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Backpacker Magazine – October 2008
America's 10 Most Dangerous Hikes - Huckleberry Mtn., Apgar Range, MT
Fatten griz for winter
The Hike In Glacier National Park, you could spit and hit a grizzly. Well, almost–the park features the highest bear density in the Lower 48. One recent study counted 563 individuals, and researchers suspect the actual population may be even higher. That's .35 bears per square mile–or one bear within a one-mile radius of every backcountry campsite. Come summer and fall, aptly named Huckleberry Mountain becomes a magnet for hungry grizzlies, which are commonly found foraging the plump, purple fruit that ripens along the Apgar/Huckleberry Lookout Trail. "Large numbers of bears congregate there when there's a bumper crop," says supervisory ranger Gary Moses. In high huckleberry season, rangers often close the trail to dayhiking–but backpackers may still complete overnight trips in the area.
Exhibit A On May 20, 1998, rangers searching the trail near Appistoki Falls discovered a ghastly scene: The mauled body of 26-year-old Craig Dahl, a park concessions worker who'd been tossed into the bushes after a griz had noshed on most of his body. Three days earlier, Dahl had hiked into the Two Medicine area–and never returned. Bears have killed 10 people in Glacier since 1967, and an attack or two occurs each year, typically during the spring (when snowmelt uncovers the carcasses of winter-killed animals, which bears protect ferociously) and in fall (when berries ripen).
Survival Plan To avoid crashing a grizzly smorgasbord, don't linger around food sources like carcasses and berry bushes. Note the wind: Bears smell better than they see, and if you're walking into the breeze, you might surprise one that hasn't caught your scent. If you do startle one, avoid eye contact and back away slowly. Should the bear charge, drop to the ground, crouch in a fetal position to protect your vital organs, and clasp your hands across the back of your neck. Then, pray.
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READERS COMMENTS
Backpacker magazine is a joke to anyone serious about backpacking.
Posted: Sep 02, 2009 Bruce V.
Never been a fan of Backpacker magazine. I always thought it was politically correct eco-fascism nonsense. Now I see they have added sensationalism to the mix. Is there any aspect of the media that isn't repugnant?
Posted: Sep 02, 2009 Mark
For the uninitiated, read Stephen Herrero's book,"Bear Attacks - Their Causes and Avoidance." Trust me. After you read this you will travel in Glacier in large groups, make a lot of noise, and keep your eyese out for Grizzly. One day we spotted 17 Grizzly within 200 yards of the trail we were on. One sow with 2 cubs came within 100 yards of where we had just had lunch. Extremely dangerous situation!
Posted: Mar 01, 2009 John Nichols
A previous written comment says not to hike alone. I always hike alone. No matter the terrain or environment because most people I know are not the adventurous types. I often hike off trail and in the true wilderness away from crowds and nonsense. If you want to experience nature leave the trail and explore. Im not concerned with bears or other hazards if you use common sense.
Posted: Jan 14, 2009 Justin, Ohio
So does bear spray work or not?
Posted: Jan 02, 2009 Skip
Sensationalism sells.
Posted: Nov 23, 2008 Melody Berg
I've hiked alone in Glacier many times and never had a problem. There are bears there and things do happen, but if you're sensible and reasonable you'll be ok. 99% of the people who visit and enjoy Glacier never have a problem encounter with a bear. Its probably more dangerous driving to work every day than hiking in Glacier.
Posted: Nov 22, 2008 MattB
On very important factor regarding the story of Craig Dahl. DON'T GO HIKING BY YOURSELF! This was a very unfortunate incident and MAYBE could have been avoided if he had been with another hiker or group. I knew Craig while working at Glacier National Park.
Regards,
Charles Rehm
Posted: Nov 16, 2008 Charles Rehm
I have hiked 3 times in GNP and seen Griz on 2 of those. Yes a Griz attack is possible, but I still feel safer there than walking NYC or New Orleans at night.
Posted: Nov 15, 2008 Steven Sykes
I have hiked this trail with a ranger led group. We briefly saw a black bear in July. I would never hike alone in GNP but I have hiked there many times, have seen numerous bears and never had any problems. Do talk and make noise while hiking. You will still see bears but if they know that you are around they wont be startled.
Posted: Nov 14, 2008 Stephen Forrest
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