Climb the Great Northern Mountain
Details
Distance
12 miles
Elevation Gain
5000 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by Noah Couser
Not the most technical climb/ hike but well worth it with the views at the top of Glacier NP, Mount Grant and the Stanton Glacier. You'll be hiking along the spine of mountain, so exercise caution but enjoy the hike.
From Columbia Falls, head East on U.S. Highway 2 past the town of Hungry Horse and turn right to Martin City. Keep driving along the East side of the Hungry Horse Reservoir until the pavement ends (roughly 2miles), then continue 13 more miles until a sign for “Spotted Bear 39” and “Firefighter L.O. 4” appear. You will then make a sharp left turn and continue a half-mile to the trailhead at the end of the road (parking is available before and after the bridge).
There can be fallen trees on the trail but it's fairly easy to follow with not a ton of switchbacks, but mainly just straight-ahead climbing/ hiking. If there is snow, the spine can be a bit slow going and it can be windy, so plan accordingly with layers and gear. The view is amazing and well worth the climb, so bring a camera and enjoy a mini-picnic up at the top before you start back down the same way.
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Reviews
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Don’t be deceived!
This hike has just over 5000 feet of elevation gain. The first leg up to the first saddle is strait up. It took 2 hours to get up this first part and half an hour to get down. That should give you some idea. To the peak it was about four hours. It is very challenging but worth it. Don’t be deceived by the false summits and on your way down keep track of the trail. It is easy to go down the wrong ridge. Incredible experience of Gods power in creation!
5.0
Strenuous but worth it!
This hike is so worth the views presented at the top. Highly recommended for everyone in the area, but it takes time and quite a bit of effort.
5.0
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