Great Divide MTB alternate Eureka MT into Glacier NP

[greenbubba]

Wondering if it's worth leaving the Great Divide trail at Red Meadow Rd and taking North Fork Rd to Polebridge mt and accessing Glacier park on the west side, then rejoining Great Divide trail at Columbia Falls or Whitefish MT. Or even fording the N Flathead River and taking Kitna Lake Rd south to the going to sun road. Looks pretty doable by google maps, but looking for feedback and wondering if anyone had actually gone this route. thanks!

[John Nettles]

The original GD route when through Polebridge then south to Columbia Falls via North Fork Rd..  For some reason, the route got altered even though the original route was perfectly fine.

If wanting to go to Glacier, you could turn onto Camas Rd. south of Polebridge.  Or you could go slightly north of Polebridge and cross the N. Flathead River and cross a bridge (no fording necessary  to access the Inside Fork Road down to Camas Rd. to Apgar and return via Blankenship Road back to Columbia Falls.

Personally, I would take the N Fork Rd. as there is another campground/cafe/store on the road that is also pretty neat and the road is much better maintained.

Enjoy the ride!

[greenbubba]

Perfect - thank you John!
Charlie

[CMajernik]

FYI... The original Great Divide route never went through Polebridge and further south via the North Fork Rd. It has always gone up over Red Meadow Pass. We've always recommended cyclists go to Polebridge for supplies - the general store is a great place to visit.

[John Nettles]

Carla,

My mistake then.  I guess I read so many journals that indicated they went that way writing about Polebridge and Home Ranch Bottoms stores I guess I got it ingrained into my brain that was the original route.  Regardless, in this case, since the OP wanted to go to Glacier, I still think North Fork road would be a better option, unless you have information/opinions otherwise.

[CMajernik]

John:
I like the idea to use the Inside Fork Rd. I haven't been between Polebridge and Columbia Falls using the North Fork Rd. in years but it used to be as summer progressed, the gravel North Fork Rd. turned into horrendous washboards from traffic. At Polebridge Charlie can ask the locals to see what they say.

[SandLizrd]

I came through on the Inside Road recently - Naturally, you'll have to check current conditions but here's how it was.

There's a major washout, so it's closed to cars, only open to bikes.
It was VERY remote! And bear scat all over the place.  Had the bear spray on quick-draw!  There were not even airplanes.  No rangers.
We got a backcountry permit and camped at Avalanche Creek, mostly because there's a big nasty hill just after that.  But it's all rideable., maybe a little more rubble than you're used to but no problem

[greenbubba]

Thanks - Sounds perfect; closed to cars, no airplanes or rangers, VERY remote! Well- okay the girlfriend is not excited about the bear skat everywhere...

[bergersride]

I would definitely recommend the Inside North Fork Road between Apgar and Polebridge.  We rode it as part of a detour in July that included Waterton NP and Glacier NP.  The Inside North Fork Road was in very good condition and even the washed out part is mostly rideable.  We saw two black bears but only for a few seconds.

You can see the details of our detour at http://routes.bergersride.com- we went off route near the Butts Cabin, entered Waterton from the west, crossed the border at Chief Mountain, rode the Going to the Sun road east to west and then the Inside N Fork Road to Polebridge.  It was one of the highlights of our trip so far.

-Todd

[CMajernik]

Todd:
Do you have any written cues/mileages from leaving the GD route at Butts Cabin to entering Waterton NP? I've heard of one or two others doing this and I'd like to get more specific information on road conditions, etc.

[bergersride]

I don't have written cues but I can email you the gpx track from that day and the other three days of the detour if you are interested.  We rode the Flathead Forest Service Road for about 35 miles from the Butts Cabin turnoff east towards Waterton, it was in very good condition.  The Akamina Pass road/trail was in good condition although a little overgrown until just before the pass where we had to walk around a bunch of mud bogs.

Let me know where to email the files if you want them.

-Todd

[CMajernik]

Todd:
Please send them to cmajernik@adventurecycling.org

Thanks!!