Numa Ridge

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Lake · Views · Wildlife

This trail breaks off from the Bowman Lake Trail and leaves the shores of Bowman Lake and enters in the woods. For the next 3.5 miles, you spend most of your time in an older, pleasant forest, with little views to speak of as you climb. You'll pass a pond at the saddle which you won't see, but the bugs and the warblers nearby let you know of its existence.

From there, the trail begins to climb in earnest. The density and height of the trees decreases with the elevation giving you better and better views as you get higher. The terrain dries out more and more as the trail switchbacks up the mountain. This is a south-facing slope and can get pretty hot. Make sure that you bring all of the water that you need as there isn't any along this trail at all, including at the staffed lookout. As you break out into the sun, you'll appreciate it.

Finally, after climbing 2,900 feet, you reach the top. To the southwest are the foothills of the North Fork area. Bowman Lake is stunning below you. Turning around is a wall of summits of the Livingston Range with Rainbow Peak across the valley being the most noteworthy and impressive.

The lookout is staffed in the summer, but offers no water or services.

This content was created by Jake Bramante of Hike 734. Visit hike734.com for more expert Glacier content and maps that help you decide which trail to hike.

Denser forest yields forest flowers, small birds, and squirrels/chipmunks. Deer and black bear are sometimes seen along the trail. Up in the alpine section, marmots, clark's nutcrackers and the occasional bear or mountain goat can be seen.