3000'

The Numa Ridge Trail is one of the shortest hikes to a lookout in the Glacier Park Region, offering great views of Mt Carter, Rainbow Peak, Square Peak, and Numa Peak.

The last 20% of the hike is the best part. At this point in the hike you get above the tree line and the views of Mt Carter, Rainbow Peak, Square Peak, and Numa Peak with Bowman Lake below keep the camera busy.

The hike starts at the Bowman Lake ranger station. The majority of the climb occurs in the later 3.5 miles where you will climb roughly 3000' vertical feet. The trail is well maintained the climb is fairly steady and consistent.

Fire lookout Leif Haugen has manned this station for over a decade. He's a font of knowledge and wisdom about this corner of the park, from which you can look well into Canada and most of the North Fork Flathead Valley. Bring him a few cookies to warm him up!

And when you are done make sure to stop the Northern Lights in Polebridge for a truly unique and delicious home cooked meal. I was lucky once and it was pizza night at the Northern Lights, and to this day I'll argue the best pizza I've ever had in Montana.

5.5 miles to summit, 11 miles out and back

Out-and-Back

4 to 6 hours

Head north in Glacier Park up to Polebridge. Go past Polebridge to Bowman Lake and park at the Bowman Lake Ranger Station. The trail head is at the north west side of the parking lot and clearly marked.