Hey fellow Wanderers, thanks for joining me for Montana secrets of the locals episode 2 today
We're gonna start in Kalispell
Which is actually where you will fly in and then we're gonna head to pole bridge to visit the mercantile there pick up a few
Huckleberry bear claws for our journey, and then we're gonna head on to Bowman Lake Bowman Lake is in Glacier National Park
We're gonna take a few photos there
and then we're gonna drive to
Hornet look out at hornet lookout we're gonna take the hike up about 1 mile to the top for some amazing
360 degree views and then I'm gonna personally share with you one of my favorite random secrets of the area so let's get going
When traveling in Montana allow a little extra time to pull off at random spots along the drive here
We stopped along the North Fork road to stretch our legs and enjoy the beauty around us
Extended family came to visit so we had ages ranging from one to forty five participating in all activities on this episode and
Since our hike wasn't in Glacier National Park. We brought our dog Fletcher as well
The Polebridge mercantile has been serving the community in remote Northwest Montana for more than a century it may be small
But the Merc serves as a general store bakery Basecamp and vacation getaway
Not only for its local residents, but for thousands of tourists every year
Today we are stopping for some
Huckleberry bear claw to take with us on our hike and have lucked out because they are fresh out of the oven
Before heading out take a little time to explore the grounds if you need to use the bathroom the Mercs does have an outhouse
However if you're heading on to Bowman lake, there's a nicer pit toilet at the glacier national park entrance just down the road
Bowman Lake is breathtaking
But it can get very busy
and the road to it is mostly single lane dirt with plenty of pothole adventures
this never stops us
But today the Ranger told us parking was full and we realized we forgot our Glacier National Park pass and didn't really feel like paying
$30 for a quick visit
our trip was in late June
Which technically precedes the busy season we arrived just after noon so an earlier start is suggested if including bowman lake in your itinerary
These photos are of previous visits in summer and fall the colors are rich in autumn
If you are afraid of heights skip this road and hike along Bowman lake instead
It is a relatively flat hike so it's also great for those with young kids or lower physical activity levels
Hornet lookout was constructed in 1922 as a fire lookout for the North Fork area
ironically in
2003 a wildfire burned the surrounding area you can still see the effects of the fire
But benefits can also be found in the growth of bear grass and huckleberry bushes the huckleberries provide a tasty snack while hiking
As you can see here on a day when the Bowman lake parking lot was full
Hornet lookout has four vehicles two of which belong to us
We took our $5 bear claws to the million dollar view and enjoyed them, so
Just remember to pack up your food and trash Leave No Trace
Remember to bring enough water for your hike we passed a couple with a st. Bernard that wouldn't go any further
We gave them a bottled water for her on the way up and they left us this cute note
you should also bring bug spray sunscreen and bear spray
A quick snowball fight before beginning
when hiking makes you hot make a snow angel
Okay, so we just hiked up hornette lookout I had to carry my three-year-old nephew
Because he wasn't walking
So if you're not in the best of shape
And you can't carry your kids, and they can't walk on their own
Don't do this hike but it's only a mile. Just a little over a mile
3,000 steps on my Fitbit and
Amazing views, so we're at the top, and I'm super stoked to show you this outhouse
Because I think it's the outhouse with the best view ever
Check it out
Sit in the outhouse
And that is
your view
But here's inside
hold your breath
It has good views, but it still stinks like an outhouse
Okay, we're going in
Going in
and
Let me spin you around
That should be your view
Also there's flies here right now. This is the first time I've been up here with flies
That bite so remember bug spray. I'm gonna walk you back to hornette lookout which you can actually rent
For 25 bucks a night I believe
you have to pack up your water and your food, so im gonna get up here and show you what it looks like
If you want to stay overnight at the lookout you can do so from mid-june to late October for $20 a night
Reservations can be made six months to four days in advance
Thanks so much for joining me today. Please share this video and feel free to leave any questions and comments below
Have a great week. I'll see you guys next time