Camp at Bowman Lake

West Glacier, Montana

5.0/5

based on 4 reviews

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Details

Distance

26.85 miles

Elevation Gain

3005 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jason Hatfield

An amazing lake in a remote part of Glacier National Park with hiking, camping, canoeing, and more.

Bowman lake is the 3rd largest lake in Glacier National Park and one of the most remote areas accessible by car. The drive out on a dirt road is slow and bumpy but the reward is an area without crowds and lots of adventure potential. The first-come-first-served campground offers 48 sites near the lake's edge and the perfect basecamp for sunrise/sunset photography on the lake. From the campground, the Bowman Lake Trail is 13.5 miles to the lake's end and back, with numerous other trails available in the area. On the lake itself you can fish, kayak, SUP, canoe, and operate motorized watercraft under 10hp.

Grizzly bears are present in the area so always carry bear spray, travel in groups, and make noise.

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Features

Camping

Fishing

Photography

Running

Kayaking

Hiking

Bathrooms

Beach

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Groups

Lake

Picnic Area

Scenic

Wildlife

Reviews

Stephen Catalano

Camp at Bowman Lake

08/12/20

Plenty of space in this camping area. Bring some waders and try your hand at fly fishing for some lake trout. I didn't have too much luck, but if you have a strong cast I wouldn't be surprised if you pulled a few out of the deeper waters.

5.0

Explorer

Gavin Pirrie

Explorer

Camp at Bowman Lake

09/02/16

Bowman Lake offers a secluded area that not many people camp at, especially in the early season (May-June). Fishing is great at the lake; don't forget to bring a canoe or kayak!

5.0

Explorer

Mike Fennell

Explorer

Camp at Bowman Lake

02/11/16

One of the best backyards to a campground I've ever had... Walk 2 minutes from your tent to the Bowman Lake shore and be amazed! I couldn't stop looking at this amazing view and took hundreds of sunrise, sunset, and blue sky photos.. Far enough away from the main parts of Glacier National Park that if you go here at the right time, you may have the entire lake to yourself!

5.0

Joy Jordan

Camp at Bowman Lake

02/03/16

Great campground and outstanding scenery. Close enough for a day trip from whitefish. Mosquitos are prevalent until the end of June.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Bowman Lake to Quartz Lake Loop

The trail to Quartz lake begins on southend of the Bowman Lake beach. I recommend going in a clockwise direction and getting the steep bit out of the way, but the ~13 mile loop can be done either way. Follow the Bowman Lake shore on the West Lakes Trail for about half a mile and then you will find the split where the loop begins. Turn left if doing the trail clockwise. The next 4 miles will be...

Kayak Bowman Lake, Glacier NP

The lake is located in the northwestern portion of Glacier National Park, about 32.5 miles from the west entrance and 30 miles from the Canadian Border. From the little town of Polebridge, it is 6 miles north along an unpaved road. The lake is 7 miles long and approx .5 miles wide. Access to the lake is just beyond the campground. More info on the lake can be found here.

Waterton Lake via Bowman Lake

Our trip started on Thursday evening, spending the night at the Bowman Lake campground. You can park your car here and it's where the hike will start and end. I recommend staying here the night before because day 1 is a doozy, so you'll want an early start. Day 1 is the hardest day of the hike, both in terms of elevation gain and mileage. Starting at the Bowman Lake trailhead, you'll hike 16 m...

Hike Numa Ridge Lookout

Begin the hike at Bowman Lake Campground. The trail wanders along the West side of the lake for the first mile or so, and then begins a gradual climb to the lookout. The total distance is 5.6 miles each way, and the trail climbs roughly 2,900 vertical. Don't worry, your sore legs and lungs will find respite in the sweeping panoramic views of the entire North Fork region. Pop into the lookou...

Backpack to Logging Lake

Backcountry camping is the best plan if you’d like to visit Logging Lake, and the primitive campsites lay at the end of a four and a half mile hike through some of the most unspoiled sections of the park. The trail follows logging creek most of the way to the lake traversing through a variety of landscapes to end up at the serene Logging Lake campsite.The hike to Logging Lake takes you through ...

Kintla Lake Campground

* The road to this trailhead/lake is closed during the winter. Kintla Lake is one of the lesser explored lakes in Glacier National Park. Located on the west side of the park, it is accessible via an unpaved road from the Polebridge Ranger Station. From the Ranger Station, take a LEFT and continue along the road for 14.3 miles. You will pass over multiple rivers and through two prairies. Make ...

Camp at Bowman Lake

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Bowman Lake to Quartz Lake Loop

Kayak Bowman Lake, Glacier NP

Waterton Lake via Bowman Lake

Hike Numa Ridge Lookout

Backpack to Logging Lake

Kintla Lake Campground

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