Distance
9 Miles
Elevation Gain
2,200 Feet
Difficulty
Moderate / Strenuous
Cost Per Person
$175
Program Overview
September 20, 2026: This phrase has been deeply-ingrained in the minds of most hikers, but is it the best thing to say to avoid an encounter? We’ve all heard about the infamous August 1967 night in Glacier, but what caused it? This course, Hey Bear: Myth-Busting Hibernation, will give you a new insight into bear biology, bear behavior, as well as bear safety. The Crown of the Continent Ecosystem has the highest concentration of bears in the lower 48. Come learn the facts and gain a deeper appreciation for our humanlike denizens of Glacier National Park!
Hey Bear: Myth-Busting Hibernation
Hike Overview Continued
Instructor: Camden Dahms
This phrase has been deeply-ingrained in the minds of most hikers, but is it the best thing to say to avoid an encounter? We’ve all heard about the infamous August 1967 night in Glacier, but what caused it? This course, Hey Bear: Myth-Busting Hibernation, will give you a new insight into bear biology, bear behavior, as well as bear safety. The Crown of the Continent Ecosystem has the highest concentration of bears in the lower 48. Come learn the facts and gain a deeper appreciation for our humanlike denizens of Glacier National Park!
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 begin inside our classroom for lessons on bear ecology and safety. We will hike 2.7 miles towards Hidden Lake. This classic trail gives hikers an amazing immersion into prime bear habitat where we will further discuss bear behavior, safety, and ecology. We will have lunch on the trail before returning to Logan Pass. The course will end by 4 p.m. and will not be canceled 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 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. 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: Moderately strenuous: around 9 miles roundtrip from Siyeh Bend toward the
pass and back, with 2,200 feet in elevation changes.
Recommended Readings:
● The Sacred Paw: The bear in nature, myth, and literature, by Paul Shepard and Barry Sanders
● Mammal Tracks & Sign, by Mark Elbroch
● The Predator Paradox, by John A. Shivik
● The Bear Almanac, by Gary Brown
What to Expect On Your Hey Bear: Myth-Busting Hibernation Hike
We will meet at the Glacier Institute Field Camp at 8 a.m. and begin inside our classroom for lessons on bear ecology and safety. We will hike 3 to 5 miles up the Siyeh Pass Trail and back. This alpine trail gives hikers an amazing immersion into prime bear habitat where we will further discuss bear behavior, safety, and ecology. We will have lunch on the trail before returning to Logan Pass. The course will end by 4 p.m. and will not be canceled due to weather.
* Any trails listed on this program or others are subject to change due to trail closure, weather, trail conditions, or wildlife.
Program Details
- This program meets at Glacier Institute Field Camp, West Glacier
- Instructor: Camden Dahms
- The program will begin 7 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
- Hiking distance covers approximately 9 miles with 2,200 feet of elevation change.
- Glacier National Park Vehicle Pass required, purchase at recreation.gov.
- On-site parking available.
- There is a maximum of 13 hikers per trip.
- This program has a minimum guest count of 3 people. In the unlikely case we don’t reach that number, you will be notified prior to the event.
What to Bring
Please remember that weather in NW Montana during all seasons can change quickly from warm and sunny to freezing at any time of the year. We recommend checking the weather prior to your trip. Please also check your course information sheet for specific gear requirements in addition to those listed below.
- Lightweight hiking boots or a sturdy pair of hiking shoes
- 2 liter sized water bottle or Camelback
- Day Pack with plastic bag liner or cover
- Waterproof rain jacket and pants
- Sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant & lip balm
- Camera (optional)
- Trekking poles, if you like to use them for hiking (optional)
- Binoculars (optional)
- Field Notebook notes and sketches