Getting the most out of the outdoors can be tricky this time of year when the weather fluctuates greatly. The area around Foys Lake is a kind of one-stop-shop for any outdoor enthusiast.
On colder days, while the ice on Foys Lake lasts, strap on some cross-country skis and blaze your own trail across the snow-covered surface. The lake is also a popular place to drill a hole, drop a line and test your luck ice fishing. Take extreme caution this time of year as the weather continues to warm and the ice becomes unsafe.
Traveling a bit up the road, take advantage of the snow-covered Herron Park. Again, strap on cross-country skis and glide across the equestrian field. As the weather warms and the snow recedes, take time to walk, hike and jog the relatively level trails around the valley floor or set out for a more vigorous workout along the Foys to Blacktail Trail system.
To the east of Foys Lake you will find Lone Pine State Park and one of the most spectacular and accessible views of the Flathead Valley. The well-maintained trails offer multiple uses for hiking and biking. For indoor fun and a little education, stop by the visitor center at the summit where you can learn about living in the interface between wildlife and urban growth.
How to get there: From downtown Kalispell, travel west on U.S. Highway 2 (West Idaho Street). Turn south on South Meridian Road. At the intersection with Seventh Street West, veer west and continue on Foys Lake Road. The entrance to Lone Pine State Park is on the east side of the road. Lake access is on the west side of the road. Continue on Foys Lake Road to the entrance of Herron Park.