D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 1 9
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PIEGAN PASS
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
George Bird Grinnell, a well-connected bird enthusiast with a Ph.D. from Yale and friend
of Teddy Roosevelt, visited the area now Glacier National Park in the 1890s. Grinnell began
a campaign to create a park. which he deemed the "Crown of the Continent". Today, Glacier
National Park is an economic engine for Kalispell and Montana as a whole, and if once
you hike here, you will understand why it is fitting that the park's moniker is "Crown of the
Continent."
e Hidden Lake Trail by Logan Pass is the most popular in the park, but no less spec-
tacular trail is the Piegan Pass Trail located along the east side of Logan Pass. e trailhead
is located three miles east of Logan Pass and 13 miles from the east entrance. e round-trip
hike to the pass is 9 miles with an elevation gain of more than 1700 feet. Due to the high
amounts of snow that fill the Logan Pass area, this trail is usually not accessible until some-
time in July.
e trail will take you through subalpine forests, high mountain meadows filled with
wildflowers to a stunning wall of mountains at the pass. e views of Piegan Mountain and
namesake Piegan Glacier as well as the view down Cataract Creek at the top of the pass is
every bit as spectacular as anything you will encounter in Glacier. Keep in mind that the last
half mile or so is above timberline, and you will be exposed to more wind and weather.
e hike begins a gradual uphill hike through forest with numerous views of surrounding
mountains. At about 1.2 miles, turn left (north) at a trail junction and continue the uphill
climb. e trail continues through meadows to Preston Park where you reach another junc-
tion and keep left now traversing across the open slopes of Cataract Mountain. To describe
the vistas from the treeless pass as breathtaking is not hyperbole. After soaking in the alpine
scenery return the way you came.
PIEGAN PASS
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