Two Medicine Lake - 4/21

Before the Going-to-the-Sun Road was constructed, Two Medicine was a very popular destination for travelers by train. It was a busy location filled with anticipation from eager visitors ready to experience life in the mountains. A system of backcountry chalets built by the Great Northern Railway allowed these adventurous visitors to live in Glacier's wild interior as they traveled by horseback.

Today, Two Medicine is a pretty quiet location, but its lure for backcountry adventurers remains intact. Only two backcountry chalets remain nestled high in Glacier's mountains, and only one chalet in Two Medicine, which now serves as the Campstore, but the rugged landscape that the Blackfeet Indians refer to as "The Backbone of the World" still beckons the call for exploration. The Blackfeet continue to use this area for fasting and praying, and people of all backgrounds come to Two Medicine in search of discovery. As you prepare yourself for this trip, ask yourself, what are you ready to discover?

North Shore Trailhead - 5/21

Your much anticipated trek on the Dawson-Pitamakan loop typically begins at the North Shore Trailhead, at the outlet of Pray Lake in the Two Medicine campground. After crossing the bridge you are presented with two different options to complete the loop. Each route offers unique opportunities for jaw-dropping scenery and heart-pounding challenges in elevation gain. On this trip, we are taking a left hand turn at the junction sign and proceeding to the first location of this two-night, three-day trip, No Name Lake. Lace up your boots, shoulder your pack, and let's hit the trail.

Glacier National Park is home to both black and grizzly bears. Due to its habitat, both species of bears are frequently seen on this backpacking route, heightening the backcountry experience. To see a safety message about hiking safely in bear country, click on the Park Ranger Icon.

To avoid a possible encounter with a bear, it is important not to surprise them while hiking. Bears will usually move out of the way if they hear people approaching, so make noise. Most "bear bells" are ineffective. Calling out loudly or clapping your hands at regular intervals are better ways of making your presence known. If you encounter a bear, here are a few guidelines to follow that may help:

1. Talk quietly or not at all; the time to make loud noise is before you encounter a bear. Try to detour around the bear if possible.

2. Do not run! You cannot outrun a bear. Back away slowly, but stop if this seems to agitate the bear.

3. Try to assume a non-threatening posture. Turn sideways, or bend at the knees to appear smaller.

4. Use peripheral vision. Bears may interpret direct eye contact as threatening.

5. Drop something (but not food) to distract the bear. Keep your pack on for protection in case of an attack.

6. If a bear starts to charge in attack and you have bear spray, use it! Prior to hiking, become familiar with how it works.

7. If the bear makes contact with you, protect your chest and abdomen by falling to the ground on your stomach, or assuming a fetal position to reduce the severity of an attack. Cover the back of your neck with your hands, and leave your pack on for extra protection. Do not move until you are certain that the bear has left. Be sure to report all bear sightings to a Park Ranger.

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