Great News!!!
Our Scenic Montana Board presented a request for $250,000 for the bike trail project to the Missoula County Commissioners on March 26th. The commissioners voted to approve the grant for the bike project. That brings our total amount to over $400,000 to start building these trails. This includes $90,000 from the Forest Service, $62,000 from the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), as well as donations from community members and the SL Community Council. Further grant requests are pending and in progress.
This project is being developed in conjunction with The USDA Forest Service, Seeley Ranger District, Scenic Montana Trails, Radius Trail Solutions, The Seeley Lake Nordic Ski Club, Montana NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association), Glacier Country, Missoula County, local businesses, and DJ&A (SMT's project managers). Both the Seeley Lake Community Foundation and the Community Council have contributed to SMT's bike program.
The project has a 4-year phased timeline. The first year is designed to develop the backbone upper perimeter trail, from which all the downhill trails will drop off the ridge line. The second year will start the development of upper loop trails and one intermediate skill downhill trail. The Third phase will include building trails to attract more experienced riders and expand regional appeal to draw visitors to town. The last phase will build the remaining advanced-level trails, get all wayfinding signage in place and complete the trails. All downhill trails will be built by professional bike contractors to ensure the most exciting and enduring trails. In addition to the professional trails, starting in phase one, SMT volunteers will be constructing 9 miles of beginner level trails that can be used by everyone and will be groom-able in the winter for fat tire bikes and other non-motorized users.
The already-committed funds, in connection with the work of our fantastic volunteers, will allow us to build approximately 18 of the planned 30 miles to complete the trail system. The USDA Forest Service Seeley Ranger District is heavily involved in making this project a reality and is seeking permission to construct additional parking areas, vault toilets, and possibly disbursed camping to compliment the bike trails.
The Seeley Lake bike trails are becoming a reality and could have a huge impact on Seeley Lake's economic stability in the future. National studies about the economic impact of mountain bike cyclists are consistent. Cycling tourists spend money. The income to a community from mountain bikers consistently equals the amounts spent by snowmobilers for recreation. In Seeley Lake, that means we could have a solid recreational income in winter and summer.
We are excited to get started building these trails. We can use volunteers for clearing trail corridors, sawing, raking, brushing, as well as experienced mini-excavator operators to continue building trails. Most importantly, these trails will cost $1.5 Million to complete. As you can see, we have made big inroads on that cost. But, donations, large or small, will help us get this project over the finish line.
Our Scenic Montana Board presented a request for $250,000 for the bike trail project to the Missoula County Commissioners on March 26th. The commissioners voted to approve the grant for the bike project. That brings our total amount to over $400,000 to start building these trails. This includes $90,000 from the Forest Service, $62,000 from the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), as well as donations from community members and the SL Community Council. Further grant requests are pending and in progress.
This project is being developed in conjunction with The USDA Forest Service, Seeley Ranger District, Scenic Montana Trails, Radius Trail Solutions, The Seeley Lake Nordic Ski Club, Montana NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association), Glacier Country, Missoula County, local businesses, and DJ&A (SMT's project managers). Both the Seeley Lake Community Foundation and the Community Council have contributed to SMT's bike program.
The project has a 4-year phased timeline. The first year is designed to develop the backbone upper perimeter trail, from which all the downhill trails will drop off the ridge line. The second year will start the development of upper loop trails and one intermediate skill downhill trail. The Third phase will include building trails to attract more experienced riders and expand regional appeal to draw visitors to town. The last phase will build the remaining advanced-level trails, get all wayfinding signage in place and complete the trails. All downhill trails will be built by professional bike contractors to ensure the most exciting and enduring trails. In addition to the professional trails, starting in phase one, SMT volunteers will be constructing 9 miles of beginner level trails that can be used by everyone and will be groom-able in the winter for fat tire bikes and other non-motorized users.
The already-committed funds, in connection with the work of our fantastic volunteers, will allow us to build approximately 18 of the planned 30 miles to complete the trail system. The USDA Forest Service Seeley Ranger District is heavily involved in making this project a reality and is seeking permission to construct additional parking areas, vault toilets, and possibly disbursed camping to compliment the bike trails.
The Seeley Lake bike trails are becoming a reality and could have a huge impact on Seeley Lake's economic stability in the future. National studies about the economic impact of mountain bike cyclists are consistent. Cycling tourists spend money. The income to a community from mountain bikers consistently equals the amounts spent by snowmobilers for recreation. In Seeley Lake, that means we could have a solid recreational income in winter and summer.
We are excited to get started building these trails. We can use volunteers for clearing trail corridors, sawing, raking, brushing, as well as experienced mini-excavator operators to continue building trails. Most importantly, these trails will cost $1.5 Million to complete. As you can see, we have made big inroads on that cost. But, donations, large or small, will help us get this project over the finish line.
Adrenaline Rush on Rice Ridge
Fall 2025
By Cathy Kahnle
The SMT bike trail project is taking off with a bang. 💥 We hired a professional bike trail designer, Radius Trails, to design a 27 mile system of trails in connection with the already existing ski trails at Seeley Creek. The design includes trails for beginners, intermediate and expert bikers and in the event you enjoy fat tire biking, 9 miles of these trails are specifically designed for winter grooming. It also works in conjunction with the existing ski trails, that are available for biking in the summer.
The US Forest Service worked with us to get the NEPA (environmental assessment) done to make sure there would be no negative consequences to the land or wildlife. We got the go-ahead in August and the project took off from there.
In one month, volunteers, with a little help from our friends at the forest service, have cut, brushed and cleared an 8 foot trail section of almost 6 miles. SMT has purchased a mini excavator to start digging the trail. Volunteers excavated just under two miles of trail (October 20, 2025).
SMT hired DJ&A, a national professional services and engineering firm with experience in assisting communities develop outdoor recreation-based economies. DJ&A are providing project management, strategic fundraising and grant writing for this project, and have already contacted and/or applied for several grants to help construct these trails.
In the meantime, the community is stepping up to the plate to start the trails. Volunteers are on the trails daily to get clearing and excavating work done. Community members are starting to donate funds for the project. In one month, over $77,000 has already been raised. the most amazing aspect of this project, and the community support we are receiving, is the fact that volunteers thus far have primarily been people who don't even ride bikes, but favor OHV and snowmobiles.
This project is designed to not only provide incredible bike trails for local bikers and students, but to draw recreational visitors from Missoula, Helena, Great Falls, Kalispell, Whitefish and nationally to support community businesses, fill campgrounds, RV parks and rentals.
Even more exciting, we have already been in contact with the Montana Interscholastic Cycling League to discuss bringing cycling events to town. We are encouraged that they want to start cycling teams to our middle and high schools.
This bike trail is a fantastic project for our community. Help us make this project a reality. Volunteer, donate, and JOIN SCENIC MONTANA TRAILS.