Danny On Memorial Trail
A scenic mountain trail on Whitefish Mountain, known for summer wildflowers, huckleberry picking, and rewarding summit views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos & berries
Danny On Memorial Trail
Best Time
Best light for photos & berries
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic mountain trail on Whitefish Mountain, known for summer wildflowers, huckleberry picking, and rewarding summit views.
"Loved this hike! The views are all about the ponderosas and mountains! Wild flowers and wild berries make this hike very meaningful."
🚡 Gondola Down Option
Hike up and ride the gondola down for a different perspective and to save your knees! :athletic_shoe:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy lunch with a view! The restaurant is great, but a packed meal is also a wonderful option. :forkandknifewithplate:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wildflower Displays
Mid-mountain
Vibrant blooms paint the landscape in summer, offering a picturesque and fragrant hiking experience.
Huckleberry Picking
Upper mountain slopes
Abundant wild berries make for a rewarding harvest, perfect for post-hike treats.
Summit Views & Dining
Summit House
Enjoy panoramic mountain vistas and a meal at the restaurant atop Whitefish Mountain.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Prepare for Mountain Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚡 Gondola Down Option
Hike up and ride the gondola down for a different perspective and to save your knees! :athletic_shoe:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy lunch with a view! The restaurant is great, but a packed meal is also a wonderful option. :forkandknifewithplate:
Headed up to Whitefish. Best Hike?
Hikes just outside of Glacier
💧 Water Refills Available
The Summit House offers water refills, so you can lighten your load. :water_wave:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trail
Friendly locals and their dogs frequent this trail. Be prepared for canine companions! :dog:
At the top of the Apgar Lookout Trail, Glacier National Park
Tips
from all over the internet
🚡 Gondola Down Option
Hike up and ride the gondola down for a different perspective and to save your knees! :athletic_shoe:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy lunch with a view! The restaurant is great, but a packed meal is also a wonderful option. :forkandknifewithplate:
💧 Water Refills Available
The Summit House offers water refills, so you can lighten your load. :water_wave:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trail
Friendly locals and their dogs frequent this trail. Be prepared for canine companions! :dog:
🌧️ Be Prepared for Rain
Montana weather changes fast! Always bring a rain jacket and layers. :cloud_rain:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Danny On Memorial Trail for its beautiful summer wildflowers, abundant huckleberries, and manageable, gradual ascent thanks to switchbacks. The option to ride the gondola down and enjoy the Summit House restaurant adds to the appeal, though some note the mountain weather can change rapidly.
"This was a very cool trail to hike. We didn’t make it all the way up, it it was still very peaceful and beautiful."
Silvia Galan
"I've skied down this mountain many times, but today (July 6th) was the first time hiking up it, and it was way better than expected, with all the wildflowers and the amount of shade provided when going through the trees.
The hike itself was easier than anticipated. With lots of winding trails and plenty of switchbacks, it made for a trail that was fairly gradual considering the mountain."
Fitness. . Move, You'll Get it
"I loved this hike! The views are all about the ponderosas and mountains! Wild flowers and wild berries make this hike very meaningful. I loved seeing little girls making little bouquets of wild flowers.
Many people take the gondola lift up and hike down for huckleberry picking. If you do decide to take the gondola ride, plan to come early in the day because they may stop their services in case of rain. Also check their service hours - I think they close before 6pm.
The weather in Montana can change in an instant. Make sure you have with you a rain jacket and a sweatshirt. I would also recommend huckleberry picking and have it with vanilla ice-cream or make pancakes after this hike. I picked quite a few in a zip lock bag but I also saw people with their own little buckets and strings around their necks (very creative!).
I really enjoyed eating lunch at the restaurant at the top. The prices are pretty fair. I got the summer salad but another good opting would be the crab cake Maryland style salad. So worth it!
Also, the locals and their dogs are really friendly!"
marcelle pacheco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Danny On Memorial Trail is located on Whitefish Mountain Resort. Access is typically via the resort's main road. Parking is available at the base of the mountain.
