Has anyone on the forum hiked the trail to Numa Ridge Fire Lookout above Bowman Lake in Glacier National Park? If so, how is the trail? I've heard views are spectacular of the peaks and of Bowman Lake below.
Any info on wildflowers and wildlife to expect?
I have the name and phone number of the former fire lookout who was on the tower for over a decade. He has offered to give me the lowdown on the tower and the surrounding area, but I know there are some on the list who are regular visitors to Glacier and thought maybe I could get more info regarding photography opportunities of the area.
It's a 5.6 mile one way hike gaining almost 3,000' of elevation, according to my "Hiking Glacier NP" guide book. We'll be in Glacier for 2 weeks in July and this hike is on the agenda. I don't know anyone who has hiked it but based on the description and what I'm seeing on the topo the views appear to be OUTSTANDING.
Quoting the guide book, "spectacular views of Square Peak, Rainbow Peak and Mt. Carter across Bowman Lake, plus sweeping vistas of the Whitefish Range..." Sounds like a winner to me.
I'll also be interested in hearing first-hand accounts of this hike from those who have done it.
Three years ago I camped at Bowman Lake and wanted to make this hike. But it was closed because of several mountain lion sightings! The lake is beautiful. Bring some strong DEET because the mosquitoes were about as bad as I have experienced anywhere (other than the Everglades).!
Thanks, Bret and Ed! I was curious as to whether or not anyone on the forum had made the hike, so appreciate your input. Hopefully there will be a few folks on the list who have done the hike and can give us some good info on it's status.
*Just for the record, it looks like I will be working up on Numa Ridge Fire Lookout this summer starting June 17th (weather permitting) so if anyone makes the hike up to Numa Ridge, be sure and stop by the lookout to say hello!! I've heard there are lots of Mountain Lions, Bears (Grizzly and Black), deer, Elk, Mtn Goats, etc. Not to mention lots of birds! Need to make sure and bring a long lens with me. :)
Marcy: We're planning to do that hike while in Glacier some time between July 15 and Aug. 1. If we do I'll definitely stop by to say "hello" and, most likely, catch my breath from the rugged ascent!
I was at Bowman two years ago, but we went up the other side - over to Quartz Lake to camp for a couple of nights. I will second Ed on the bug repellent though - that area was the only place I had any trouble with mosquitos the whole two weeks we were in the park.
Discussion
7 repliesAny info on wildflowers and wildlife to expect?
I have the name and phone number of the former fire lookout who was on the tower for over a decade. He has offered to give me the lowdown on the tower and the surrounding area, but I know there are some on the list who are regular visitors to Glacier and thought maybe I could get more info regarding photography opportunities of the area.
Thanks!
..Marcy
Quoting the guide book, "spectacular views of Square Peak, Rainbow Peak and Mt. Carter across Bowman Lake, plus sweeping vistas of the Whitefish Range..." Sounds like a winner to me.
I'll also be interested in hearing first-hand accounts of this hike from those who have done it.
*Just for the record, it looks like I will be working up on Numa Ridge Fire Lookout this summer starting June 17th (weather permitting) so if anyone makes the hike up to Numa Ridge, be sure and stop by the lookout to say hello!! I've heard there are lots of Mountain Lions, Bears (Grizzly and Black), deer, Elk, Mtn Goats, etc. Not to mention lots of birds! Need to make sure and bring a long lens with me. :)
Marcy