🧯 Numa Ridge Lookout
Flathead National Forest · Glacier View Ranger District
Opens in ~2 months
🏛️ Historic structure 1956
🏔️ 8,000 ft
Inside Glacier National Park on the Flathead side. Views of Bowman and Quartz Lakes, the Livingston Range, and interior Glacier. Truly exceptional.
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Access
🥾 Hike-in required
6.00 mi · 3,100 ft gain
🛣️ Access road
Bowman Lake trailhead in Glacier NP, 6-mile hike
📅 Season
July 15 – September 30
Road distance from town: ~0.0 mi unpaved
Booking
Glacier NP adjacent — highest demand lookout in MT.
Booking window: 6 months rolling via recreation.gov
🎫 Reserve on recreation.gov →
PeakScout availability data may be delayed — always verify on recreation.gov before making plans.
Amenities & Gear
👥 Capacity:
Up to 2 people
🛏️ Beds:2 cots
🔥 Heating:Wood stove
🍳 Cooking:Propane backpacking stove (bring own)
💧 Water:Spring nearby (treat all water)
🚽 Privy:
No — pack out
📞 Phone:
None — satellite recommended
🏗️ Structure:L-4 cab on 41-foot steel tower (1956)
⚠️ Bring your own water unless a reliable source is confirmed with the ranger district. Most MT lookouts have no water or unreliable cisterns.
🐻 Wildlife
One of the highest grizzly densities in the US. Active grizzly, wolf, mountain goat. Bear spray is mandatory in this zone — NPS requires it.
ℹ️ Notes
Hike 6 miles via Bowman Lake from Polebridge area. NPS day-use fee for Glacier NP required at trailhead. USFS/NPS cooperative rental — check both agencies for current rules.
⛑️ Before you go
✅ Check road conditions with the ranger district 24–48h before departure ·
✅ Carry bear spray and know how to use it ·
✅ Pack all water (source at site may be unreliable) ·
✅ Leave a trip plan with someone not going ·
✅ Bring a satellite communicator — no cell service at this location ·
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