Spring Hikes in Glacier

When hiking in Montana in the spring, you never really know what to expect.  You might have great trail for three miles, then mud, then ice, then six inches of snow and then back to great trail.  The weather could be equally erratic: rainy, sunny and snowy all in the same day.  But despite the obstacles, the long winter and the recent sunny days are an irresistible lure for hikers to return to the mountains.  What follows are three hikes (one may require snow shoes) that can be done in either early spring or late spring.

Apgar Lookout:

This is one of the best accessible hike-with-a-view in early spring and it is a stunner.  After going through the main West Glacier entrance, you drive about half a mile and turn left on the road marked for Apgar Lookout.  The road ends in a parking lot at the trail head.  The hike starts out in trees and then goes through a burnt area with a couple pretty long switchbacks, it then winds around the front of the mountain to the lookout and a spectacular view of Lake McDonald and the mountains that climb up behind it to Logan Pass.  While the lookout is obviously not open in the spring, it makes for a great spot to eat lunch from and take in the amazing views.  My wife and I went up in late February and snow shoes were necessary for about half the hike.  That being said, the trail receives a lot of sun so by late March it should be hike-able the entire distance.  Round trip the hike is 7.1 miles.

Bowman Lake:

Yes, you can just drive here in the summer, but before the dirt road leading to Bowman Lake (from Polebridge) is open, Bowman Lake is a worthwhile hike.  The hike up has a mild elevation gain and is in the trees for about two thirds of the time.  It opens up at the campground and the view of Bowman is surprisingly stunning.  It is a long lake, stretching back with pristine mountains behind and around it.  My wife and I hiked there in early March and it was still frozen over.  I think that is the largest frozen body of water I have ever seen.   Snow shoes were not necessary, although Yak Tracks would have been advisable. 

Trout Lake:

This hike is definitely a later spring hike but is worth your time before Going-to-the-Sun is open.  Simply drive to the end of Lake McDonald and take the first road to your left at the end of the lake.  Go over the bridge along the dirt road which will eventually end at the trailhead.  The hike has some substantial elevation gain, but the reward is seeing down a large glacial valley that few have the opportunity to see.  The lake itself is crystal clear.  The first time I went with my wife, we saw lunes cruise under-water after small trout and it was fascinating to watch.  Sometimes avalanches hit the trail pretty hard during the winter, so you might have to find the trail again after an avalanche chute.  The round trip mileage is less than 8 miles but the elevation gain makes it a demanding hike.  Alternatively, you can hike to the top of the first ridge and have a great view of Lake McDonald and then return to your vehicle.

Final thoughts:

Avalanche Lake is another late spring hike, but I already mentioned it in another blog.  Also, keep in mind the uncertainty of trail conditions and changing weather.  Bring yak tracks and warm and water-proof clothes.