- Region
- MT, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm permit requirements and current ca…
- Managed by
- U.S. Forest Service, Flathead National Forest — Hungry Horse–Glacier View and Spotted Bear Ranger Districts
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Photos of Great Bear Wilderness
How to get there
Great Bear Wilderness lies within Flathead National Forest in northwestern Montana. U.S. Highway 2 separates its northern side from Glacier National Park; Hungry Horse Reservoir is another regional landmark. Confirm a specific trailhead and approach with Hungry Horse–Glacier View or Spotted Bear Ranger District before driving. Schafer Meadows offers air access to the interior, but flight arrangements and current operating conditions need separate confirmation.
- U.S. Highway 2 corridor
A northern approach corridor between Glacier National Park and Great Bear Wilderness, not a specific trailhead. Ask the ranger district to identify an appropriate trail access and current approach conditions for the intended itinerary.
- Schafer Meadows
An interior access point for the Schafer area and Middle Fork Flathead River. Its airstrip predates wilderness designation and is the only open airstrip within the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Confirm current aviation access before making arrangements.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
MT, USA · United States
- Rafting
- Hunting
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Hiking
- Backpacking
A remote northern corner of the Bob Marshall complex
Great Bear Wilderness occupies roughly 286,700 acres of Flathead National Forest in northwestern Montana, west of the Continental Divide. It forms the northern portion of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, with Glacier National Park across U.S. Highway 2 to the north and Hungry Horse Reservoir along its western surroundings. The landscape runs from thickly forested river bottoms to alpine meadows, open grass parks, and rugged ridgelines. Elevations rise from about 4,000 feet along the Middle Fork Flathead River to more than 8,700 feet on Great Northern Mountain. This is a large, remote backcountry destination rather than a single trail outing. Its traditional lands belong to the Salish, Kootenai, Pend d’Oreille, and Blackfeet peoples, whose connections continue through hunting, gathering, and river stewardship.
Travel on trails and along the Middle Fork
About 310 miles of system trails support hiking, backpacking, and horseback travel in Great Bear Wilderness, but that total does not mean every part of the interior has a maintained route. Some trails are poorly maintained, and substantial areas have no trails at all. Choose an itinerary around current trail information and navigation ability rather than mileage alone. The Middle Fork Flathead River rises here and runs through roughly 50 miles of wilderness as a Wild and Scenic River, passing cliff faces and boulder-strewn rapids. Its whitewater deserves separate planning from a walking trip. Schafer Meadows provides access to the surrounding backcountry and the Middle Fork through an airstrip that predates wilderness designation. Horses and pack animals are allowed, making stock-supported travel another option for reaching the interior.
Water crossings, bears, and mountain conditions
Frequent stream crossings can shape a Great Bear itinerary, including on maintained trails. Spring snowmelt can make crossings especially dangerous; allow room to turn around rather than treating a planned crossing as guaranteed. Higher terrain can retain snowfields, while summer brings mosquitoes and thunderstorms that may produce more lightning than rain. Winter travel involves deep snow and frigid temperatures. Both grizzly and black bears inhabit the wilderness, alongside animals such as elk, moose, mountain goats, lynx, and wolverines. Check the current Flathead National Forest food-storage and camping restrictions before departure, and plan food and attractant storage accordingly. Potable water is not provided, so carry treatment equipment. For trail and condition information, contact Hungry Horse–Glacier View Ranger District at 406-387-3800 or Spotted Bear Ranger District at 406-758-5376.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Great Bear Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 48.1932, -113.5422
- Latitude (DMS)
- 48° 11′ 35.5″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 113° 32′ 31.8″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Great Bear Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
The Great Bear Wilderness is part of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Located in Northwestern Montana on both sides of the Continental Divide, the complex includes three Wilderness areas: the Great...
Key takeaways
- Region: MT, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 48.193, -113.542
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Great Bear Wilderness
- Rafting
Whitewater sections and the flows that make them run.
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
Animals around Great Bear Wilderness
A remote northern corner of the Bob Marshall complex
Great Bear Wilderness occupies roughly 286,700 acres of Flathead National Forest in northwestern Montana, west of the Continental Divide. It forms the northern portion of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, with Glacier National Park across U.S. Highway 2 to the north and Hungry Horse Reservoir along its western surroundings. The landscape runs from thickly forested river bottoms to alpine meadows, open grass parks, and rugged ridgelines. Elevations rise from about 4,000 feet along the Middle Fork Flathead River to more than 8,700 feet on Great Northern Mountain. This is a large, remote backcountry destination rather than a single trail outing. Its traditional lands belong to the Salish, Kootenai, Pend d’Oreille, and Blackfeet peoples, whose connections continue through hunting, gathering, and river stewardship.
Travel on trails and along the Middle Fork
About 310 miles of system trails support hiking, backpacking, and horseback travel in Great Bear Wilderness, but that total does not mean every part of the interior has a maintained route. Some trails are poorly maintained, and substantial areas have no trails at all. Choose an itinerary around current trail information and navigation ability rather than mileage alone. The Middle Fork Flathead River rises here and runs through roughly 50 miles of wilderness as a Wild and Scenic River, passing cliff faces and boulder-strewn rapids. Its whitewater deserves separate planning from a walking trip. Schafer Meadows provides access to the surrounding backcountry and the Middle Fork through an airstrip that predates wilderness designation. Horses and pack animals are allowed, making stock-supported travel another option for reaching the interior.
