We are soooo lucky to feature @morganwareham_ today. Morgan comes to us from Kalispell, Montana (outside of Glacier National Park) and used to work as a hiking guide so she has some AMAZING tips for us! Let's not waste time, here are Morgan's top 3 hikes for Flathead Valley, MT.
1. Doris Mountain-Flathead National Forest
- off of hungry horse reservoir, follows a forest service road up the mountain with beautiful views of the reservoir and the Flathead Range, including Great Northern Mountain.
- The hike is a short 6 mile, out and back with 1,700 feet in elevation gain. It’s one of the easier peaks in the area with 360 views of the reservoir, mountains and valley! It is unlikely that you will encounter many people.
- The trail markings can be a little confusing on the way up, just make sure to stay to left and you will pass a few alpine lakes in the basin before the final summit.
2. Grinnell Glacier- Glacier National Park
- Its hard to come to the area and not see the wonders of Glacier National Park! To get the full experience, take the Going to the Sun Road from the west entrance to the east and over to Many Glacier. There you will find the Grinnell Complex trailhead.
- The trail is usually crowded, so make sure you get there early in the morning.
- This hike is about 12 miles, out and back, with a steady incline of about 2,100 feet. You can also dip down to Grinnell Lake to get in a few extra miles.
3. Strawberry Lake- Flathead National Forest
- This is a short, but steep hike with only 3 miles from the trailhead to lake but with about 2,000 feet of elevation gain mostly in the first 2 miles.
- Wooded for the first 2 miles but great views of the valley and surrounding mountains once you’re out.
- On warm days, a dip in the lake is just the reward you deserve! If you’re on the trail in July or August, make sure to look for some huckleberries around the lake.
- Likely to encounter a few people on the trail.
TIPS:
Always make sure to carry bear spray with you on any trail in the area!! This is a densely populated grizzly area and although unlikely to have to use it while hiking, it is always necessary to have. In addition, please make sure to educate yourself on how to use it and grizzly safety while hiking in northwestern montana. There are many different outfitters in the area that rent out bear spray if you do not wish to purchase your own.
The best time of year to come depends one what you’re looking for! End of June- August are peak season. So the weathers usually nice but crowds are terrible, especially in Glacier National Park. If you’re looking for some good hiking, September is usually the best time because crowds will start to thin out but weather will still be good, with maybe an occasional chance of snow at high altitudes. Ski season is mid December- beginning of April, with Whitefish Mountain Resort being the most popular, but Blacktail Ski area is still a great choice! Shoulder season April-beginning of June and September- November can be awesome times to come. The fall shoulder season is my favorite due to the decrease in crowds, beautiful fall foliage, and mild temperatures.
TIPS FOR GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
- The past two summers, NPS has been doing a ticketed entry for the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Make sure to check regulations before coming.
- The Going-to-the-Sun Road opens at different times each year depending on the snowfall/weather. It can open anywhere between mid June- mid July. Make sure to plan accordingly and be prepared.
- If the road isn’t open, there is still much you can do. The east side is still accessible by Highway 2, which follows the south border of the park. Many Glacier, Two Medicine and the North Fork area are not along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
YUMMY EATS:
1 comment
LavenderFog
Thanks for all the great location and post-hike snack spots!
As a former SAR worker, I immediately wanted to cry when I saw the only safety tip was bear spray. I would love to suggest some more:
1) Always carry the ten essentials (can’t link in this form, but just search it; it’s not very much for a partial day hike). if you’re going somewhere you don’t expect to see many people, make sure part of your extra warmth includes an emergency blanket. They are cheap, fold up tiny, are super light, and can save your life if you mess up your ankle and have no cell service. Whistles are great, too!
2) if you packed it in, pack it out. That includes biodegradable things like fruit peels. It attracts bears to the trails.
3) stay hydrated. Don’t think because it’s cold you’ll need less water. It keeps your energy up and makes you less injury prone.
4) if you want to wear a cute Indy brand hoodie in the cold on more than an hour long hike, save it for your snack (make sure to bring those) and insta photo breaks or to warm up post hike.
All that awesome cotton absorbs water (like your sweat or any rain, fog, or melted snow) and then will not keep you warm again once things get cold again.
5) tell someone your hiking plan. Do you want to be in a 127 hours situation? Nobody does. At minimum, leave a plan with time estimations folded up on your dashboard or driver’s seat just in case.
6) most injuries occur on the way back. You’re flushed with success, maybe tired, dehydrated, and not watching your step. Stay aware! make sure you bring a headlamp or flashlight or lantern and back up batteries.
7) and absolutely have fun!
Thanks for all the great location and post-hike snack spots!
As a former SAR worker, I immediately wanted to cry when I saw the only safety tip was bear spray. I would love to suggest some more:
1) Always carry the ten essentials (can’t link in this form, but just search it; it’s not very much for a partial day hike). if you’re going somewhere you don’t expect to see many people, make sure part of your extra warmth includes an emergency blanket. They are cheap, fold up tiny, are super light, and can save your life if you mess up your ankle and have no cell service. Whistles are great, too!
2) if you packed it in, pack it out. That includes biodegradable things like fruit peels. It attracts bears to the trails.
3) stay hydrated. Don’t think because it’s cold you’ll need less water. It keeps your energy up and makes you less injury prone.
4) if you want to wear a cute Indy brand hoodie in the cold on more than an hour long hike, save it for your snack (make sure to bring those) and insta photo breaks or to warm up post hike.
All that awesome cotton absorbs water (like your sweat or any rain, fog, or melted snow) and then will not keep you warm again once things get cold again.
5) tell someone your hiking plan. Do you want to be in a 127 hours situation? Nobody does. At minimum, leave a plan with time estimations folded up on your dashboard or driver’s seat just in case.
6) most injuries occur on the way back. You’re flushed with success, maybe tired, dehydrated, and not watching your step. Stay aware! make sure you bring a headlamp or flashlight or lantern and back up batteries.
7) and absolutely have fun!