Bear Mountain Lookout Trail

The path leaves the forest-and-meadow floor near the Mokowanis River and climbs a southwestern ridge in many switchbacks. Trees thin as the upper slope turns dry and rocky, with cliffs and rock formations along the way. The short mileage understates the effort: most of the climb is packed into the two-mile ascent. The route ends at the former lookout site, not a standing tower or built platform.

From the rocky viewpoint, look south and west over Cosley and Glenns lakes in the Mokowanis drainage toward Mount Merritt, Mount Cleveland and the high cirque. To the east are Chief Mountain, Gable Mountain and the Belly River. Red bands on Gable Mountain line up with bands near the top of Chief Mountain from this angle. For a photo, include both lakes and some of the rocky foreground to show how high the viewpoint sits above the valley.

A fire lookout stood here from 1935 until it was destroyed in 1965. The lakes and surrounding ridges are the lasting payoff; there is no lookout building to visit.

Start the mapped spur where it leaves the Stoney Indian Pass Trail, about half a mile east of Cosley Lake Campground. There is no road-access parking at this point; reach it on foot as part of a longer backcountry outing. Overnight camping in Glacier requires a wilderness permit, and pets are not allowed on park trails or in the backcountry. Early-season snow, mud and cold crossings can affect the approach; autumn snow may obscure the trail, and seasonal bridges are often removed by late September. Check current trail and road status before committing to the long approach.