Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [158]
Sunrift Gorge Trail
9.4 miles RT. Difficult. Access: Sunrift Gorge parking area, 10 miles west of St. Mary.
Most hikers approach Siyeh Pass from the Piegan Pass trailhead, but we prefer ascending to this gorgeous glacial valley from Sunrift Gorge. The creekside trail climbs through a forest and switches back to reveal a hanging glacier and several waterfalls, before ascending the pass up a wall that is prime bighorn habitat.
MANY GLACIER AREA
Iceberg Lake
9.5 miles RT. Moderate. Access: Trailhead in a cabin area east of the Swiftcurrent Coffee Shop and Campstore.
This beautiful hike traverses flower-filled meadows to a jewel of a high lake backed against a mountain wall. Even in summer, there may be snow on the ground and ice floating in the lake. Look for mountain goats or bighorn sheep on the cliffs above. And, as in many of the park's backcountry areas, keep an eye out for the grizzlies.
Swiftcurrent Nature Trail
2.4 miles RT. Easy. Access: Picnic area ½ mile west of the hotel turnoff.
This is a fun hike along the shore, through the woods, and near a marsh. You may see deer and birds—keep an eye out for blue grouse. If you have time, continue on the trail as it circles Lake Josephine, another easy hike that adds 2.8 miles to the trip. Dramatic Mount Gould towers above the far end of the lake. Midsummer wildflowers can be spectacular. Access to a longer, 10.4-mile round-trip trail to Grinnell Glacier, the park's largest, is also from this area.
TWO MEDICINE AREA
Appistoki Falls
1.2 miles RT. Easy. Access: ¼ mile east of Two Medicine Ranger Station.
This trail, with an elevation gain of only 260 feet, climbs through a forest of fir and spruce, then runs along Appistoki Creek before ending at an overlook that provides views of a scenic 65-foot waterfall.
Running Eagle Falls
.3 mile one-way. Easy. Access: 1 mile west of the Two Medicine entrance.
Hardly even a hike, the easiest trail in the area leads to Running Eagle Falls along a path that winds through a heavily forested area to a large, noisy waterfall. The path is wheelchair accessible.
Twin Falls Trail
3.8 miles one-way. Easy. Access: Two Medicine Campground.
The most popular hiking path in this area is the one to Twin Falls, which originates at the campground. Hikers may walk the entire distance to Twin Falls on a clearly identified trail, or boat across Two Medicine Lake to the foot of the trailhead and hike the last mile.
Exploring the Backcountry
Depending upon your point of view, negotiating the backcountry may translate to a leisurely stroll or a tortuous experience in the high country. Choices range from 4-mile day hikes to multiday treks, so you'll need to consider your experience and fitness level before heading out. Then locate a park map that illustrates trails and campsites in the area you want to explore.
Backcountry campgrounds have maps at the entrance to show you the location of each campground, the pit toilet, food-preparation areas, and, perhaps most important, food-storage areas. In addition, you can obtain a free loan of bear-resistant food containers at most backcountry permit-issuing stations. If you fish while camping, it's recommended you exercise catch-and-release to avoid attracting wildlife in search of food. If you eat the catch, be certain to puncture the air bladder and throw the entrails into deep water at least 200 feet from the nearest campsite or trail. When backpacking in Glacier, especially in the high country, it's important to remember to pack as lightly as possible and make sure you're aware of the trail's degree of ascent. And remember the cardinal rule: Pack it in, pack it out. No exceptions.
Wherever you decide to go, remember that you must secure a backcountry permit before your overnight trip. Advance reservations can be made June 15 to October 31; call ☎ 406/888-7800 for information.
A Guided Backcountry Trip. Many folks like