Firebrand Pass Trail
This day hike has Aspen groves, abundant wildflowers, huckleberries galore when in season, fantastic views, an elevation gain of 2,210 feet, limited shade, very little rain, and can be windy at times.
The Firebrand Pass Trail is a long way away from civilization and hiking in it's isolation is extraordinary. Outdoors people love this part of Montana for this reason - solitude.
The trailhead is located just below Marias Pass at mile marker 203 on US Highway 2 between West Glacier and East Glacier (on the southeastern border of Glacier National Park) next to the railroad tracks.
The parking area is along the BNSF Right of Way and the road to the parking area is somewhat difficult to see if traveling too fast. Decrease your car speed to below 15 mph before turning off Highway 2.
After parking your car in the parking area walk across the railroad tracks, being especially cautious to look and listen for numerous freight trains and the Amtrak passenger train passing by on the railroad tracks at 60 to 70 mph.
Look for the Firebrand trailhead sign near the gate.
Firebrand Pass is 4.8 miles each way.
The trail climbs gently following Coonsa Creek.
At 1.4 miles the trail junctions with the Autumn Creek Trail stay to the right for the Firebrand Pass Trail. The trail goes along the flanks of Calf Robe Mountain with views of Red Crow Mountain in the distance.
At 2.4 miles there is another Junction turn to the left for Firebrand Pass. The trail will continue up very steeply angling Southwest to Firebrand Pass.
Firebrand Pass is 4.8 miles from the trailhead, our lunch stop and our turning point to head back down the trail to your car.
Please remember anytime you are hiking in Glacier National Park that you are hiking deep into Grizzly and Black bear country. It is a must to know about bear safety when hiking in the wilderness. Each hiker should carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Calf Robe Mountain has an elevation of 7895 feet
is part of the Clark Range and is located approximately 6 miles northeast of Marias Pass in the southern portion of Glacier National Park. The Continental Divide passes over the summit of Calf Robe Mountain and makes an abrupt turn northward as it runs through the entirety of Glacier National Park to just north of Brown Pass at the International Border with Canada.
Red Crow Mountain has an elevation of 7891 feet
and is located in the remote southeastern corner of Glacier National Park just north of Firebrand Pass and is also a member of the Lewis and Clark Range.
Note: You can continue on to Ole Lake (another 3 miles) but the Firebrand Pass Trail will descend steeply 2,680 feet down to Ole Lake Campground - a free backcountry permit is required to camp overnight at Ole Lake Campground.
The Firebrand Pass Trail is a long way away from civilization and hiking in it's isolation is extraordinary. Outdoors people love this part of Montana for this reason - solitude.
The trailhead is located just below Marias Pass at mile marker 203 on US Highway 2 between West Glacier and East Glacier (on the southeastern border of Glacier National Park) next to the railroad tracks.
The parking area is along the BNSF Right of Way and the road to the parking area is somewhat difficult to see if traveling too fast. Decrease your car speed to below 15 mph before turning off Highway 2.
After parking your car in the parking area walk across the railroad tracks, being especially cautious to look and listen for numerous freight trains and the Amtrak passenger train passing by on the railroad tracks at 60 to 70 mph.
Look for the Firebrand trailhead sign near the gate.
Firebrand Pass is 4.8 miles each way.
The trail climbs gently following Coonsa Creek.
At 1.4 miles the trail junctions with the Autumn Creek Trail stay to the right for the Firebrand Pass Trail. The trail goes along the flanks of Calf Robe Mountain with views of Red Crow Mountain in the distance.
At 2.4 miles there is another Junction turn to the left for Firebrand Pass. The trail will continue up very steeply angling Southwest to Firebrand Pass.
Firebrand Pass is 4.8 miles from the trailhead, our lunch stop and our turning point to head back down the trail to your car.
Please remember anytime you are hiking in Glacier National Park that you are hiking deep into Grizzly and Black bear country. It is a must to know about bear safety when hiking in the wilderness. Each hiker should carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Calf Robe Mountain has an elevation of 7895 feet
is part of the Clark Range and is located approximately 6 miles northeast of Marias Pass in the southern portion of Glacier National Park. The Continental Divide passes over the summit of Calf Robe Mountain and makes an abrupt turn northward as it runs through the entirety of Glacier National Park to just north of Brown Pass at the International Border with Canada.
Red Crow Mountain has an elevation of 7891 feet
and is located in the remote southeastern corner of Glacier National Park just north of Firebrand Pass and is also a member of the Lewis and Clark Range.
Note: You can continue on to Ole Lake (another 3 miles) but the Firebrand Pass Trail will descend steeply 2,680 feet down to Ole Lake Campground - a free backcountry permit is required to camp overnight at Ole Lake Campground.
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