I'm new to this whole touring thing and was wondering if it is possible to put a rear rack on the front tire.

Probably, if you're willing and able to fabricate adapters for the mounting hardware.
But I'm not sure I see any real reason to do that. Many panniers and other bags fit fine on either front or rear racks and you usually don't want the bigger panniers on the front anyway due to the effects on the steering, esp. in gusty crosswinds.

I put a front rack on my 1980s Miyata 610. The legs go to the braze-ons at the front fork dropouts, and I bent a bracket for the top from some small metal stock from Home Depot. The bracket attaches to the fork using the existing hole for mounting fenders, and to the rack in the usual way. It's great, I like it much more than lowriders, and it seems very solid. Others on the forum have also done this, perhaps in different ways--its worth a search. Also, Surly and JANDD make front racks, which may be a nice choice if they fit your bike.

With luck, here are some pics. Rack is not quite level front and back, because back of rack was approaching brake cable.

Here is an older thread on this:

https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/482881-mounting-rear-rack-front-reverse-backwards-done.html

Here's my version:

Why would you want to perch the weight that high on the front, increasing wheel flop?

Randochap has raised an important issue concerning front rack placement. Most of the methods used or recommended place the mass/weight too far forward for good handling particularly with a heavy front load.

Bruce Gordon solved this problem 20 some years ago with his high front mountain rack which mounts overlapping the steering axis. I have been using one for 20 years on and off pavement and can attest to the improved handling compared to other racks that I used previously. A proven alternative that should be considered as a valuable option.

I've not experienced this despite carrying 30lbs up-front last summer while training for a mountain tour.

Compared to what?

To what were you making the comparison?

Either to lowriders, or low-mounted front rando-style bag with appropriate trail geometry.

I have a bicycle with low-riders and the one pictured above. Both bicycles have similar geometries; both use 26" wheels (in fact the same tire make and model is used on both, Continental Top Touring). I find handling on both bikes similar, but note that I use wide, upright style handlebars (26" wide) which means I have more leverage than those using traditional drop styles, so if there is a tendency for the front wheel to sway perhaps I sense it less. When I had 30lbs up front last summer I was able to ride short distances (40 to 50 yards) without holding the handlebars which means the bicycle was somewhat steady despite the load. As a comparison, when I have only one pannier loaded, that type of handling does not exist.

I use a Tubus Tara rack on the front. It's quite sturdy and I purposely load as much of the weight as I can on the front wheel. The front wheel is symmetrical and far stronger than the rear wheel, which is already carrying most of my weight. I still wear the back tire much quicker than the front on a tour.

I've never experienced handling problems, steering problems, or gusty wind problems due to carrying much of the load on the front wheel.