Nyack Creek–Coal Creek Loop

The route begins and ends with a ford of the Middle Fork Flathead River at Nyack Crossing. The usable ford shifts with water flow, and the crossing is cold, unbridged water rather than a fixed bridge or marked crossing. On the Nyack side, the trail climbs a steep bank after crossing Nyack Creek, then spends a long stretch in brushy forest above the creek canyon. Openings bring views toward Mount Stimson and Threesuns Mountain. Near the old Nyack Ranger Station, the cabin and barn remain. Mount Stimson rises to 10,142 feet, more than 6,000 feet above the Nyack valley floor, and dominates much of this side of the loop. Near the Cut Bank Pass junction, the tread gets swampy and muddy before climbing through avalanche openings and forest toward Surprise Pass.

Surprise Pass is the high point and the hinge between the two drainages, with views toward Mount Pinchot and Mount Phillips. The descent reaches Martha’s Basin, a cirque below Mount Pinchot and Peril Peak. Side trails from the basin lead to Beaver Woman and Buffalo Woman lakes; they are not part of the mapped loop, so don’t add their mileage unless you choose to extend the trip. This is the route’s clearest open mountain view: the basin and enclosing peaks make a stronger frame than another close-up of forest tread.

Coal Creek is brushy and asks for repeated substantial fords; five major crossings are reported before Coal Creek Campground. Near the campground, the trail crosses talus with a view of Mount Saint Nicholas. Lower in the drainage, a burn opened the forest and left a sunnier, less shaded stretch. The South Boundary return can thin out in brush, so keep checking the mapped corridor and trail markers instead of expecting an obvious tread the whole way.

This is a backcountry backpacking trip, not a long day hike. An overnight wilderness permit is required. The Nyack/Coal Creek camping area includes both designated sites and an area where undesignated camping is allowed with a permit; check current NPS instructions before planning camps. Pets aren’t allowed on Glacier trails or in the backcountry.