Piegan Pass hike

Route Description for Piegan Pass hike

You start the 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 2.6mi 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 4.5mi 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.

Insider Hints

• Get here early to get a parking space or be prepared to use the free shuttle system in Glacier.

• There are numerous options to extend this trip, hiking into Many Glacier area or over to Siyeh Pass.

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Giedre 4 months ago

I've read that even on the sunny weekends there are very few people doing this trail but on our day there were quite a few hikers apart from us. Still wouldn't call this hike 'popular' though. I have absolutely loved the views (even though the first part going through the forest was a bit boring), especially once we've reached the top and we saw the Swiftcurrent down there. It was really magical. I know that it's possible to hike down there, but the hike is long with a big possibility of meeting bears.

10.0 Overall Rating

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MaggieRoy 5 months ago

You hike through the forest, the meadows and then the view towards Swiftcurrent opens up and takes your breath away. It was the last week of August and it was sunny but I was wearing a winter hat and it was the best decision ever as the wind up there in the pass was very strong and chilly. Also, we were told to be aware of the bears but we haven't seen any.

9.0 Overall Rating

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Wicked T 5 months ago

Very windy on the top ridges. Expected a little bit more but it does make you feel as if you are searching a passage to a new adventure

7.0 Overall Rating

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5h 15m Time Taken

stocRob 5 months ago

The walk is lovely, the views are amazing especially once you reach the top and get to see what's on the other side. The top is very windy so be sure to dress accordingly

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Ronny 5 months ago

nice walk but did not see the final thing, why people go there. the boulders looked like bears so I always watched my back. And the wind was really strong on the edges.

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5h 00m Time Taken

Burokai 5 months ago

Very nice walk as the view is changing from forests to mountain overviews. The ending point (overview to Swiftcurrent) is very rewarding and it's possible to hike down that way. There were lots of signs about bears but sadly we didn't see any

10.0 Overall Rating

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6 Comments