Firebrand Pass Trail

Firebrand Pass Trail is a strenuous out-and-back from Lubec Trailhead on US 2 to a saddle between Calf Robe and Red Crow mountains. The mapped route is about 5.1 miles each way, or 10.2 miles round trip; published mileage ranges from 4.8 to 5.1 miles each way. Allow about 6 to 8 hours and roughly 2,000 feet of climbing. It's a long day at high elevation, with a loose, rocky finish. Turn around at the pass: the trail continues down the far side toward Ole Lake, but that is a different through-route with separate logistics.

Park in the gravel pullout on the west side of US 2, opposite mile marker 203, then carefully cross the railroad tracks to the signed Lubec Trailhead. The route starts through open meadow and willow beside Coonsa Creek. At about 0.6 mile it enters aspen, then pine, climbing toward the first junction. At roughly 1.5 miles, turn right and north onto Autumn Creek Trail. In the open meadow around 2.4 miles, leave it to the left and northwest onto Firebrand Pass Trail; continuing straight follows Autumn Creek instead.

After the second junction, the path rises through meadows and small stands of trees along Calf Robe Mountain's north ridge. Views open toward Dancing Lady Mountain and the peaks around Railroad Creek's upper cirque. Near 3.9 miles the trail curves around the ridge end, crosses talus, and looks toward Red Crow Mountain. A short easing in grade gives way to rocky meadows and switchbacks for the final climb to the saddle.

Firebrand Pass sits at about 6,950 feet, between Calf Robe and Red Crow mountains. From the southwest side of the saddle, the view opens down remote Ole Creek valley, with Barrier Buttes, Peak 8,888, Brave Dog Mountain, and Sheep Mountain on the skyline. The best photo composition is from that southwest edge, with the valley in front of the peaks. The trail continues over the pass toward Debris Creek and Ole Lake; this hike's mapped experience turns around at the saddle.

Snow cornices can linger on the talus below the pass after the lower trail is clear, and detours can cross steep, loose ground. The final approach may need more route judgment than the earlier tread. Cross the railroad tracks carefully at the start. Pets are not allowed on Glacier National Park trails. No food, water, or toilet service was verified at the Lubec pullout, so bring what you need for a long day.