On this Shaka Guide tour, we'll peel back the veil on the North Fork's best-kept secrets.

From the early park rangers who risked their lives to protect this rugged land to the ambitious conservation efforts that transformed Glacier into an international peace park, each step along our journey reveals fascinating glimpses into the park's storied past.

But the real wonders lie in the landscape itself - the ancient forests, the serene alpine lakes, and the dazzling night skies that leave visitors in awe.

Itinerary

1. Forest and Fire Nature Trail

Rachel Ennis

• Duration: 30 minutes

The Forest and Fire Nature Trail is a 1.5-mile round-trip walk. It shows how the park recovers from wildfire, with areas of burned land healing. It’s easy with little elevation.

The trail meanders through areas impacted by the 2003 Robert Fire, allowing visitors to observe forest regeneration stages including:

• young lodgepole pines
• pioneer species like fireweed, and
• patches of surviving old-growth forest

2. Polebridge Mercantile

Rachel Ennis

• Duration: 30 minutes

The historic Polebridge Mercantile, established in 1914, stands as a rustic landmark in Glacier National Park's remote North Fork region, famous for its freshly baked huckleberry bear claws and other pastries made daily in the century-old building's original ovens

3. Polebridge Ranger Station Historic District

NPS

• Duration: 15 minutes

The Polebridge Ranger Station Historic District is located in the northwestern part of Glacier National Park.

It includes historic buildings, such as the ranger station and a nearby barn, dating back to the early 1900s.

This peaceful spot offers a unique look at the park’s history, with beautiful mountain views and nearby access to hiking trails.

The area is also a great place to learn about early conservation efforts in the park.

4. Bowman Lake

User:Magicpiano

• Duration: 1-3 hours

Bowman Lake is a central stop for most of the North Fork Hikes. Here are your choice.

AKOKALA LAKE

The hike is a 5.8-mile round-trip trail with 800 feet of elevation gain, starting from the Bowman Lake Ranger Station.

Trekkers are rewarded with stunning views of the lake nestled in a glacial cirque, surrounded by towering mountains and lush elevated forests.

BOWMAN LAKE HEAD

The trail is a 7.1-mile out-and-back hike through rolling hills, beginning at the Bowman Lake Ranger Station.

This route offers panoramic vistas of the serene Bowman Lake and the surrounding peaks of the Livingston Range.

COVEY MEADOW

The trail is a 1.5-mile round-trip hike with gentle rolling terrain, accessible from the Polebridge Ranger Station.

This peaceful meadow trail provides opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the diverse wildflowers that bloom throughout the summer.

HIDDEN MEADOW

The trail is a 1.2-mile out-and-back hike with 250 feet of elevation gain, located 3 miles south of the Polebridge Ranger Station.

This trail leads to a beautiful subalpine meadow, offering a scenic respite for hikers.

LOGGING LAKE TRAIL

The is a 4.5-mile round-trip hike with 400 feet of elevation gain, beginning north of the Logging Creek Ranger Station.

Hikers can enjoy the tranquility of Logging Lake, a remote and less-visited destination in the North Fork region.

QUARTZ LAKE

The trail is a 6-mile out-and-back hike with a 1,800-foot gain and 1,600-foot descent, beginning at the Bowman Lake Picnic Area.

This challenging route leads to the stunning turquoise waters of Quartz Lake, surrounded by rugged mountain scenery.

There are two access points for the Lower Quartz Lake trail:

• a 3-mile out-and-back hike with 1,200 feet of gain and 1,000 feet of descent from the Bowman Lake Picnic Area, or
• a 6.9-mile out-and-back hike with 500 feet of gain from north of the Quartz Creek Campground.

NUMA LOOKOUT

The trail is a 5.6-mile round-trip hike with a staggering 2,930 feet of elevation gain, starting from the Bowman Lake Ranger Station.

Hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Livingston Range and the North Fork region from the historic Numa Lookout.

5. Kintla Lake

Davis Restivo

• Duration: 1-3 hours

The Kintla Lake Head trail is a 6.6-mile out-and-back hike through rolling hills, starting 0.25 miles west of the Kintla Lake Campground.

This trail provides access to the serene northern end of the pristine Kintla Lake, surrounded by towering peaks.

Explore North Fork with Shaka Guide

There’s something so special about disconnecting from the world and finding peace in these hidden corners of Glacier.

With Shaka Guide’s Glacier National Park: North Fork Tour, you’ll experience the serene beauty of Bowman Lake and the stunning sunrise reflections at Kintla Lake—at your own pace.

This tour is for those who aren’t afraid to take the time, and the drive, to experience something truly special. Your adventure to Glacier’s most serene corners begins now!

Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Glacier National Park, North Fork Tour!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Glacier National Park, North Fork Tour Know Before You Go article.

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