Trailhead: Bowman Lake (BLE)
Distance: 14.2 miles round trip
Rating: Easy
Note: Recommended for early season backpacking
Though it was feeling well into summer due to the quick snowmelt season and early warm temperatures, we got the first Glacier National Park Backpacking trip of the season completed in early June. We navigated rainy days and enjoyed a refreshing visit amongst the towering peaks.
Day 1- We drove Going to the Sun Road on the second day it was open to vehicles this season, enjoying the snowfall at the top and 36° temps from the car from the West Glacier Entrance to Grinnel Glacier Overlook. Precipitation was still falling from the sky on us, but in rain form so hiking to a waterfall was the option! We hiked from Gunsight Pass Trailhead to Virginia Falls. Following the muddy hike we dried off, warmed up with some ramen and headed to camp at Sprague Creek Campground.
Day 2- We head into the backcountry after picking up our permit and driving north towards Polebridge. At last, we were at the foot of Bowman Lake enjoying the stillness surrounding us and starting our 7.1 mile trek to the Bowman Foot Backcountry Campground. While there is some slight elevation gain and loss, most time is spent along the lake shore making this a great beginner backpacking trail. It was a quiet night as we were the only visitors!
Day 3- Keeping the backcountry campground as our base camp, we hike deeper into the park along Bowman Creek. 3.5 miles one-way there is a river crossing (no bridge) but open vistas, so we enjoyed a long lunch break and headed back to camp. There are some serious brush spots along this trail, but besides that this trail is very easy going.
Day 4- Waking up to the rain in the night is a peaceful feeling, but in the morning, not so much. With no slow in the weather, we got out of bed and enjoyed our breakfast watching the ripples on the lake surface. We hiked the 7.1 miles back to the car and finished up our Glacier Trip with food and drinks near Kalispell, relishing in some dry clothes!
“With enough time, the stillness of the forest can infiltrate even the darkest of inner experiences.”