Overview
Great Northern Mountain is the monarch of the Flathead Range and the Great Bear Wilderness. It is not high as great mountains go, but its ruggedness, remoteness and northerly latitude make it a great and challenging peak that offers Glacier Park-like scenery without the Glacier crowds. From the summit, there are outstanding views of southern Glacier National Park, nearby summits such as Mount Grant, and the receding Stanton Glacier.
The route I took up the peak (Dudley Bowl-- NOT the standard or easiest route) has no maintained trails and requires bushwhacking through dense, steep forest with lots of trees and deadfall and thorns and willows, steep clambering on talus, and a little Class 3 work depending on how direct an approach you take once you reach the bowl at the base of the peak. Love or hate this arduous outing, you will not forget it. It is best done as a day hike-- about 6 miles and 4800' (including the ridge-bowl-summit dip) RT. Taking the real trail from the north side of Hungry Horse Creek may not be as direct, but the footing will be much better, the going easier, and the elevation gain a few hundred feet less.
Summit ViewsGetting There
Follow the east side of Hungry Horse Reservoir from the village of Hungry Horse on FR 38 (according to USGS topo maps) for several miles (around 15)and then turn left on 1048. This is a very sharp left, and you follow this road for about a half-mile to a bridged crossing of Hungry Horse Creek. Right after crossing Hungry Horse Creek, you will find a small parking area on the left, and it will likely be empty.
There are no signs indicating the way to the trailhead, and route signs may be nonexistent, so carry a good map and consult it as you drive.
On the north side of Hungry Horse Creek, there is a good trail to the top--thanks to SP member saintgrizzly for letting me know. To take the painful way, though, you head into the trees south (right) of the creek and work uphill to the ridgeline.
The road is easily passable to passenger vehicles.
Red TapeAs of July 2003, no permits or parking fees were required. But things change, so carry up to 10 bucks in case there is a trailhead fee box there now.
You are in grizzly country. Respect the natural inhabitants and know what to do. I did come almost face-to-face with a young grizzly. Again, know what to do. Don't become a statistic, and don't be responsible for some bear's being shot.
CampingYou can camp at the trailhead if you arrive or finish late in the day. Otherwise, strong hikers would be better off doing this as a day hike. There are some great campsites on the ridge above the bushwhacking section, but getting there with a full pack on would not be a lot of fun. There may be some good campsites along the trail on the north side of the creek, but the land is steep and heavily wooded in most places until you reach timberline, where it's still very steep and then becomes mostly rocky. Images
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Bob Marshall Country
