How to Access the Bowman Lake Trail at Glacier National Park

Canoes Dock at Lake McDonald

Accessing the Bowman Lake Trail in Glacier National Park requires getting to Polebridge, Montana. Polebridge is located on the western boundary of the park, a cut-off east from Outside North Fork Road. Beyond Polebridge, Bowman Lake sits narrowly amidst glacial ridges, and is the second northwestern-most lake in the park. Trout fishing is spectacular here. The trailhead begins at the campground on the southern point of the lake and proceeds on the northeast shore up the length before gaining elevation. Because the trail is at the shoreline, the trekking is fairly easy. Through the pines, one experiences excellent views of the lake to the right, while to the left the presence of the Numa Ridge is constantly felt.

Things You'll Need

• Sunscreen, insect repellent, camera.

Instructions

Accessing the Bowman Lake Trail in Glacier National PArk, Montana

1. 

   Travel north along the Flathead River and notice authentic, rustic log cabins along the narrow, pot-holed road. With an appearance more like that of property bequeathed than summer homes, the cabins sit in wild thickets of overgrown grass, complete with a dilapidated water well shed just down the draw.

2. 

   Getting last minute supplies at Polebridge is wise before trekking the lake. The town of Polebridge consists of a two-story general store that focuses on fishing, hunting, and camping needs, and a few scattered log cottages. Herds of deer can be seen grazing in a nearby meadow.

3. 

   Fishing from a canoe in the early morning, along the lake is a magical experience. The sound of fish jumping is unexpected and delightful. The trekker will surely appreciate the warmth of the rising sun over the southern ridge, especially when wandering along the trail through shaded tree thickets.

Tips & Warnings

• Bowman Lake is above the fray of the summer crowds, but with the exception of the general store, amenities are scarce.

• The Apgar area, as well as the communities bordering the park’s west entrance, offers necessities for any mainstream traveler.

• Part of the Glacier Park experience is the Going-to-the-Sun Road which climbs to the backbone of the park. Afternoon traffic gets congested.

• The road between Polebridge and Lake Bowman is ungraded gravel with severe ruts. A high clearance vehicle is necessary.

• The breathtaking lakes of Glacier National Park are mosquito breeding areas, bring protection.

Resources