Glacier National Park: Loneman Mountain

Published September 20, 2013 05:20AM

This lonely mountaintop offers lesser-seen views across Glacier National Park. To reach the trailhead, leave the parking area and head southeast along the railroad tracks. After 1,000 feet, turn left and hike north 0.2 mile to ford the Middle Fork Flathead River (use caution: there’s no bridge); the Nyack Trailhead is located on the north bank of the river.
From the trailhead, hike east toward the site of the Nyack Ranger Station, then head north on South Boundary Trail. After 1.5 miles, the route crosses Nyack Creek (caution: no bridge), then turns left onto South Boundary Trail. As the trail starts to climb above the river, Loneman Mountain rises directly to the northeast. At mile 2, bear right onto Loneman Lookout Trail for a steep climb to the northwest. One mile later, the trail bends to the northeast and ascends a broad ridgeline—look down to spot Halfmoon Lake tucked in the small cirque below.
The last four miles of the climb feature zigzagging switchbacks and a long traverse that leads to Loneman’s 7,181-foot summit (home to an unmanned fire lookout). Savor the quiet views across the Nyack Creek valley before turning around and retracing your route back to the trailhead.
PERMIT: Overnight camping in Glacier National Park requires a backcountry permit. Check out the latest fees and more details at nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm.
MORE PARK INFO: Glacier National Park, (406) 888-7800; nps.gov/glac/.
-GPS data provided by the National Park Service

Trail Facts

Waypoints

To reach the Nyack Trailhead, head southeast along the railroad tracks for 1,000 feet.

Ford the Middle Fork Flathead River (caution: no bridge). The Nyack Trailhead is located on the north bank of the river.

Pass the site of the Nyack Ranger Station and hike north on South Boundary Trail.

Ford Nyack Creek (caution: no bridge), then bear left @ Y-junction on South Boundary Trail. Ahead, the trail starts to climb above the river. Loneman Mountain rises directly to the northeast.

Bear right @ Y-junction on Loneman Lookout Trail. The trail steepens for the next TK mile.

The trail bends to the northeast and climbs a broad ridgeline. In 0.3 mile, look down to spot Halfmoon Lake tucked in the small cirque below.

In the next mile, tackle 12 switchbacks that zigzag up the southwest slopes of Loneman Mountain.

Loneman Mountain: This 7,181-foot peak is home to an unmanned fire lookout. Look to the south for views into Great Bear Wilderness; Threetops Mountain rises across the Nyack Creek valley to the southeast. Retrace your route back to the trailhead.