Glacier National Park North Fork Self-Guided Audio Tour

Itinerary

1. 1
   Forest and Fire Nature Trail 30 minutes

   The Forest and Fire Nature Trail is a 1.5-mile round-trip interpretive walk that showcases the park's dynamic relationship with wildfire through a series of recovering burn zones, rated as easy with minimal elevation gain. The trail meanders through areas impacted by the 2003 Robert Fire, allowing visitors to observe forest regeneration stages including young lodgepole pines, pioneer species like fireweed, and patches of surviving old-growth forest.

2. 2
   The Polebridge Mercantile 30 minutes

   The historic Polebridge Mercantile, established in 1914, stands as a rustic landmark in Glacier National Park's remote North Fork region, famous for its freshly baked huckleberry bearclaws and other pastries made daily in the century-old building's original ovens

3. 3
   Stop 15 minutes

   The Polebridge Ranger Station Historic District is located in the northwestern part of Glacier National Park. It includes historic buildings, such as the ranger station and a nearby barn, dating back to the early 1900s. This peaceful spot offers a unique look at the park’s history, with beautiful mountain views and nearby access to hiking trails. The area is also a great place to learn about early conservation efforts in the park.

4. 4
   Bowman Lake 1 hour

   Bowman Lake offers diverse hiking options in the North Fork. Akokala Lake is a 5.8-mile hike to a glacial cirque, while the 7.1-mile Bowman Lake Head Trail features serene lake views. For shorter hikes, try the 1.5-mile Covey Meadow or the 1.2-mile Hidden Meadow trails. For a challenge, Numa Lookout's 5.6-mile hike rewards with stunning vistas.

5. 5
   Kintla Lake 1 hour

   The Kintla Lake Head trail is a 6.6-mile out-and-back hike through rolling hills, starting 0.25 miles west of the Kintla Lake Campground. This trail provides access to the serene northern end of the pristine Kintla Lake, surrounded by towering peaks.

Good to know

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
• The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
• Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
• Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
• Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
• No vehicle reservations required as of 2026 — park pass still required
• Best visited summer and early fall — roads close in winter and can be snowed shut in late fall and spring
• Roads are unpaved, bumpy, and very remote — bring a spare tire and jumper cables; plan for slow driving
• Limited food and fuel near the North Fork — fill up early and pack meals; top pick is Polebridge Mercantile and Bakery
• Prime bear habitat — carry bear spray (accessible, not in your pack), make noise while hiking, never leave food unattended (rentable at Kalispell Airport or Apgar Village)
• Main safety concerns: falls, hypothermia, and bears