Apgar Mountain Fire Tower

Date: 6-15-15

Miles: 7.2

Elevation Gain: 1,800 ft

We rented a cabin at Apgar Village and had taken a canoe trip earlier in the day. You can see the Apgar Mountains from most areas in the Lake MacDonald Valley and this trailhead was very close to where we were staying. Despite the easy access, this is one of the lesser visited areas of Glacier National Park. I started the hike around 5:00pm and finished shortly before dark. It was a perfectly clear day and the views were amazing. The trail starts off along an old roadbed through the forest. The first half mile is the only part of the trail with large trees. 

Apgar Mountain trail with the destination in the distance

This area burned not too long ago so the trail was very open once it started to switchback up the mountain. There were great views of the towns near Hungry Horse and the mountains in the distance.

The trail was great the whole way to the top. I saw a few people near the trailhead, but only one other person once I got a mile or so into the hike.

Looking North into the heart of the Apgar Mountains

Looking South at the Swan Range (right) and the Flathead River

Looking South at the Northern end of the Great Bear Range

As the trail gained elevation and headed East the high peaks of Glacier National Park began to come into view. The perspective you get on this trail is awesome. It really helps you to understand the area.

Looking East into Glacier

There is a webcam at the fire tower that I watch at home. It was pretty neat to be able to actually be here and see what it looks like in person.

Apgar Mountain Fire Tower

Awesome views of the Lake MacDonald Valley.

Looking East at Lake MacDonald

Looking North East at the high peaks of Glacier

My favorite hat that nearly deserted me a few days before in the Bitterroots

Looking South at the Great Bear Wilderness

High Peaks near the lake

 I headed back down and saw a beautiful sunset over the Apgar Mountains. What an awesome area. I wasn't sure how I would feel about hiking through so much burned area, but it was amazing. I love the openness and the new vegetation that is springing up everywhere. It's so cool to see the forest in different stages of growth.