Star Meadows Guard Station
17 mi west · USDA Forest Service
The Star Meadows Guard Station has all the rustic feel of a remote Forest Service cabin while still being accessible by paved road from Whitefish.
Outdoors
Horseback riding near Whitefish
Trails and recreation areas near Whitefish open to horseback riding, including horse camps.
8places to ride horses
17 mito the closest
2within 30 miles
April–Octoberbest months
Good to know: Check trailer parking and stock water at the trailhead, and whether certified weed-free hay is required.
Closest picks
Glacier National Park
30 mi northeast · National Park Service
A showcase of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a paradise for adventurous visitors seeking a landscape steeped in human culture.
Map of all 8 places
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Within 30 miles (2)
Star Meadows Guard Station
The Star Meadows Guard Station has all the rustic feel of a remote Forest Service cabin while still being accessible by paved road from Whitefish.
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Wildlife viewing
- Winter sports
Glacier National Park
A showcase of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a paradise for adventurous visitors seeking a landscape steeped in human culture.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Horse Camping
30 to 75 miles (1)
Flathead National Forest
- Biking
- Camping
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Off-highway vehicles
75 miles and farther (5)
Gibson Reservoir
Gibson Dam , the principal structure of the Sun River Project , is on the Sun River, 70 miles west of Great Falls, Montana. It is a concrete arch dam and contains 167,500 cubic yards of concrete.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Picnicking
Idaho Panhandle National Forests
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- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
Selkirk Crest Wilderness Study Area
In Idaho, BLM manages nearly 1,000 acres of public lands in the Selkirk Crest Wilderness Study Area. The WSA is steep and heavily vegetated with a wide variety of species.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Photography
- Wildlife viewing
Crystal Lake Wilderness Study Area
In Idaho, BLM manages over 9,000 acres of public lands in the Crystal Lake Wilderness Study Area. This area is valued for its scenic, recreational and cultural values.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Photography
- Wildlife viewing
Grandmother Mountain Wilderness Study Area
In Idaho, BLM manages over 17,000 acres of public lands in the Grandmother Wilderness Study Area. The terrain varies from heavily forested drainages to bare peaks and several high mountain lakes.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Whitefish. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
Get outside around Whitefish
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Favorite Things to do in Whitefish, MT
A Whitefish-area travel Short shared by javbrod, including a side trip to Glacier National Park. The park is outside Whitefish.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
White Fish Alpine Slide White Fish Resort Montana
A recorded alpine-slide visit at Whitefish Mountain Resort, shared by Best Life Adventure Channel. Check seasonal operation directly with the resort.
Watch on YouTube ↗More outdoors near Whitefish
- Hiking near Whitefish
- Camping near Whitefish
- Fishing near Whitefish
- Boating and kayaking near Whitefish
- Biking and mountain biking near Whitefish
- Picnic spots near Whitefish
- Wildlife viewing and birding near Whitefish
- Swimming holes and lakes near Whitefish
- Snow play and winter sports near Whitefish
- Parks in Whitefish
- Day trips
- Weather by month
Questions
Where is the closest place for horseback riding near Whitefish?
Star Meadows Guard Station (USDA Forest Service), about 17 miles west of Whitefish as the crow flies. Next are Glacier National Park (30 mi) and Flathead National Forest (38 mi).
When is the best time for horseback riding near Whitefish?
Based on Whitefish’s average highs, April–October. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.