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A deep-woods hike into the seldom-visited Middle Fork region of Glacier National Park.


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Map Key

34.0

Miles

54.8

KM

Out and Back

5,742' 1,750 m

High

3,752' 1,144 m

Low

3,110' 948 m

Up

3,110' 948 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

This out-and-back covers the entirety of the Park Creek Drainage and gets you to the seldom visited Isabel Lake.

Description

From Essex, MT cross the large footbridge into Glacier National Park and follow the South Boundary Trail to make your way NW along the steep slopes of Scalplock Mountain. A long side trip to the top of this peak to the fire tower is a good one to add to your to-do list. Continue on, however, and make your way to the Park Creek drainage. Follow the good trail to the right (NE) and begin making your way up this beautiful mountain valley.

This long, deep, glacially formed valley provides amazing views of the peaks that line it. Statuary Peak a beacon toward the end of the valley informing you how much more to go. Make camp at the Upper Park Creek camp and relax for the evening.

The following day, load some provisions for a quick hike up to Lake Isabel, or pack all your gear and make another camp up in this steeply-walled mountain cirque. Gaze up the massive walls of Vigil Peak and the Battlement Mountains and perhaps cast a fly into the glacially-fed waters to try your hand at some trout.

Visit hike734.com for more expert Glacier content and maps that help you decide which trail to hike.

Contacts

Shared By:

Sam H

Trail Ratings

  3.3 from 3 votes

#1

in Walton

#4913

Overall
  3.3 from 3 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Walton

#97

in Montana

#4,913

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3 Views Last Month
1,947 Since Apr 22, 2015
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Photos

Looking off toward Two Medicine Pass from the Park Creek Trail.
Apr 23, 2015 near Blacktail, MT
The Flathead River at the edge of Glacier National Park.
Mar 11, 2020 near Essex, MT
Vigil Peak from Lake Isabel
Apr 23, 2015 near Pinnacle, MT
Camping at Upper Park Creek
Apr 23, 2015 near Blacktail, MT

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