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Lion Mtn Trailhead, Whitefish Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 160 Google reviews · Running trail in Whitefish, Montana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lion Mtn Trailhead, Whitefish Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Well-maintained hiking trail offering a variety of challenges, a public restroom, and scenic views.
What runners say about Lion Mtn Trailhead, Whitefish Trail
“Bathrooms are always kept clean and trails are well marked.”
“It's my favorite hike to suggest to folks looking for easy access to adventure with a beautiful view.”
“Moderate to easy trail with excellent lookout point.”
“We ran into five other dogs, all of which were very friendly and well-behaved.”
Easy hike with a great view at the top. Garmin showed 2.9miles with 400ft elevation. Trail was well maintained. Lots of hikers and bikers. Lots of dogs some on leash but most were not. Would recommend if you are looking for an easy trail near Whitefish.
Our first hike at Whitefish. It was an easy hike and very shady. The overlook loop was totally worth the climb. If you're not used to any elevation this might be a bit hard but it's a great little hike.
Super easy going and mellow trail with a great payoff halfway through with a nice overlook view of Skyles Lake. Parking is always a little cramped during season, but you can always park along the side of the ingress/egress road as well if it's full.
Great little hike in Whitefish if you don't have passes for Glacier. Nice views of the lake from the top.
Trail conditions & character
“Super easy going and mellow trail with a great payoff halfway through with a nice overlook view of Skyles Lake.”
“If you have an extra hour or two and wanna get out, grab up your walking poles, kids, dog and head out.”
“Parking is always a little cramped during season, but you can always park along the side of the ingress/egress road as well if it's full.”
“Loved this place for a family hike the trail is pretty wide but not steep, so a small kid could hike with no prob”
“Easy loop trail 2 miles west of downtown Whitefish.”
“Bathrooms are always kept clean and trails are well marked.”
Plan your run at Lion Mtn Trailhead, Whitefish Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 5 am–11 pm |
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