Alpine Mammals Guided Educational Hike

Alpine Mammals Guided Educational Hike

Hike Overview Continued

Educational Guided Tour

Have you ever wondered why marmots lick your hiking boots and steal your trekking poles? How mountain goats can climb vertical cliffs while lacking opposable thumbs? How the animals of Logan Pass endure frequent subzero temperatures and bone chilling winds for months on end? Learn about alpine mammal behavior and ecology during this fun, informative outing along Glacier National Park’s beloved Highline Trail. We will hike along craggy cliffs, stopping along the way to learn about at least seven of the amazing mammal species that call this area “home.” We will discuss two species of ground squirrels, marmots, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, pikas, wolverines, and any other species we are lucky to observe along the way.

Meeting Place: Glacier Institute Field Camp

Itinerary: (subject to change due to trail closures and weather)
We will meet at the Glacier Institute Field Camp at 7 a.m. and depart for Logan Pass, as soon as possible. We will hike 3.6 miles along the Highline Trail to Haystack Butte, observing and discussing mammal behavior along the way. We will have lunch on the trail at Haystack Pass before returning to Logan Pass. The course will end by 4 p.m. and will not be cancelled due to weather.

Food: Please bring a trail lunch, plenty of water and snacks for the day.

Park Entrance Fees: Participants are responsible for purchasing their Glacier National Park entry passes prior to the course. These can be purchased online at: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74280

Equipment: You will receive a Glacier Institute Field Camp gear list once you register. Most importantly, bring comfortable hiking shoes, at least 1-2-liter water bottle, backpack, rain gear, hat, and sunscreen. Weather can be varied, especially at the high elevations of Logan Pass, so please be prepared with appropriate clothing, especially warm layers. Bring binoculars and/or a spotting scope if you have them. A camera is optional. Summer weather at Logan Pass can range from snowy and windy to hot and sunny, so come prepared for a variety of weather conditions!

Physical Requirements: This Glacier Park hike will be moderately strenuous. 7.2 miles roundtrip from Logan Pass to Haystack Butte, with 1500-foot elevation gain.