Hiking Fools

Winter Adventures in Glacier

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 17:22:23 +0000

Josh and Sarah unpack the snow to reveal the many excursions that are available in Glacier National Park during the winter season. From hiking, to skiing and snowshoeing, this is a great time to enjoy the peace and solitude of the park.

Woman Among Wolves - Part 2

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:33:00 +0000

A continued discussion with Diane Boyd, decorated author and researcher who spent many years in the remote areas of Glacier National Park. This episode features personal stories and adventures as well as guidance on how to interact safely with these apex predators.

Woman Among Wolves - Part 1

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:55:08 +0000

Josh and Sarah welcome Diane Boyd into the studio for a conversation about wolves and her amazing experiences in and around Glacier National Park. Author, researcher, and conservationist, Diane brings decades of knowledge to this enlightening episode.

Two Medicine Pass and Cobalt Lake

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:44:39 +0000

Enjoy a beautiful meandering trail with great potential for moose sightings, and a spectacular view from a beautiful windy mountain pass with views deep into Glacier National Park’s internal boundaries.

Rocky Mountain Outfitter- Part 2

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 17:38:25 +0000

A continued discussion with Don Scharfe, including some great stories about climbing and exploring the more remote parts of Glacier National Park.

Rocky Mountain Outfitter - Part 1

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:26:09 +0000

Josh and Sarah welcome Don Scharfe into the studio, the founder and former owner of RMO in Kalispell. Don talks about his early days in the Glacier National Park area and shares some of his thoughts about gear and climbing.

Essential Equipment for Day Hikes

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Planning your visit to Glacier National Park, but not sure what to bring or how to prepare? In this episode, Josh and Sarah outline the essential equipment for hiking and also share some of their favorite optional items to make your experience the most comfortable and enjoyable.

Gunsight Pass Trail

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 17:41:24 +0000

One of Josh and Sarah’s absolute favorite hikes in the entire park, this trail offers abundant wildlife viewing opportunities and some terrific views of waterfalls, alpine lakes, historical structures, and attractive geology. A Glacier National Park classic, a must-hike.

Trout Lake Trail

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 18:33:25 +0000

This trail offers an opportunity to hike up and over Howe Ridge to a pretty little lake nestled in among a densely forested cove. This a challenging climb but leads to some less-traveled wooded areas with excellent views of Lake McDonald, the largest lake in Glacier National Park.

Scalplock Lookout

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:55:10 +0000

This challenging hike ends at a well-positioned active fire lookout with views in every direction into the Bob Marshall Wilderness and Glacier National Park. The trail is a great workout for very fit hikers and is found at the southern tip of the Park.

Five Best Hikes for Families

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 19:11:44 +0000

Josh & Sarah provide a list of enjoyable hikes for families with kids, their favorites in each major area of Glacier National Park, with tips and tricks on how to make the most of your vacation together.

Swiftcurrent Pass

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 18:47:00 +0000

A gem of a hike that traverses from the west side of Glacier National Park to Many Glacier. Summit the peak and visit the picturesque lookout if you’re up for the challenge, and see the Many Glacier valley laid out in all its glory.

Piegan Mountain

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 19:28:00 +0000

Josh and Sarah climb one of the most beautiful and accessible peaks in all of Glacier National Park. Traverse to the pass, gaze out into the distance from the saddle, and soak in the view from the summit. This is epic GNP.

Lincoln Lake Trail

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 18:56:29 +0000

One of the most overlooked trails in Glacier National Park, with steep slopes and fewer spectacular views along the way, but still reaching a small beautiful lake with lovely reflections and a great vantage point to view a magnificent waterfall and the shoulders of a few giant mountains.

McDonald Creek Trail and Johns Lake Loop

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 19:26:00 +0000

Meander your way through a dense, mossy, forested trail near the largest lake in Glacier National Park and follow along one of the most active creeks with beautiful close-up views of rushing waterfalls.

Bear Safety and Awareness- Part 2

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 19:13:51 +0000

A continued discussion with Tim and Rachel Manley, detailing how to safely interact with wildlife in and around Glacier National Park, learning about appropriate behavior during encounters and reviewing some favorite stories from their amazing experiences in bear management.

Bear Safety and Awareness - Part 1

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 18:44:54 +0000

Josh and Sarah host bear management specialists Tim and Rachel Manley, a remarkable couple with extensive experience in and around Glacier National Park, and discuss how to recreate responsibly with these amazing creatures.

Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 17:48:56 +0000

Discover a pathway through the mountains and catch a glimpse of two stunning valleys in the northeastern region of Glacier National Park. This hike provides great historical context as well as relevant modern adventure, all in one enjoyable trail.

Huckleberry Lookout & Huckleberry Nature Trail

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 18:29:18 +0000

This wooded hike provides scenic views into the southern parts of Glacier National Park and leads to one of the most picturesque lookouts. Watch for plenty of berries and small wildlife as well as birds of prey along this trail.

Path Of The Puma - Part 2

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:04:14 +0000

A discussion with author and wildlife biologist Jim Williams, digging into his experience researching and establishing wildlife corridors in the Flathead Valley near Glacier National Park.

Path Of The Puma - Part 1

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 17:32:54 +0000

A discussion with author and wildlife biologist Jim Williams, digging into his experience researching and establishing wildlife corridors in the Flathead Valley near Glacier National Park.

