5 November 2016
Is the great wall of the Kalispell westside bypass
bike trail the most scenic urban trail in the Flathead?
Between Three and Four Mile Drives, an asphalt bicycle and walking path runs on both sides of the Kalispell westside bypass. The paths are between the sound wall and the backyards of the residents of Empire Loop on the west, and Barron Way on the east.
Late yesterday afternoon, I walked the paths, taking the eastern path north to Four Mile Drive, and the western path south to where Parkridge Drive used to cross where the bypass now runs. From my home, which is a bit less than a mile from the Three Mile overpass, it was a pleasant and generally scenic 3.8-mile stroll. This highly scenic route will be highly popular. The eastern path is best traveled before the sun's meridian transit. The western path is best after solar noon.
A couple walk north near the southern entrance to the eastern path. Beyond the bend, the path is right next to the backyards of Barron Way homeowners who once had a great view to the west and who could grill a steak without gawking strangers marching by.
At Parkridge Drive, the landscape opens and the wall soon ends. Much larger image.
Water from the October monsoon is still pooled along the path as one approaches Four Mile Drive.
Walking south along the western path, the Salish mountains dominate the horizon. Across the bypass, the great wall glows in the late afternoon sunlight.
The already rusty handrail ends, and the western sound wall begins. South of Parkridge, the asphalt path gives way to packed gravel down to Three Mile Drive. This section might get paved. Instead of following it, I turned west, walking to the eastern sidewalk along Stillwater Road.
A slightly wider view.