Fire Lookout Hiking Series

Fire Lookout Hiking Series

Hike Overview Continued

*Members Only Course: Becoming a member grants you access to all NEW Glacier Institute Field Courses for free, and gives you 50% off all legacy Glacier Institute Field Courses. Thank you for supporting outdoor education!

June 21, July 20, August 23, September 14 at 7 a.m.

Join us for a four-course hiking series in Glacier National Park as we explore the park’s historic fire lookouts. Each day, participants will hike to different lookouts, gaining a deeper understanding of fire ecology, wildfire history, and the vital role fire plays in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Along the way, we’ll discuss Glacier’s unique landscapes, flora, and fauna, while learning about fire monitoring, prevention, and the strategies used to manage wildfires in the park. With breathtaking views and expert-guided discussions, this course offers a hands-on experience of Glacier’s wilderness while fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural forces that shape its stunning landscapes.

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 have a brief introduction of the day and safety talk before departure. Each day, we will travel to a different fire lookout located in Glacier National Park. The courses will end by 6 p.m. (at the latest) and will not be canceled due to weather. The itinerary for each date is as follows, but please note trails are subject to change to to trail closures and weather:
– June 21: Apgar Lookout
– July 20: Huckleberry Lookout
– August 23: Numa Lookout
– September 14: Mount Brown Lookout

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

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

Equipment: You will receive a Field Camp gear list once you register. Most importantly are 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. Binoculars are provided, but please feel free to bring your own if you’d like.

Physical Requirements: Strenuous/extremely strenuous. The hike lengths and elevation gain are as
follows:
– June 21: Apgar Lookout, 7.2 miles total and 1,880 feet of elevation gain
– July 20: Huckleberry Lookout, 11.6 miles total and 2,765 feet of elevation gain
– August 23: Numa Lookout, 11.8 miles total and 2,930 feet of elevation gain
– September 14: Mount Brown Lookout, 10.2 miles and 3,200 feet of elevation gain

Recommended Readings:
● “Fire Lookouts of the Northwest” by Ray Kresek
● “The Fire Lookout: A History of Lookout Towers in the United States” by David L. Peterson
● “Desert Solitaire” by Edward Abbey