Skip to main content

Whitefish Divide Trail

The Whitefish Divide trail is 37.0 miles long. It begins at Werner Divide Road #1658 and ends at Jct. Ninko-thompson Seton Trail. # 28. The Whitefish Divide Trail (Ralph Thayer Memorial Trail) follows the western border of Glacier View Ranger District. 

The southern trailhead begins just south of Werner Peak Lookout and is accessed from road #1658. 

Portions of this trail are very steep and while easy to navigate, junctions are not well marked. Ridge walks are marked by rock cairns where trail is not as apparent. The trail crosses the road near Red Meadow Campground. This northern section of trail is less traveled.

The trail is open for non-motorized uses.

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

26

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

General Information

Segments of the Whitefish Divide Trail #26 follows the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail.

Water is scarce along the trail, and no potable sources are available. Be sure to filter or treat water you collect along the trail. 

For backpackers, there is water in China Basin and in wetlands to the north for about 2 miles. There is also a creek at Haines Pass. 

Non-motorized

Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger Station office

Address: 10 Hungry Horse Drive 10 Hungry Horse Drive, MT 59919
Phone: (406) 387-3800
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Directions

This trail has several access points, it is best to get a district map.

Additional Information

Operated By

Forest Service

Recreation Opportunities

Recreation Groups

A small scale map of the entire length of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail from Glacier National Park to the Pacific Ocean.

The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail passes through the Flathead National Forest on its route from Glacier National Park to the Pacific Ocean offers

Last updated August 21, 2025