Scenic Point Trail

Overview

If you want instant payoff for your uphill work, this ridge climb delivers. Scenic Point is an out-and-back, roughly 7.7–8.0 miles total with about 2,300–2,365 feet of elevation gain. Expect a steady, sustained ascent and huge panoramas over Two Medicine and far across the eastern plains.

Route highlights

Start at the Scenic Point parking area and follow the Mt. Henry Trail (also part of the Continental Divide Trail). About 0.6 miles in, a short side path pops to Appistoki Falls. Soon after, you break out of the trees and stay mostly open the rest of the way, working roughly 16 switchbacks with ever-better looks into the Appistoki Valley and Basin between Appistoki Peak and Mt. Henry. Around one mile from the trailhead, you’ll stroll through a “ghost forest” of dead whitebark pines. At 3.1 miles, reach a saddle with the first clear look at Scenic Point, then traverse a fairly narrow ledge around the top of a bowl that can hold snow well into summer. A final steep kicker—about 145 feet over 0.15 miles—pops you onto the point.

From the top, you can pick out Lower Two Medicine Lake, Two Medicine Lake, and Upper Two Medicine Lake, with sweeping views south toward East Glacier Park and east to Browning and distant Sweet Grass Hills on clear days.

Difficulty and conditions

This is a stout workout, especially if you’re coming from sea level. The tread is generally good but turns rocky/shaly near the top, and the route is exposed to weather. Winds are often fierce around the bowl and at the summit—secure hats and be ready to turn around if it’s too strong. Snow can linger into summer in certain sections; in spring/fall, traction like microspikes or even snowshoes/crampons may be needed. Typical time is about 4.5–5+ hours depending on pace and conditions.

Best time to hike

Late summer usually offers the most reliable snow-free conditions. Spring and early summer can be a mixed bag with lingering snow and ice, while fall brings increasing wind and early storms. Morning light often makes the best photos of Two Medicine Lake on the ascent. Always check current trail status and potential closures for weather or wildlife before you go.

Tips

Bring layers (it’s often blustery high up), snacks, and trekking poles for the sustained grade and shale. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. The ascent provides some of the best angles of Two Medicine Lake—don’t wait for the summit to take those shots. The parking lot is fairly large but can fill when ranger-led hikes are scheduled.

A little history

The Mt. Henry Trail dates to 1913 and the Great Northern Railway. In 1929 a locomotive bell was actually installed on Scenic Point (inspired by a Swiss custom); it was removed in 1943 for a WWII scrap metal drive.