Page 69 - Flathead Beacon // 12.25.13

FLATHEADBEACON.COM
OUTDOORS DECEMBER 25, 2013 | 69

EXPLORE
Cross Country Skiing at the Izaak Walton

By JUSTIN FRANZ of the Beacon

What better place to spend the holi-
days than the mountain hamlet of Essex,

home to the historic Izaak Walton Inn
and more than 30 km of cross country
trails to explore. The trails are groomed
every day for skate and classic skiing and
roll through the Flathead National For-
est, with views of Glacier National Park
on the other side of the Middle Fork of

the Flathead River.
The Walton also ofers country ski
lessons and clinics for all skill levels.
There are also guided tours through Gla-
cier National Park and, if you don’t have
your own gear, you can always rent from
the Inn. Or rent a pair of snowshoes and
explore Glacier’s wilderness.

And when you’ve had your ill of the
outdoors, seek shelter from the storm
and head into the Izaak Walton’s restau-
rant for a full meal or a cup of hot coco to
indulge in by the ireplace. For more in-
formation visit www.izaakwalktoninn.
com.

HOW TO GET THERE: From Kalispell, drive
east on U.S. Highway 2 for 60 miles. At
Essex, take a right, the Izaak Walton Inn is
just ahead, where you can buy a day pass.
Izaak Walton Inn cross country ski trail.
The trails are accessed via the pedestrian JUSTIN FRANZ | FLATHEAD BEACON
overpass over the train tracks.