Park Creek

This out-and-back covers the entirety of the Park Creek Drainage and gets you to the seldom visited Isabel Lake.

From Essex, MT cross the large footbridge into Glacier National Park and follow the South Boundary Trail to make your way NW along the steep slopes of Scalplock Mountain. A long side trip to the top of this peak to the fire tower is a good one to add to your to-do list. Continue on, however, and make your way to the Park Creek drainage. Follow the good trail to the right (NE) and begin making your way up this beautiful mountain valley.

This long, deep, glacially formed valley provides amazing views of the peaks that line it. Statuary Peak a beacon toward the end of the valley informing you how much more to go. Make camp at the Upper Park Creek camp and relax for the evening.

The following day, load some provisions for a quick run up to Lake Isabel, or pack all your gear and make another camp up in this steeply-walled mountain cirque. Gaze up the massive walls of Vigil Peak and the Battlement Mountains and perhaps cast a fly into the glacially-fed waters to try your hand at some trout.

Visit hike734.com for more expert Glacier content and maps that help you decide which trail to hike.