Pitamakan Pass

Overview

Pitamakan Pass is a long, rewarding day in the quieter Two Medicine corner of the park. Expect a big, high-country payoff—sweeping views over Oldman and Pitamakan Lakes and the serrated skyline of Mt. Morgan and McClintock—without the wall-to-wall crowds of the park’s headline corridors. It’s a strenuous outing mostly due to distance, not constant steep grades.

Distance, Elevation, Difficulty

Plan for roughly 15.4 miles total (out-and-back) with about 2,500 feet of cumulative gain. The trail rolls gently for many miles, then finishes with a stout final climb to the pass. Most hikers take around 7 hours (give or take) depending on conditions and stops.

Route Preview

Start from the North Shore Trailhead in the Two Medicine Campground. Early on, a signed split sends left toward Dawson Pass—stay right for Pitamakan. The approach contours along the flanks of Rising Wolf Mountain through meadows, mixed pine, and pockets of aspen, then up the Dry Fork valley. Near 6+ miles you’ll pass the Oldman Lake junction, a zone known for thick huckleberry patches—prime bear habitat. The last ~1.1 miles climb roughly 750 feet to the pass, including a short, narrow ledge section that can feel airy when the wind kicks up. At the pass, the narrow saddle frames classic Two Medicine views; if you still have gas, a short add-on beyond the pass reaches an overlook with a different angle on the basin.

What You’ll See

This one’s about big alpine scenery: lake-to-lake vantages over Oldman and Pitamakan Lakes, dramatic walls below Mt. Morgan and McClintock, and a broad sweep of the Two Medicine backcountry. In season, the huckleberries near Oldman Lake are a highlight (for hikers and bears). Wildlife sightings are possible in the valley and around the lakes.

Best Time to Hike

Mid to late summer is the sweet spot once lingering snow melts from the ledges and pass. Wind is common any time—earlier starts usually mean calmer conditions and fewer storms. If you’re visiting in peak season, starting before dawn helps with logistics and lighting, and it also avoids the afternoon gusts that often rake the ridge.

Logistics and Access

Trailhead parking is at the North Shore Trailhead inside Two Medicine Campground; the lot is small, so arrive early. During summer, vehicle reservations for Two Medicine are typically required in the morning/early afternoon; entering outside the reservation window or holding a qualifying service reservation are common workarounds. Cell service is unreliable—download maps and figure your turnaround times ahead of time.

Hazards and Tips

Expect strong, sometimes balance-testing winds near and above treeline. The short exposed section below the pass is usually straightforward in dry, calm weather but can feel serious if gusts are high or if early-season snow lingers. Bears (including grizzlies) frequent the huckleberry zones—carry bear spray, make noise, and keep groups tight. Trekking poles, a wind shell, and secure sun protection make the day more comfortable.

Variations

If you’re chasing a bigger objective, the classic Pitamakan–Dawson Loop links this pass with Dawson Pass on an all-day, committing ridge run (about 18–19 miles and more elevation). It’s gorgeous but exposed and often wind-scoured; many hikers opt to stick with the out-and-back to Pitamakan when conditions are blustery.