Overview
The Danny On Memorial Trail is a 3.6-mile out-and-back hike that climbs 1,500 feet from the base of Whitefish Mountain Resort to the summit at 6,817 feet. Named in honor of Danny On, a U.S. Forest Service employee who was killed in a 1994 wildfire on nearby Storm Creek, the trail is one of the most popular hikes in Flathead National Forest and the Flathead Valley. It occupies a unique space in the Flathead trail inventory: resort infrastructure and free access to Montana's backcountry in the same hike. It's easy to see why: reliable footing, steady grade, wildflower meadows, and a summit panorama that stretches from Glacier National Park to Flathead Lake.
The trail makes a solid half-day outing and works well for families with older kids, visiting hikers looking for a quick orientation to the region, or locals who want an after-work burn. Dogs are welcome on leash.
The Route
Base area to switchbacks (Miles 0 to 0.5). The trail starts near the base lodge of Whitefish Mountain Resort. Look for the trailhead sign on the east side of the base area. The first half mile is the steepest section, climbing through a mix of Douglas fir and lodgepole pine on a series of switchbacks. The trail surface is packed dirt and gravel, well-maintained and clearly marked. This initial push sets the tone: you're going to climb steadily for the entire ascent.
Switchbacks through forest (Miles 0.5 to 1.2). The trail continues upward through mixed conifer forest. The grade eases slightly compared to the initial push, but it's still a consistent climb. In early summer, you'll pass through patches of glacier lilies and trillium in the understory. The forest provides shade for most of this section, which is welcome on hot afternoons.
Meadow transition (Miles 1.2 to 1.5). As you gain elevation, the forest begins to open up. Ski runs become visible on either side of the trail, and the first views appear through gaps in the trees. The meadows between the runs fill with wildflowers from mid-June through August: beargrass, arnica, lupine, and Indian paintbrush. On clear days, Flathead Lake becomes visible to the south, a huge blue expanse in the valley below.
Summit push (Miles 1.5 to 1.8). The final stretch climbs through open terrain to the summit area of Whitefish Mountain Resort. The trail merges with the resort infrastructure near the top. The Summit House (a restaurant and viewing platform) sits at 6,817 feet and provides the anchor for the summit experience. Step out to the observation areas and the full panorama unfolds.
The View
The summit view is the payoff, and it delivers. On a clear day, you can see:
- North: The Whitefish Range stretching toward the Canadian border. On exceptionally clear days, peaks in British Columbia are visible.
- East: Glacier National Park's peaks line the horizon. Mount Cleveland, the park's highest point at 10,479 feet, is identifiable in the distance. The Livingston Range and the Continental Divide are laid out in full.
- South: Flathead Lake fills the valley below, stretching 28 miles to the south. The Mission Mountains rise behind it. On calm days, the lake reflects the sky like a second sky.
- West: The Salish Mountains and the Bitterroot Range extend into the distance.
Interpretive signs at the summit help identify major peaks and landmarks. The Summit House serves food and drinks during summer operating hours, so you can celebrate the climb with a meal if the timing works.
When to Hike
June through October is the hiking season. The lower sections of the trail clear of snow by late May or early June, but the upper mountain may hold snow into mid-June.
June and early July bring peak wildflower season on the mountain. Beargrass, in particular, can be spectacular in big bloom years (beargrass blooms heavily on a 5- to 7-year cycle).
July and August are the warmest months, with daytime temperatures in the 70s to low 80s at the base and about 10 degrees cooler at the summit. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible, especially in July. Start early if the forecast looks unstable.
September and October offer clear air, fall colors in the valley, and golden western larch on the upper mountain. The crowds thin after Labor Day. October mornings can be cold (20s to 30s at the summit), but the midday hiking is often perfect.
Winter. The trail is buried under several feet of snow from November through May. Whitefish Mountain Resort operates as a ski area during winter, and the trail route is covered by ski runs.
Practical Information
No permit or fee required. The trailhead is at Whitefish Mountain Resort, which provides free parking in summer. No forest pass or trailhead fee applies.
Dogs. Allowed on leash. Bring water for your dog; the trail has no reliable water sources. The summit area can be hot and exposed, so plan accordingly.
Water and food. Carry at least 1 liter of water per person. There are no water sources on the trail. The Summit House at the top sells food and beverages during summer operating hours (check the resort website for current schedules), but don't count on it being open on a given day. Bring snacks regardless.
Fitness level. The 1,500-foot climb in 1.8 miles is a real workout. The grade averages about 800 feet per mile, which is solidly moderate. Most reasonably fit hikers complete the ascent in 1 to 1.5 hours and the descent in 45 minutes to an hour.
Chairlift option. Whitefish Mountain Resort operates a scenic chairlift during summer that goes to the summit. If you want the view without the climb, or if you want to hike up and ride down (or vice versa), the chairlift is available for a fee. Check the resort for operating dates and prices.
Bear Awareness
The Whitefish Mountain area is black bear and grizzly bear habitat. Encounters on the Danny On Trail are rare due to the high foot traffic and resort infrastructure, but bears do use the surrounding forest, particularly in the early morning and evening. Carry bear spray as a precaution, especially if you're hiking early or late in the day when fewer people are on the trail. If you plan to stay overnight in the backcountry after this hike, review the bear canister requirements and Leave No Trace principles that apply throughout the Flathead region.
Getting There
From Whitefish, head north on Wisconsin Avenue, which becomes Big Mountain Road (Highway 487). Follow it 8 miles to the Whitefish Mountain Resort base area. The drive takes about 15 minutes. The trailhead is at the base lodge, with clear signage.
From Kalispell, drive north on Highway 93 to Whitefish (about 15 minutes), then follow the directions above. Total drive time is roughly 30 minutes.
The nearest services (gas, groceries, restaurants) are in Whitefish. The base lodge has restrooms and seasonal food service.
Tips
Start early on hot days. The upper trail and summit area are exposed. In July and August, the afternoon sun can be intense. An early start means cooler climbing and a better chance of clear views before afternoon haze or clouds build.
Bring layers for the summit. Even on warm days, wind at 6,817 feet can be brisk. A light wind shell makes the summit experience more comfortable.
Combine with other activities. Whitefish Mountain Resort offers mountain biking, zip lines, and an aerial adventure course during summer. The Danny On Trail hike pairs well with a full day at the resort.
Sunset hikes. The west-facing summit is outstanding for sunset. In summer, the long evenings give you plenty of time to hike up after work and catch the light. Bring a headlamp for the descent.
The Danny On Memorial Trail isn't the wildest or most remote hike in the Flathead, but it might be the most satisfying for the time invested. Ninety minutes of climbing, a summit view that takes in everything from Glacier to Flathead Lake, and a well-maintained trail that's accessible to most hikers. It's the hike that locals recommend first, and that recommendation is well-earned.
For hikers who want more remote Flathead terrain after this, Holland Lake Falls is an easy 3-mile hike to a waterfall at the gateway to the Bob Marshall Wilderness, about 90 minutes south near Condon. For a strenuous alternative with a historic fire lookout payoff, the Whitefish Lake Lookout trail gains 2,600 feet to a CCC-era tower with views of Glacier's peaks, accessible directly from US-93 north of Whitefish. And for the best alpine lake hiking in the region, Jewel Basin near Bigfork is about 45 minutes south of Whitefish and features 27 named lakes in a designated hiking-only area. If you're trying to decide between the Flathead and other Pacific Northwest forests for a future trip, our guide to the best hikes near Seattle covers the Gifford Pinchot and other Washington forests as a comparison point.