Columbia Mountain Trailhead

Q: How long does it take to complete the loop?

Plan 6-8 hours for fit hikers; longer if you pause for photos or take a shorter out-and-back option.

Q: Are bears common on this trail?

Yes. It runs through bear country; carry bear spray and maintain loud, seen-in-the-wild behavior; store food properly.

Q: Is water available along the route?

Water sources are unreliable; carry at least 2 liters per person from the start and plan for a dry stretch.

Q: Do I need a permit to hike this trail?

No day-use permit; Glacier National Park entrance fees apply if you enter from within the park.

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Overview

About This Trail

Columbia Mountain Trailhead demands grit. The 12.4-mile loop climbs roughly 4,000 feet through loose scree and exposure. Bear country and unpredictable weather demand constant vigilance, with cell service often absent. Start early, carry at least 2 liters of water per person and have map and bear spray—high reward for the effort.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Technical Scramble / Difficult

Trail Highlights

Waterfalls, Flathead Valley vistas, and wildflower meadows

Insider Tips

• For full-loop strategy, pick direction based on your preference for climbing vs descending; many do an out-and-back to a scenic viewpoint or waterfall to reduce commitment • Start early to avoid heat and potential afternoon storms • Bring bear spray and practice using it in a safe area

Best Season to Hike

Late spring through fall (roughly July–September)

Hiking Tips

Tighten your boots and test laces at the trailhead
Carry at least 2 liters of water per person
Trekking poles recommended on loose scree
Map and compass; cell service unreliable
Bear spray and knowledge of use
Start cold; warm up as you ascend

Family Info

Not recommended for very young children due to steep, loose, exposed terrain; shorter out-and-back to initial waterfalls may be suitable for some families

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 12.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 4,000 ft

Duration: 6-8 hours for fit hikers; longer for casual hikers

Difficulty: Technical Scramble / Difficult

Route Type: Loop (often hiked as out-and-back to scenic point)

Surface: Loose scree and rocky; some packed dirt; possible ice patches early season

Getting There

Trailhead: Rough, unmarked dirt road off US Highway 2, ~3.5 miles east of Columbia Falls; coordinates 48.3407971°N, -114.0670638°W

Parking: Small dirt lot

Fills Up: Full by weekend mornings; arrive early

Requirements

Permit Required

Glacier National Park entrance fees apply if accessing from within the park

Fees: Standard Glacier National Park entrance fees

Shuttle Available

No shuttle service available for this specific trailhead.

Trail Rules

Trail Markers: Limited signage; carry map and compass

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Not consistently reliable; carry at least 2 liters per person

Shade: Mixed: lower canopy; upper slopes exposed

Cell Service: Unreliable to non-existent

Hazards:

Carry bear spray; expect sudden storms; stay well back from edges; trekking poles help on loose scree

Emergency: Glacier National Park rangers; call 911 in emergencies; Glacier National Park Dispatch

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Local-favorite; trailhead can get busy

Peak Times: Weekends, late morning to early afternoon

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Rugged, steep, loose terrain; not suitable for mobility-impaired hikers

Family Notes:

Not recommended for very young children due to steep, loose, exposed terrain; shorter out-and-back to initial waterfalls may be suitable for some families

Nearby Facilities

No facilities at trailhead; nearest services in Columbia Falls

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.7 /5

Based on 117 Google reviews

Reviews from Google

I’m an average hiker and this trail was insane. No way I could’ve completed the whole thing.We chose this hike instead of going back to Glacier since we didn’t want to deal with parking. But just a heads-up, it’s either steep uphill or steep downhill, and the trail is full of loose, rocky sections. You definitely need good shoes and hiking poles.We made it about 2.2 miles in to see a small waterfall then decided to turn back. (3h in total)Honestly, if you’re not a pro hiker, I’d say go for a short walk. Hike 20 minutes to see the first cute waterfall, maybe continue a bit further for a nice city view, and then head back.

Nice little trail, waterfalls and overlooks. Unfortunately there were no views to be see due to fire activity close by, got pretty smokey up there. The short gravel road to the parking area is riddled with potholes of every size and depths, be careful if you have low clearance on your vehicle.

Quite the hike and beautiful all seasons, I have yet to see it in its entirety. It's an access with no frills, no biffy or vault toilet. There is a post board at the beginning of the hike, a reminder you are in bear habitat along with other informational material. A popular place with locals, there's no sign or anything marking the seriously potholed and rough dirt road off of US 2 leading to the parking lot. Recreational enthusiasts can be found there around the clock.

Showing 3 of 117 reviews

FAQs

Is this trail suitable for beginners?

No. It is a rugged, technical scramble with 4,000 ft of gain and loose footing—not recommended for first-timers.

How long does it take to complete the loop?

Are bears common on this trail?

Is water available along the route?

Do I need a permit to hike this trail?

📖 flatheadbeacon.com 📖 discoverkalispell.com 📖 wanderlog.com 📖 mossmountaininn.com 📖 trailforks.com 📖 onxmaps.com 📖 youtube.com 📖 nps.gov 📖 beyondmydoor.com 📖 discovercolumbiafallsmt.com 📖 glacier.org 📖 mysticmountainmontana.com 📖 reddit.com 📖 rome2rio.com ⭐ Google Reviews 🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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