Distance
up to 8 Miles
Elevation Gain
1,000 Feet
Difficulty
Moderate
Cost Per Person
$100
Progam Overview
Multiple: Join us as we explore the unique natural wonders of the Two Medicine Valley. Sinopah Mountain, meaning “kit fox” in Blackfeet, looms above the South Shore trailhead of Two Medicine Lake, a sedimentary monument of awe. Hikers will encounter montane forest of lodgepole pine and Douglas fir throughout the meadows and marshy areas of this beautiful valley. Hiking through these stunning aspen parklands involves glacially carved lakes and towering mountains, waterfalls, and bubbling creeks. Red rock lights up the mountainsides, leaving every visitor with a deep appreciation for this beautiful valley and the stories behind it….
Two Medicine Valley Guided Day Hike
Hike Overview Continued
Educational Tour Guide
Join us as we explore the unique natural wonders of the Two Medicine Valley in Glacier National Park. Sinopah Mountain, meaning “kit fox” in Blackfeet, looms above the South Shore trailhead of Two Medicine Lake, a sedimentary monument of awe. Hikers will encounter montane forest of lodgepole pine and Douglas fir throughout the meadows and marshy areas of this beautiful valley. Hiking through these stunning aspen parklands involves glacially carved lakes and towering mountains, waterfalls, and bubbling creeks. Red rock lights up the mountainsides, leaving every visitor with a deep appreciation for this valley and the stories behind it. Glacier Day hikes through Two Medicine Valley involve a maximum distance of up to 8 miles and maximum of 1,000 ft of elevation changes. Most Two Medicine trails follow along Two Medicine Lake with gradual elevation changes. Trails to the various falls may involve higher elevation changes but always at a gradual pace. Any of the trails can be done at the preferred pace of the hiker while observing fantastic scenery along the way.
*Please note that the turnaround point on shoulder season hikes may vary due to weather and conditions.
Meeting Place: Glacier Institute 320 Nucleus Ave, Columbia Falls, MT 59912
Food: Please bring a trail lunch, plenty of water and snacks for the day.
Physical Requirements: Total Distance (roundtrip): up to 8 miles (max) / Total elevation gain: up to 1000 feet (max)
Park Entrance Fees: Participants are responsible for purchasing their park entry passes prior to the course. These can be purchased online Here: Get Passes Here.
Equipment: 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 higher elevations, so please be prepared with appropriate clothing, especially warm layers for potential snow and high winds. Binoculars are very useful, but optional, as well as field guides that interest you.
What to Expect On Your Two Medicine Valley
We will spend the day hiking the Two Medicine Valley. Hikers will encounter montane forest of lodgepole pine and Douglas fir throughout the meadows and marshy areas of this beautiful valley. The hiking distance covers up to 8 miles with up to 1,000 feet elevation change.
Program Details
- This hike departs from 320 Nucleus Ave, Columbia Falls.
- The hike departs at 8:30 am and returns around 4:30 pm. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
- Transportation to and from the trail is provided.
- Your hiking guide is a certified Glacier Park naturalist who promises to make your trip safe, educational, and fun.
- There is a maximum number of 14 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. Download complete checklist here.
- 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
You will receive a complete gear list via email once you register.