Numa Ridge Lookout

Finally, scenery and vistas worthy of the effort of the hike, and today's hike was quite challenging for us - 12.08 miles; elevation gain of 3,000 ft. (332 floors on the Fitbit, our second highest floor count). The trail began at Bowman Lake in the remote North Fork Valley in the northwest area of Glacier Park and getting to the trailhead was a challenge. From the Polebridge Entrance of the park to Bowman Lake is six miles and it took us 30 minutes to drive the twisty, potholed and rough road. The posted speed limit was 20 mph, and most of the time there was no way you could drive 20 mph on that road. But Bowman Lake is spectacular1

Bowman Lake, trailhead of the Numa Ridge Lookout trail.

From the trail, previews of the breathtaking sights that await us at the top of the ridge.

Bowman Lake from near the top.

As you can see, there were clouds sitting on the tops of the highest peaks.

Wildlife on the trail -

A large tree frog (in the middle of the picture)...

some more grouse?and...

a fox (the first time we have seen a fox in the wild).

The closed lookout at the top of Numa Ridge. Notice the cables that keep the lookout in place when the wind blows. 

Peaks from Numa Ridge, to the east.

Behind the lookout, the big peak (left, back) disappears in the clouds.

Looking southeast, Bowman Lake at the bottom right and mountain ridges that go on-and-on.

Bowman Lake at the return from the hike.

They seem to be serious about getting a permit - $5,000 plus 6 months in jail!