A 5-Day Adventure in West Glacier National Park

Recently, I embarked on a thrilling 5-day backpacking trip to West Glacier National Park, and it was an adventure that exceeded all expectations. From breathtaking landscapes to unforgettable wildlife encounters, this journey had it all. Here’s a detailed account of our trek through this stunning wilderness.

Arrival in Montana

We flew into Kalispell International Airport, filled with excitement and anticipation for the adventure ahead. After picking up our gear, we set off on a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Kintla Lake Campground. Along the way, we made a crucial stop at the ranger station to gather information and purchase bear spray and stove fuel—essentials for a safe and enjoyable trip.

As we arrived at our campsite, ominous clouds loomed overhead, signaling an approaching storm. We quickly set up camp, racing against the weather to ensure our gear was secure. Once we settled in, we gathered for a debrief, discussing our plans for the following day before driving the second vehicle to the Bowman Lake trailhead, setting the stage for our adventure.

Day 1: Wildlife Encounters and Scenic Trails

The next morning, we packed up our camp and hit the trail. Just less than a mile from the campground, we had our first major encounter: a sow bear and her cub on the trail! After snapping a few photos, we decided it was best to backtrack and give them space. We took a moment to enjoy our breakfast while we waited for the bears to wander off.

Once back on the trail, we hiked alongside Kintla Lake and North Kintla Lake, stopping for lunch at the North Kintla Lake campground. The day was filled with stunning views, and we completed approximately 12 miles with a 1,600-foot ascent before reaching our first campsite. We were exhausted but exhilarated by the beauty we had encountered.

Day 2: The Big Climb

Day 2 began early, and we were ready for our biggest challenge yet. Though it was only 10 miles, we faced a daunting 4,000-foot ascent over a grueling 3.5-mile stretch. The group pushed through the tough terrain, and despite one minor ankle sprain (which I was able to tape up), everyone persevered.

Navigating through dense brush, we finally crested the top and traversed the wall around “Hole in the Wall” before descending into our campground for the night. With only two other groups present, it was a peaceful evening under the stars.

Day 3: A Grizzly and a Swim

On Day 3, we took a leisurely start after enjoying coffee and breakfast. We split into two groups, with the slower team heading out first. About 1.5 miles into our trek, we encountered another grizzly, this time a male, grazing on huckleberries just 25 yards off the trail. We proceeded cautiously, keeping our bear spray ready.

After navigating around the valley, we arrived at North Bowman Lake early and took the opportunity to swim and dry out our gear. For a couple of hours, we had the campground to ourselves, soaking in the tranquility of our surroundings.

Day 4: Resupply and Storm Watching

On day four, we hiked the 7 miles to the Bowman Lake trailhead, where we met up with our cache vehicle for a much-needed resupply and rest. Our break at Bowman Lake was refreshing, with stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. After enjoying lunch, we made our way to Quartz Lake, eager to beat an impending storm.

The “jackrabbit” group, eager to set up camp, departed first. We arrived at Quartz Lake just before the storm hit, setting up camp in record time. As the first wave of the storm rolled in, we watched in awe as the lake transformed from calm to choppy in just 20 minutes. The rain was manageable, allowing us to sit back and enjoy the wild beauty around us. However, the second wave was much stronger, and we quickly retreated to our tents. The groups’ Big Agnes Copper Spur tents did phenomenal. For me, despite testing a new trekking pole tent, I was pleasantly surprised at its performance against the elements, keeping me dry even in 2 inches of water beneath it.

Day 5: Final Descent and Reflections

On our final day, we woke to sunny skies and dried out our gear before packing up for the last trek back to the vehicles. The 7-mile hike included some challenging portions but was relatively straightforward compared to previous days. We navigated past Upper, Middle, and Lower Quartz Lakes, finally arriving back at our vehicles after less than four hours of climbing.

As we enjoyed snacks and reflected on our journey, it was clear that this trip did not disappoint. We encountered three black bears, one grizzly, and mule deer, with the thrilling sound of elk bugling in the distance. The stunning, remote landscapes of Glacier National Park left us in awe, and despite the storms, we experienced beautiful weather overall.

This backpacking adventure was a perfect blend of challenge and beauty, and I can’t wait for the next chance to return to West Glacier National Park and explore more of its majestic wilderness!