Glacier National Park (Piegan Pass Trail): 02-Sep-09

[VanMarmot]

Last year we made a reconnaisance visit to Glacier National Park - first time back in almost 30 years. We did one hike (Scalplock Mtn Lookout) in the extreme southern end of the park but realized we were missing the main stuff further north. So we vowed to return this year and we did. We stayed at the Many Glacier Hotel (nice, but there's also a motor hotel and a campground). Several major trails start right from its backdoor and there is also a shuttle ($10) that connects with the NPS shuttle (free) that runs across the park. We used the shuttle to take us to Siyeh Bend on the Going-to-the-Sun Highway, where the Piegan Pass Trail runs north to Many Glacier Hotel. Using the shuttle system allowed us to hike a 13 mile, 1600' gain loop without a car or car shuttle.

The trail climbs on gentle switchbacks through a thick forest (with us hollering the whole way to warn the grizzly bears - which are no joke in this park - one major trail was closed due to bear activity and there were several sightings around the lakes) before emerging into an open mixture of forests and meadows

and then across open slopes toward the pass (8000'). Cataract Mountain is on the right.

Looking back, we could see our starting point on the G-T-S Highway at Siyeh Bend. Pollock Mountain is on the right.

From the pass, the trail drops in the Cataract Creek valley, bordered by high cliffs to the west and steep, open slopes to the east.

There are a number of falls and glacial runoff drainages visible from the trail, but the biggest fall is Morning Eagle.

The trail continues down the Cataract drainage through open meadows and krummholtz forest, with spectacular views of 2000' cliffs and sharply defined peaks (such as Angel Wing) to the west.

The trail eventually levels off in forest (necessitating more shouting and talking to warn the bears)

and then passes Lake Josephine and Swiftcurrent Lake before reaching the lodge. The weather was excellent and, becuase peak season ends in mid-August, there were few hikers on the trail (we saw 5 other people the whole day). Compared to the Gorge, the trails are gentle (but generally above 6000') but offer totally awe inspiring views of mountains and lakes. We're planning to go again next year.

[14270]

Looks like you had a great trip. I'll be heading there next week as well. How long did this one take? I was thinking of doing the same hike, but also try to summit Piegan Mountain from the pass on the way. I'm afraid I might be pushing it for time though. I would really prefer not to be hiking out in the dark in grizzly country!

[anna in boots]

I would really prefer not to be hiking out in the dark in grizzly country!

I wouldn't worry about it, 14270, I've seen you and you're far too fast and lean to make a decent snack for grizzlies! Ha!

anna in boots