- The South Boundary Trail is NOT listed on the Day Hikes in Glacier
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South Boundary Trail- South Boundary Trail
5.3 miles to Lincoln Creek Trail Junction
7.2 miles to Harrison Creek Trail Junction
11.8 miles to Nyak Creek Trail Junction
No Shuttle Service
rolling hills, trail on northern side of Middle Fork elevation gain unknown
southern exposure trail heats up quickly
moderately strenuous hike
NPSTrails Status as of 9-28-11
South Boundary Trail
Bridge scheduled for removal by 9/26/11.
This trail is hidden from most visitors to Glacier National Park. The South Boundary Trail is found at the original entrance to Glacier National Park. After turning into Glacier National Park from US Route 2, in West Glacier, take the FIRST paved road to the right (just after the gas station), follow this road to its end at the Old River Bridge. You will need to park at or near the bridge as motor vehicle access to the bridge is blocked by boulders. After crossing the bridge turn right, the trail sign for the South Boundary Trail is located on the northern edge of the trail shortly after entering the woods. I don't think the mileage distances given on the trail sign are accurate as Lincoln Creek Trail shows as 5 miles and that is the distance to Lincoln Creek by way of a straight line and this trail is not straight.
The first part South Boundary Trail goes through a mixed Evergreen needle leaf forest. The trail after a mile or so then becomes more exposed, bring extra water. South Boundary Trail rarely stays at the same elevation, continually going up and down the slopes of Belton Hills above the Middle Fork. After passing through the heavily wooded part of the Boundary Trail you will get wide open views of the Flathead National Forest across the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. The South Boundary Trail provides entry for overnight backpackers to some of the more remote areas of Glacier National Park. The Burlington Northern track follows the southern shore of the Middle Fork River. US Route 2 on it's 2579 mile east west journey across the northern most edge of the United States follows above the track of Burlington Northern. The railroad came before the highway. White water rafters and kayakers travel down the Middle Fork of the Flathead River towards West Glacier. You will hear the rafters long before you can see them. If your looking for tranquility then this isn't the trail for you. The other thing that will shatter tranquility will be numerous helicopter tours above the river. This trail provides a unique sense of transportation, by rail, by car, by water, by horseback and by foot. Bring extra socks as there are numerous creek crossings!
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This is the best trail to watch and photograph white water rafting in Glacier National Park. Unless your going to be camping at Lincoln Lake or Harrison Lake the trick to the trail is to just hike until you feel you have gone far enough. This trail can vary from relatively easy to grueling depending largely on how far and how fast you take on your hike.
A diverse selection of wildflowers were in bloom along this trail in late spring, on the first sunny day after weeks of rain. Unlike Logan Pass there are no large meadows filled with wildflowers. This is an easily accessible trail, once you know how to get to the trailhead, to take photos of individual wildflowers, whitewater rafters, mile long trainloads of grain, miles and miles of river and forested mountains. While hiking this trail for seven hours we didn't see another hiker on the trail until nearly arriving back at the trailhead.
Blue-Eyed Mary ~
Collinsia Verna is a tiny, tiny flower the blossoms are smaller then the nail on my smallest finger.
A splash of vibrant blue color along the forest floor.
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