Rainbow Connection Overlook Bench
A newly built overlook bench on the Whitefish Trail's Rainbow Connection section offering unobstructed views of Murray Lake and distant Glacier National Park peaks — completed by Whitefish Legacy Partners in late 2025.
Local trail builder Angus Matheson spent months ensuring sustainable construction on logged-over terrain. Locals call it the best viewpoint on the trail without the crowds of Lion Mountain. Golden larches in fall make it spectacular.
Access from the Murray Lake Fishing Access site off Beaver Lease Road (west of Whitefish, signed from Highway 93). Hike the gentle 1.6-mile single-track to the Rainbow Connection section. Weekdays you will often have the bench entirely to yourself.
Know Before You Go
- 📵 Cell service: Expect limited or no signal. Download offline maps before you leave the trailhead.
- 🗺️ Access varies seasonally: Trail and road conditions shift with weather and snow. Verify current status with the local ranger district before you go.
- 📅 Last verified: Information current as of April 2026. Conditions change — always double-check locally before heading out.
Packing Checklist
- ☐ Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes
- ☐ 1-2L water (no refill sources)
- ☐ Trail snacks / energy bars
- ☐ Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- ☐ First aid kit basics
- ☐ Map or downloaded trail (no cell service expected)
- ☐ Layers — mountain weather changes fast
Skip the busy Lion Mountain trail and hike this gentle 1.6-mile single-track instead. You’ll get panoramic views stretching from water-level Murray Lake to the Livingston Range, golden larches in fall, and often have the bench entirely to yourself on weekdays.
The Rainbow Connection section was completed by Whitefish Legacy Partners in late 2025, finally connecting previously disconnected sections of the Whitefish Trail system. Trail builder Angus Matheson spent months ensuring sustainable construction on logged-over terrain.
Access: Murray Lake Fishing Access off Beaver Lease Road — look for the signed pull-off west of Whitefish near Highway 93.
Conditions and trail updates: whitefishlegacy.org maintains current trail status and closures.
Sources
- Whitefish Legacy Partners — trail stewardship organization, official trail maps
- Whitefish Pilot — local news coverage of trail construction and opening