Nyack Creek Trail

Nyack Creek Trail is an 18.3-mile, one-way backcountry route from the Boundary Trail junction near the abandoned Nyack Ranger Station up the Nyack Creek valley to the Surprise Pass Trail junction. That figure covers the named corridor only; it excludes the ford and approach from Nyack Crossing, and it is not the distance back to a road. This is a remote through-route, best planned as part of a multi-day wilderness itinerary rather than a day hike.

The road access is Nyack Crossing off U.S. 2, about 11 miles east of West Glacier. Reaching the Boundary Trail start means crossing the Middle Fork Flathead River first. The ford shifts with the river, then a faint approach leads to the park trail network; get the park's current crossing map and advice before you commit. The route ends at another backcountry junction, so plan how you'll continue from Surprise Pass before setting out.

The trail follows the creek valley through mature forest and brush, climbing along the north slope and rim above the gorge. Lower Nyack Campground is a useful named waypoint about 4.5 miles beyond the Boundary Trail junction. Expect tributary and creek crossings along the way, not a smooth, dry tread from end to end.

Openings in the trees bring views toward Threesuns Mountain and Mount Stimson, then Blackfoot Mountain, Pumpelly Glacier, and the peaks around Cut Bank Pass. The changing views are the reward for a long stretch of wooded valley; they don't make the route any less remote.

Lower and Upper Nyack are designated backcountry campgrounds along the corridor. Every overnight in Glacier's backcountry requires a wilderness use permit, and pets are not allowed on trails or in the backcountry. The Middle Fork and smaller unbridged crossings can be cold, swift, and difficult to judge, so this one is for hikers comfortable with remote travel and changing water—not a casual creekside walk.