Snowmobilers warm up on Keeler trail near Troy
Courtesy The Keeler warming hut has been a welcomed addition to snowmobilers this winter.
The Keeler snowmobile trail in Kootenai National Forest’s Troy Ranger District became more family friendly this winter with the addition of a warming hut.
“We’ve seen a significant welcomed addition to the ridership,” said Jerry Wandler, president of the Troy Snowmobile Club. “With the structure up there, there seems to be more family rides because it affords the opportunity to get out of the weather.”
Thrill-seekers can take the harder trails, Wandler said, while others – like mom and the kids – can warm up and cook hot dogs.
The snowmobile club grooms the trail in the winter and was the force behind coordinating with different government agencies to get permission and funding last summer to build the 24 feet by 30 feet log structure.
“The Troy Snowmobile Club decided a couple years ago that that looked like something that was needed,” Wandler said. “It’s the most popular riding area around here.”
The Troy Snowmobile Club secured funds from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Park’s Recreational Trails Grant program, and the Troy Ranger District secured the additional funds needed from the Lincoln County Resource Advisory Committee.
“I think it wasn’t a hard decision for them (RAC members) because it was something that they could see the public enjoying,” said Mike Herrin, Troy district ranger. “It’s turning out to be a great family recreation spot.”
The structure, which contains benches and a fireplace, is located on Road 473, about 10 miles up from the trailhead. It has an open-air design so that it can be utilized as a picnic shelter in the warmer months, but is currently sealed with plastic to keep in warmth. A vault toilet was also installed at the site as part of the agreement.
Two large events have utilized the shelter so far this winter. About 80 snowmobilers attended a fun day with local dealers demonstrating new equipment, and about 30 participants attended an avalanche awareness training session, Wandler said.
The building is located on an old gravel pit site that has been used in the past as a camping spot for hunters.
“It’s a flat, level site and it was adequate for what we needed so it worked out in our favor and their’s (KNF),” Wandler said. “The site was approved by them and I think they’re pleasantly pleased and surprised with the use it’s getting."