The canyon communities between Columbia Falls and West Glacier form a popular recreation corridor, and U.S. Highway 2 has increasingly become a favorite route for bicyclists. But the thin ribbon of shoulder makes the trip a hazard for cyclists and motorists alike.
A trail group that organized in 2012 has its sights set on completing a bike path that would connect Columbia Falls to Glacier Park, providing a safe alternative to bikers who want to tie in with the park’s existing bike paths without contending with highway traffic.
The Gateway to Glacier Trail group is currently raising money to expand an existing 3.5-mile section of trail between Hungry Horse and Coram by adding an eight-mile trail from Coram to Glacier Park.
The nonprofit is hosting a bike ride and Summer Solstice raft trip to highlight the effort to complete the bike path. The event, called the Pedal and Paddle for Paths, takes place June 21 at 3 p.m.
Participants will ride from Meadow Lake Resort in Columbia Falls up the North Fork Road to Blankenship Bridge. At the bridge, riders will enjoy an ice cream social before the Glacier Raft Company floats participants down the Flathead River to Columbia Falls.
The nonprofit will then shuttle participants back to Meadow Lake for an after-party at Truby’s restaurant.
A traffic study has shown that nearly 7,000 cars per day travel along the corridor, a figure that increases to 12,000 in the summer.
In addition to safety concerns, proponents of the path say it would benefit approximately 80 businesses in Hungry Horse, Coram, Martin City and West Glacier as a conduit for patrons.
The Gateway group has already raised $1,050,000 for a 7-mile stretch of paved bike path from Coram to West Glacier, and successfully lobbied the Department of Transportation to include a planned expansion of the highway in Bad Rock Canyon. Construction of the Bad Rock expansion is set to begin next year.
A remaining 4-mile section of path remains to be completed in Columbia Falls; when finished, the bike trail will provide an approximately 20-mile continuous path from Columbia Falls to the west entrance of Glacier National Park.
Registration opens at 1:30 p.m. at Meadow Lake Resort and the bike ride begins at 3 p.m. The float will leave Blankenship Bridge at 5 p.m. and will arrive in Columbia Falls at 8 p.m.
The cost for adults is $25 in advance and $30 the day of the event. The cost for children ages 8-17 is $15, or $20 the day of the event. Children under age 7 can participate free.
For more information visit www.gatewaytoglaciertrail.com or check out Gateway to Glacier Trail’s Facebook page.