Kintla Lake
Highlights & Remarkable Spots
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park may be best known for its 20+ named glaciers, but anyone who has visited remembers the vast scenery composed of its alpine forests, abundant streams, and fault-block mountains framing deep blue lakes. All of these features can be taken in on two wheels while riding the Inside North Fork Road along the park’s western boundary.
Inside North Fork Road
The Inside North Fork Road is a rugged route that extends from Apgar to Polebridge and nearly to the Canadian border …. it bumps and bends through historic burn areas, wetlands and aspen groves to Logging, Bowman and, finally, Kintla lakes.
The historic Inside North Fork Road was built in 1901 and is the oldest road in the park. It was initially built by the Butte Oil Company as a rough wagon road from Lake McDonald to its oil well at Kintla Lake. It actually preceded the park’s establishment by 9 years.
When We Like to Ride This
Rideable June – September. It is best to do the route when there is some moisture in the ground, otherwise it can be very dusty. Recommend early season or late season. September has less people in the park and cooler temps.
Terrain & Riding
The Montana Office of Tourism describes the ride as follows:
“This ride begins in Polebridge, a community that is an authentic throwback to an earlier day. Except for the first mile, the outing takes place entirely within the most northwestern reaches of Glacier National Park. Particularly early and late in the day, you’ll have outstanding opportunities to spot wildlife, including bears, so be bear aware and make plenty of noise.
Most of the ride takes place amid grassy meadows marking the floodplain of the North Fork of the Flathead River, but the last 2.5 miles penetrate thick forests of Douglas fir, hemlock and other coniferous species. The real visual payoff is at the turn-around point of Kintla Lake: the sparkling glacial lake, long and narrow, stretches some five miles eastward, lapping against the base of lofty mountains. You’ll also find a campground on the lake shore, so hauling in camping gear and spending the night is a highly recommended option.”
From a rider: “Go with big rubber, 50mm tires or larger. Some may prefer a mountain bike or at least front suspension. At about mile 7, the road conditions get much more primitive – rocky, rutted, and some washboard.”
The Start
Polebridge Mercantile and Bakery
Food & Water
- ~ mile 27 / Kintla Lake campground (seasonal)
Route Notes
You will need to pay for park entry even if biking into the park. CARRY YOUR PARK PASS WITH YOU so you can re-enter the park after exiting at Polebridge.
Consider carrying bear spray. This is grizzly country and a much less frequented portion of the park. I would recommend it for everyone, but if you are going alone I would consider bear spray mandatory.
You will not have cell phone service once outside of Polebridge.
If you’re looking for a beverage or meal after your ride, I recommend the Belton Chalet. It is a historic railroad motel and is just outside of the West Glacier park entrance. They typically have 10+ Western Montana microbrews and an excellent menu.
We recommend a red blinky light with rear looking radar detector (i.e. Garmin Varia)
Route Options
For a longer route, consider combining this route with the Flathead Route. This will give an Out and Back with approximately 86 miles and 4400 feet of gain.
Have you ridden this route? Got a question? Join the discussion!