While there isn't direct public transport to the trailhead itself, the town of Whitefish has local bus services that can get you closer to the resort area. Check local transit schedules for options.
Yes, the Danny On Memorial Trail is a great alternative if Glacier National Park is inaccessible due to closures, offering beautiful mountain scenery.
Drive to Whitefish Mountain Resort. The trailhead is usually well-marked from the main parking areas.
Access to the Danny On Memorial Trail itself is generally free. However, if you plan to use the gondola, there will be a fee.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, hiking the Danny On Memorial Trail is free. Tickets are only required if you wish to ride the gondola.
Gondola hours can vary, especially with weather. It's best to check the Whitefish Mountain Resort website for current operating times, as they may stop services in case of rain or close before 6 PM.
The trail is primarily a summer hiking trail. Skiing down would be dependent on snow conditions and resort operations, which are typically winter activities.
It's recommended to plan your visit and purchase gondola tickets early in the day, especially during peak season, as they may have limited capacity or stop services.
Information on discounts for the gondola is best found on the Whitefish Mountain Resort's official website. Look for seasonal promotions or package deals.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is moderately challenging with about 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Hiking time can vary greatly depending on your pace, but expect it to take a few hours round trip.
It's considered a moderately challenging hike due to the elevation gain. The trail features many switchbacks, making the ascent more gradual.
You'll experience beautiful views of ponderosa pines, surrounding mountains, wildflowers in summer, and potentially wild berries.
Restrooms are typically available at the base area and at the Summit House at the top of the mountain.
Yes, many families enjoy this hike. The switchbacks make it manageable, and the wildflowers and berries add to the fun for kids.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant at the Summit House at the top of Whitefish Mountain, offering a place to eat and refill water.
Reviews suggest the prices at the Summit House restaurant are pretty fair, with options like summer salads and crab cake salads.
You can pick wild berries, like huckleberries, along the trail. Many people enjoy them fresh or plan to use them for pancakes or with ice cream later.
The summer salad and crab cake Maryland style salad are recommended options at the Summit House restaurant.
While there aren't designated picnic areas on the trail itself, you can certainly find scenic spots to enjoy a packed lunch. The summit area also provides a great place to eat.
📸 📸 Photography
Summer mornings offer beautiful light for capturing the wildflowers and mountain scenery. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide stunning shots.
Look for areas with dense wildflower patches, panoramic mountain vistas from higher elevations, and the charming Summit House itself.
Absolutely! The gondola ride offers unique aerial perspectives of the mountain and surrounding landscape, perfect for photography.
The Summit House and any viewpoints offering expansive mountain ranges are prime spots. Keep an eye out for unique flora and fauna as well.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant mountain peaks. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making a day of it by enjoying a meal at the Summit House restaurant or bringing a picnic to enjoy at a scenic overlook. The friendly atmosphere, often including local dogs, adds to the welcoming environment for families.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
To keep costs down, pack your own lunch and snacks. While the gondola ride offers convenience and views, it does come with a fee. Hiking up and down is a great way to experience the trail fully without additional expenses. If you do opt for the gondola, check for any potential discounts or package deals.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Trail Experience: From Wildflowers to Summit Views
Reaching the summit provides not only panoramic views of the surrounding Montana landscape but also access to the Summit House. This lodge offers amenities like water refills and a restaurant, providing a perfect spot to rest and refuel. Many visitors opt to hike up and then ride the gondola down, offering a different perspective of the mountain and a less strenuous descent.
It's important to be prepared for the mountain weather, which can change quickly. Packing layers, including a rain jacket and sweatshirt, is highly recommended. The trail is also known for being dog-friendly, with many locals enjoying it with their canine companions.
Huckleberry Picking and Gondola Rides
For those looking to enhance their mountain experience, the gondola ride is a popular option. Many hikers choose to ascend the mountain via the trail and then descend using the gondola, which provides stunning aerial views of the landscape. It's advisable to plan your gondola trip by checking operating hours in advance, as they can be affected by weather conditions like rain and may have earlier closing times. Arriving early in the day is often recommended to ensure availability.
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