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A spur trail takes you along alpine terrain to an incredible overlook of Helen Lake at Ahern Pass.


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Map Key

0.4

Miles

0.7

KM

Point to Point

7,107' 2,166 m

High

6,715' 2,047 m

Low

0' 0 m

Up

392' 119 m

Down

17%

Avg Grade (10°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

This spur trail off of the Northern Highline Trail is a must do for anyone visiting the area. Most will take it as part of a backpacking trip, but it can be done as a longer day outing from the Loop or as a mountaineering trip along the Ptarmigan Wall. The trail climbs up through a high alpine ecosystem with incredible panoramic views the entire time. Small subalpine firs dot beargrass meadows.

Once at the overlook, you are looking at waterfalls coming off of Ahern Glacier which is perched between Ipasha Peak and Ahern Peak. These waterfalls feed Helen Lake which is the headwaters of the Belly River.

This pass is famous for the route that Joe Cosley took as he was escaping the law on his way to Canada.

Bring bear spray, as this trail passes through bear territory.

This content was created by Jake Bramante of Hike 734. Visit hike734.com for more expert Glacier content and maps that help you decide which trail to hike.

Flora & Fauna

Alpine meadows are incredible for flowers from Glacier Lilies to Fireweed. Keep an eye out for huckleberries in the fall. Grizzlies, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep are all possible to see as well as smaller alpine animals such as marmots and pikas.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jake Bramante

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#8

in Belly River

#8865

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#8

in Belly River

#225

in Montana

#8,865

Overall
10 Views Last Month
1,724 Since Sep 2, 2015
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Photos

This is a trip that involves the whole of the Northern Highline from Granite Park Chalet to Goat Haunt and includes the spur trail to the Ahern Pass Overlook.
Apr 5, 2016 near Swiftcu…, MT
View of Helen Lake from Ahern Pass
Apr 5, 2016 near Swiftcu…, MT

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