and tips for succeeding in terrain navigation.  

The "Newcomers" section of the Grizzly Orienteering website gives a good idea of what to expect. https://www.grizzlyorienteering.org/newcomers . 

All equipment including specially created maps and loaner compasses will be provided. 

All three Earth Day Bash events are free, open to all ages and family friendly, but it is highly recommended to RSVP for each attendee and to cancel if plans change.  

RSVP at www.whitefishlegacy.org/guided-learning-hikes. 

For more information about this or other scheduled outings call 406-862-3880 or email wteducation@whitefishlegacy.org.