Piegan Pass

You start the Piegan Pass trail hiking beside the Siyeh Creek in an open meadow. In the distance, there is a faint trail in front of you, running across the open rocky ridge. Your trail, however, veers right and puts you into a dense forest. The trail is very clear – typical for all park trails – and is well signposted. Follow the signs for the Siyeh Pass Junction.

As you climb, the trail will start to turn left again and you will begin to pass through several small meadows. These meadows give you the first view of Piegan Mountain across the valley and Mahtapi Peak above the path. Continue the gentle climb as you contour along the right side of the valley.

Finally, after 4.3km of hiking, you will reach the Siyeh Pass Junction. Turn left to continue to our objective. Cross a stream then hike another couple hundred meters in the trees. Finally, emerge from the trees and enjoy gorgeous views down the valley across to Heavy Runner Mountain. Make sure to savor the panoramic views of Piegan Mountain as the objective becomes clear across the scree slope.

After almost 7.2km you will come to the top of the grassy pass. Many people stop at the apex of the pass, however the most stunning views come from continuing down the other side of the pass to the end of the first switchback. Resting there gives you superb views of Cataract Mountain to your right and Piegan Mountain to your left, and then Pollock Mountain, Bishop Cap, and Mount Gould and their astounding sheer faces running out down the valley.

Piegan Pass was one of four hikes in Glacier to have had a large train bell at the top. Along with Swiftcurrent Pass, Scenic Point, and Siyeh Pass, the bells were placed to advertise the local chalets and the Great Northern Railway. It also went along with the old Swiss custom of ringing bells from mountaintops to hear the vast echo. Placed in 1929, the Piegan Pass Bell was taken down in 1943 to donate to the scrap metal drive during World War II.

Return the way you came and soak the 360-degree panoramic views until you return to the tree line.