Maksskitsi: Mountain Ash Plant - Glacier National Park

A small wayside with a watercolor drawing of mountain ash with explanatory text.

Mountain ash shrubs are recognized by their distinctive compound leaves and clusters of bright red berries visible throughout Glacier's accessible areas, peaking in ripeness late summer through fall. Native peoples—including the Blackfeet and other Northern tribes—harvested the peeled branches and inner bark to prepare decoctions and medicinal teas for treating back pain, colds, headaches, and chest ailments. Branches were also boiled to create steam for inhalation to relieve respiratory conditions and sore chests. This ethnobotanical site represents the sophisticated Indigenous botanical knowledge applied to local plant medicine.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates: 48.495595, -113.3491

Planning advice

Tips Advice: Look for the distinctive compound leaves arranged alternately along branches—mountain ash is readily identifiable among Glacier's native shrubs
Red berries peak August through October; plan visits accordingly for best visibility and photography
Maintain wildlife safety: 100 yards from bears, 25 yards from other animals per park policy
This location honors the ethnobotanical knowledge Indigenous peoples applied to local plants for medicine
Insider Tips: The bark, leaves, and berries each served distinct medicinal purposes—bark and branches for decoctions, steam inhalation for respiratory relief
Vitamin C and tannins in mountain ash supported traditional use for colds, coughs, and immune health
Berries are most vibrant August through October—photography conditions peak during mid-to-late September
Mountain ash grows throughout the park; this location is specifically noted for ethnobotanical and cultural significance

More details

Park Area: Lake McDonald area
Family Friendly Notes: Suitable for all ages. Excellent opportunity to teach children about Indigenous plant knowledge and ethnobotanical history. Keep young children close near any steep terrain; standard park wildlife safety applies.
Attraction Type: Ethnobotanical Resource
Accessibility Level: Open to public access
How To Get There: Located within Glacier National Park at coordinates 48.496°N, 113.349°W. Open to public access 24 hours daily. Consult the official NPS Places page (nps.gov/places/maksskitsi-mountain-ash.htm) for specific trail access and seasonal considerations.
Seasonal Access: Accessible year-round; park operates 24 hours daily, 365 days annually
Entry Fees: $35 per private vehicle (7-day pass) required for park entrance; covers access to all park areas including this location
Main Features: Distinctive compound leaves with serrated margins and bright red berry clusters; significant Indigenous ethnobotanical heritage and traditional medicinal use documented by Blackfeet and other Northern tribes
What Youll See: Mountain ash shrub with distinctive compound leaves and bright red berry clusters; distinctive appearance makes identification reliable, especially during peak ripeness late summer through fall
Safety Considerations: Maintain wildlife safety distances per park regulations: 100 yards from bears, 25 yards from other wildlife. Weather can change rapidly at higher elevations; dress in layers. Stay on designated trails. Do not harvest any vegetation—the site is protected for research, education, and cultural preservation.
Visitor Center Present: 0
Interpretive Signs: 1
Best Season: Late summer through fall (August–October) when red berries reach peak ripeness and visibility

Location

Frequently asked questions

What makes mountain ash worth visiting?

The site represents centuries of Indigenous ethnobotanical knowledge—every part of the plant (bark, leaves, berries) was used medicinally by the Blackfeet and other Northern tribes. Visitors interested in Native American botanical history and traditional ecological knowledge find it significant.

Is this just a regular shrub?

No. Mountain ash is distinctive with compound leaves and red berry clusters, but more importantly, it has deep ethnomedicinal significance. The Blackfeet used it to treat colds, headaches, chest ailments, and internal bleeding through decoctions and steam inhalation.

Can I harvest berries or branches?

No. Harvesting any vegetation in Glacier National Park is strictly prohibited. The site is protected for research, education, and cultural preservation.

When should I visit to see the red berries?

Late summer through fall (August–October) when berries ripen to bright red and are most visible and vibrant—this is the optimal window for identification, observation, and photography.

Is the site accessible if I'm not an experienced hiker?

Yes. Maksskitsi is located in Glacier's accessible areas. Consult the NPS Places page and park staff for specific trail options matching your fitness level.

Why is mountain ash important beyond being pretty?

Mountain ash connects visitors to Indigenous botanical science and medical knowledge developed over centuries. It demonstrates how local peoples understood plant chemistry—the bioactive compounds (vitamin C, tannins) align with documented traditional uses.