The Lone Pine

           Before Lone Pine was officially added as a state park in 1947, a large, distinct evergreen tree graced the upper cliff of the property. Information regarding the tree is scarce and thus, it has never been confidently identified. There is only one known picture of the tree and scholars debate whether the conifer is a pine or a fir. Unfortunately, the tree no longer remains, giving way to the powers of nature, prior to accurate data recording. Despite what is unknown, this tree was distinct and sat high above the town of Kalispell.

           Shaped by prominent and sometimes harsh natural landscape, Montana stood as a tall task for travelers, fur trappers, and settlers in the 19th and 20th centuries. Travelers headed west used maps, trails, and various geographical features to stay their course. Things were no different in the Flathead Valley; the evergreen on Lone Pine's upper cliffs was used as a beacon for travelers headed west across valley. As a result, the property where modern day Lone Pine occupies was known by this one tree.

          After the land was officially deeded by Ernest and Hazel White into the newly formed state park system in 1941, the park was called Lone Pine State Park. The name pays tribute to the evergreen tree that helped guide travelers across the valley safely and on their mark.