29 Jun Exploring Glacier National Park’s Polebridge and Bowman Lake

From a quick look at the map, it appeared there was only one logical way to Polebridge. Well, we only realized that wasn’t the case after we crept down a road filled with pothole, after pothole, after pothole and eventually came to a road closed sign. The only thing to do was to turn around, and it was then, that I realized the other road was actually the route we should have taken all along. But, I guess they always say it isn’t an adventure until something goes wrong, so we laughed and soon found ourselves on the correct trail to Polebridge.

Polebridge is a super tiny town–the bulk of the town consists of a few cabins and a bakery/gift shop. But don’t just breeze right on through on your way to some of the more isolated lakes and campgrounds in the park. Make sure to stop and have a quick look around at all the quirky signs, the cute gifts and souvenirs (it took all I had to resist buying the adorable shirts in stock), and it’s wise to get a baked good if you are so inclined. Since fresh huckleberries were in season during our visit, we snagged a huckleberry pastry and a muffin.

Next up, we were on our way to the day’s highlight. We pulled up to the park ranger’s window and learned that our car was just high enough for clearance along the bumpy roads ahead. “Just take it slow and you’ll be fine”, was the OK we were given to proceed.

The ride down the bumpy road was definitely worth it because we were rewarded with views of a sparkling blue lake surrounded by a forest of trees and a rocky, snow-covered mountain as a backdrop.

We debated on which route to take, but ended up deciding on the hike to the left side of the lake. Rumors of a grizzly bear in the area left us to proceed with caution, but the coast seemed clear so we set up our ENO hammocks for a picnic by the lake.

The next hour was pure bliss. Rocking in the gentle breeze, soaking up the sunlight and snacking on our picnic was the perfect way to end the day’s adventure. That is, until we had to pack up and head back to our perfect lakeside campsite a little over an hour away near Lake McDonald.

Where’s your favorite spot in Glacier National Park?