Lee Ridge to Gable Pass to Belly River Ranger Station - Glacier National Park
A lesser known area of the park, the Belly River area generally requires a long hike or a backcountry trip to enjoy any of its surreal beauty. It is off the beaten path, so much less traveled, but no less spectacular.
The Lee Ridge trail is one way to get to experience some of this area, but at twelve miles out and back and 2500 feet of elevation gain, it still requires substantial effort. For a more challenging but rewarding day hike, it can be done as a point-to-point trail, as this video showcases.
Chief Mountain Highway is where the trail begins, just below the Canada border. The Lee Ridge trail is a bit tricky to locate, as there is no obvious trail marker if you are just driving by. There is a parking area slightly past the trailhead, across the street, and an orange marker on a tree marks the start of the trail. The trail becomes fairly obvious once the orange markers are located, and just inside the trees a trail sign confirms you are on the right path.
Just below the Canada border crossing, a parking lot marks the end of the trail, this is the Belly River trailhead. You can start from this direction as well, but it is far more challenging going this direction. For the 16+ mile (I have done it twice, once we clocked 18 miles, once 16.5) single day point-to-point hike, begin at the Lee Ridge trailhead, at the junction at the top of the ridge head down Gable Pass to the Belly River Ranger station, then complete the trek by passing Gable Creek campground and out the Belly River trail to the parking lot. It is only a half-mile between where the trail starts and ends, but with a long day if possible, parking a vehicle at both ends makes for a better end to the day.
This area is a favorite for many, because of the scenery certainly, but also because the trail tends to be much quieter than the rest of the park. The Belly River Ranger station is a spectacular place to sit and rest for a bit, though as of June 2023 the porch usually available for a rest was under construction, no telling when it will be available again. Water is minimal along this trail, only on the final six mile stretch will you pass any for filtering, and there are LOTS of wild animals in this area so stay loud and alert. Bugs can also be ridiculously annoying, so bug spray is a really good idea. And don't forget your camera, there is no shortage of amazing scenery on this one.
Watch video Lee Ridge to Gable Pass to Belly River Ranger Station - Glacier National Park online without registration, duration hours minute second in high quality. This video was added by user Hike Harder Not Smarter 03 July 2023, don't forget to share it with your friends and acquaintances, it has been viewed on our site 27 once and liked it people.