Quartz Lake Loop

One a rainy day, we decided to hike the Quartz Lake Loop an 11.6 mile hike with 2,200 ft overall gain. Between a very slushy trail and lots of downed trees, the hike took longer than we expected. After reaching an overlook of Quartz Lakes, we decided to turn around. We hiked about 9 miles with 1,400 ft of gain. The trail starts at Bowman Lake.

The trail crosses a bridge over Bowman Creek at the outlet of Bowman Lake

View of Bowman Lake from the bridge.

There were several golden larches along the trail along with some fresh snow.

Over the 4.5 - 5 mile section of trail we hiked there were 30 - 50 downed trees on the trail. Some were easy to cross than others

Most of this part of the trail is in the forest, a very pretty forest.

The trail goes up a ridge on the southeast side of Bowman Lake, we had a few peek-a-boo views of Bowman Lake below.

We had some occasional bursts of blue skies.

After the trail crosses the top of Cerulean Ridge, it starts to descend about 1,000 ft to Quartz Lakes.

 There is an old burn area on this part of the trail that allows some glimpses of the Quartz Lakes below.

 Better view of Lower Quartz Lake

Quartz Lake with some snow capped peaks.

After enjoying these views, we decided to head back to the trailhead, as we had no idea the condition of the trail on the rest of the loop and so we wouldn't be on the trail in the dark.

 Love the pops of color the larches provided along the trail today

Some places the slush was pretty deep. It was as slow going as walking in soft sand.

grouse on the trail

The views were better when we returned to Bowman Lake.  Looking at the north side of Bowman Lake.












Far end of Bowman Lake:

Pano at Bowman Lake:

South side of Bowman Lake

View of Bowman Lake from the outlet of Bowman Creek


















We had some fabulous views of the mountains on the west side of Glacier as we drove out of the park and down the North Fork Road:

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