RIED DIVIDE: is located about 18 miles from Kalispell. It follows a ridge from a mountain saddle to a beautiful lake in the heart of the Flathead National Forest.

Reid Divide is in the heart of elk, deer and other wildlife country. A great ride.

This loop presents some great options for seeing Montana's old growth forest as well as possible views into Glacier National Park.

Trail Description

This loop commences and terminates near Tally Lake, the deepest lake in Montana at 476 feet in depth. Tally Lake has a USFS campground and offers camping and recreating opportunities.

The elevation at Tally Lake is 3,349 ft.

This ride is rated strenuous.

There are other options in this area as well. By traveling in the opposite direction on Trail 800 you can reach the top of Ashley Mountain and even reach a beautiful alpine lake called Lupine Lake. (Get a map if you plan to explore. It is easy to get turned around (a.k.a. lost).

Getting There

Directions to the Trailhead: Print out the Reid Divide Map due to numerous side roads which will aid in preventing confusion on your way to the trailhead as well as during your ride.

From Whitefish, MT, take US Rt. 93 north 4 miles to Tally Lake sign (Twin Bridges Rd.). Turn left onto Twin Bridges Rd. and go 1.4 miles to Tally Lake campground sign. Turn right after sign, staying on Twin Bridges Rd., and go 1 mile to another campground sign (Farm to Market). Turn left onto Farm to Market and go 2 miles to another Tally Lake sign (Tally Lake Rd.). Turn right onto Tally Lake Rd. (dirt) and go about 7 miles and turn left on to Forest Service road # 2942. The Tally Lake Campground is another 2 miles beyond this turn. Stay on this road #2942 until reaching the highest point which is call Reid Divide. This is the parking area for the loop. Trail 800 takes off here and travels down to Tally Lake and then loops back to the Reid Divide parking lot on the road you just drove up.

When to Bike

This trail does not open until the snow is out of the high country. This usually happens by the end of June or so.