Firebrand Pass Trail

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 19:09:00 +0000

Hike through a magnificent aspen grove and dense forest to subalpine terrain, ultimately reaching an impressive pass overlooking the Two Medicine and Nyack valleys in Glacier National Park. Wonderful, windy, and wow!

Carthew-Alderson Trail in Waterton Lakes National Park

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 17:43:25 +0000

Josh and Sarah venture into Canada for a trek through the International Peace Park on a beautiful hike leaving from Waterton townsite, and boasting tremendous views into the northern areas of Glacier National Park the whole way.

What is the Glacier Institute?

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:24:01 +0000

Josh and Sarah talk with Anthony Nelson, executive director of the Glacier Institute, the official educational partner of Glacier National Park. Hear more about Anthony’s personal story, his favorite hikes, and the Glacier Institute’s primary programs.

Grinnell Glacier Trail

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 16:50:00 +0000

View the glacier, visit the glacier. This hike is fantastic with plenty of gorgeous scenery and turquoise lakes that appear out of a dream world. Take time to explore the area surrounding the glacier and look for major wildlife sightings on this, one of our all-time favorite hikes in Glacier National Park.

Piegan Pass Trail

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 22:01:00 +0000

A classic hike in Glacier National Park with a little bit of everything – forested trails, wildflower meadows, scree slopes, glacier views, and the opportunity to summit a few peaks. One of our favorites for visitors.

Iceberg Lake Trail

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 15:46:00 +0000

One of the most popular hikes in the Many Glacier area with beautiful vistas and an ice-cold turquoise lake as the destination. An exciting trail in Glacier National Park with the opportunity for abundant wildlife sightings.

Scenic Point Trail

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 17:57:00 +0000

Stunning views of the Two Medicine valley with an incredible arid landscape and plenty of bighorn sheep. Positioned on the eastern edge of Glacier National Park, this summit provides a brilliant perspective into the distant eastern Montana plains.

Triple Divide Pass Trail

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 15:58:00 +0000

Walk along the creek until breaking out into open areas surrounded by tremendous peaks lining the Cut Bank drainage in the northeastern part of Glacier National Park. The Pass is significantly situated in a place where multiple watersheds split and run in three major directions, and the views are incredible.

St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 15:25:00 +0000

This popular hike east of Logan Pass in Glacier National Park is a favorite for many reasons, including the two impressive falls. The landscape is beautiful, featuring bright undergrowth in burn areas, and the Virginia Falls can even be seen from Going-to-the-Sun road.

Hidden Lake Overlook Trail

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 16:42:00 +0000

This short boardwalk leaving the area just behind Logan Pass visitors center winds through sub-alpine terrain to a spectacular vista with peaks and valleys and the gorgeous Hidden Lake. Tougher than you might expect based on distance, but the views are just as rewarding and rival any others in Glacier National Park. Look for mountain goats!

Siyeh Pass Trail

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 16:55:00 +0000

One of our favorites in all of Glacier National Park, due to the varied landscape, the glacier views, the consistent wildlife sightings, and the way it winds through the peaks. Plenty of water and beautiful vegetation, including huckleberry bushes.

Mount Oberlin

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 16:53:00 +0000

This true summit is quite easily accessible for hikers willing to tackle the slopes and a little bit of scree. You will be able to stand atop a mountain centrally located in Glacier National Park and take in all that the altitude has to offer. Even suitable for families.

Highline Trail

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 17:37:00 +0000

The quintessential Glacier National Park hike, and for good reason. Venture out onto a sloped paradise with all types of terrain and great views, a stop at a rugged historic lodge, and lots of wildlife.

Sperry Chalet

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 17:34:00 +0000

A steep ascent to one of the most historic structures in all of Glacier National Park. The trail climbs consistently to a glacier cirque set in the most scenic of places, with loads of berries and bear sign along the way.

Mount Brown Lookout Trail

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 17:23:00 +0000

This hike is for those looking to really challenge themselves, with no rest until the lookout is reached. Too many switchbacks to count, but the destination provides sky-high views of the largest lake in Glacier National Park and maybe even an encounter with the resident mountain goat.

Avalanche Lake Trail

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 18:31:00 +0000

An extremely popular hike in Glacier National Park that draws intermediate hikers all season. A lush cedar forest breaks way to avalanche chutes and a beautiful lake with waterfall cascades lining the backdrop, rushing down from Sperry Glacier above.

Apgar Campground

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 15:30:00 +0000

A large complex at the foot of Lake McDonald with access to amenities and services. Walk to the village, go for a paddle and/or swim, and enjoy the best of Glacier National Park after hours, including star-gazing and aurora borealis.

Ben Rover Cabin

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 18:10:00 +0000

Rent a forest service cabin and explore the North Fork area of Glacier National Park. Enjoy access to the nearby wild and scenic North Fork of the Flathead River and soak in the peaceful surroundings.

Apgar Lookout Trail

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 15:25:00 +0000

A lovely summit on the highly visited west side of Glacier National Park. Major switchbacks lead skyward to a lookout tower with Lake McDonald stretched out below.

Biking The Going To The Sun Road

matt@1031theriver.com (Matt Desch) — Thu, 29 May 2025 17:49:00 +0000

Get ready to crank those pedals with the “Biking Fools” all the way up the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. A favorite in the spring season and a good way for families to enjoy the views with no traffic to worry about.