Water crossings, bears, and mountain conditions
Frequent stream crossings can shape a Great Bear itinerary, including on maintained trails. Spring snowmelt can make crossings especially dangerous; allow room to turn around rather than treating a planned crossing as guaranteed. Higher terrain can retain snowfields, while summer brings mosquitoes and thunderstorms that may produce more lightning than rain. Winter travel involves deep snow and frigid temperatures. Both grizzly and black bears inhabit the wilderness, alongside animals such as elk, moose, mountain goats, lynx, and wolverines. Check the current Flathead National Forest food-storage and camping restrictions before departure, and plan food and attractant storage accordingly. Potable water is not provided, so carry treatment equipment. For trail and condition information, contact Hungry Horse–Glacier View Ranger District at 406-387-3800 or Spotted Bear Ranger District at 406-758-5376.
Route options
- Schafer Meadows area backcountry travel
Use Schafer Meadows as an access base for exploring the surrounding wilderness on foot or with stock. This is a trip-planning area rather than a defined loop; confirm trail connections, maintenance, and camping restrictions with the ranger district before selecting an itinerary.
- Middle Fork Flathead River wilderness corridorRemote whitewater requiring specialized planning and river skills.
Plan a river-focused trip through a remote corridor of cliff faces and boulder-strewn rapids. Schafer Meadows is a primary access point for the river. The river's roughly 50-mile wilderness extent is not a ready-made launch-to-takeout itinerary; confirm access, water conditions, and the suitability of individual sections before committing.
Sample itineraries
- Great Bear Day Hike · 1 day
Plan an out-and-back on a maintained system trail selected with Hungry Horse-Glacier View or Spotted Bear ranger staff. Keep the turnaround flexible: stream crossings and trail conditions can slow travel. Carry drinking water or treatment supplies; potable water is not available.
- Great Bear Backpacking Sampler · 3 days
Use three days for a conservative out-and-back through forested valleys and mountain terrain. Have ranger staff help identify a suitable maintained route and review camping and food-storage rules. Treat this as a planning framework, not a fixed route; avoid committing to unverified crossings or trail connections.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Snowmelt season
Frequent stream crossings can become especially dangerous during snowmelt. Lower terrain clears before higher elevations, where snowfields may linger. Confirm trail conditions before choosing a route and turn back rather than force a hazardous crossing.
Summer
Summer hiking season
Expect mosquitoes and thunderstorms that may produce more lightning than rain. High terrain can retain snowfields. Plan exposed travel around developing storms and carry insect protection.
Fall
Transition toward winter
Plan conservatively as mountain conditions shift toward winter. Carry insulation and weather protection, and confirm current trail and snow conditions rather than assuming summer access continues.
Winter
Deep-snow season
Deep snowfall and frigid temperatures make travel demanding in this rugged, remote wilderness. Winter trips require cold-weather equipment and snow-travel skills. Check Flathead Avalanche Center information before entering avalanche terrain.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Snowmelt season | Frequent stream crossings can become especially dangerous during snowmelt. Lower terrain clears before higher elevations, where snowfields may linger. Confirm trail conditions before choosing a route and turn back rather than force a hazardous crossing. |
| Summer | Summer hiking season | Expect mosquitoes and thunderstorms that may produce more lightning than rain. High terrain can retain snowfields. Plan exposed travel around developing storms and carry insect protection. |
| Fall | Transition toward winter | Plan conservatively as mountain conditions shift toward winter. Carry insulation and weather protection, and confirm current trail and snow conditions rather than assuming summer access continues. |
| Winter | Deep-snow season | Deep snowfall and frigid temperatures make travel demanding in this rugged, remote wilderness. Winter trips require cold-weather equipment and snow-travel skills. Check Flathead Avalanche Center information before entering avalanche terrain. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm permit requirements and current camping, food-storage, and wilderness restrictions with Flathead National Forest before departure.
Official source: Flathead National Forest | Great Bear Wilderness · Verified October 30, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Frequent stream crossings can be especially dangerous during spring snowmelt. Be willing to turn around.
- Grizzly and black bears inhabit the wilderness. Follow current food-storage rules, keep attractants secured, and carry accessible bear spray.
- Summer thunderstorms bring lightning, sometimes with little rain. Leave exposed terrain when storms develop.
- Many trails are poorly maintained, and portions of the interior have no trails. Carry navigation tools and avoid unverified shortcuts.
- The Middle Fork Flathead River has boulder-strewn rapids and cliff-lined sections. Do not treat it as a casual float.
- Deep winter snow, severe cold, and avalanche terrain demand specialized preparation. Remoteness increases the consequences of injury or navigation mistakes.
What to pack for Great Bear Wilderness
- Topographic map and compass
- Offline navigation with backup power
- First-aid kit
- Emergency shelter
- Satellite communicator
- Water treatment and carrying capacity
- Accessible bear spray
- Food and attractant storage that meets current forest rules
- Rain shell and insulating layers
- Sturdy footwear
- Trekking poles
- Insect repellent or head net
- Season-appropriate snow equipment
Great Bear Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Great Bear Wilderness?
- It lies within Flathead National Forest in northwestern Montana, west of the Continental Divide. It forms the northern portion of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Glacier National Park lies across U.S. Highway 2 to the north.
- Where can current trail conditions be checked?
- Call Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District at 406-387-3800 or Spotted Bear Ranger District at 406-758-5376. Ask about the specific route, stream crossings, snow, and current wilderness restrictions.
- Is drinking water provided?
- No potable water is available. Carry water and a treatment method for backcountry sources. The wilderness has many streams and rivers, but reaching water safely still requires route planning.
- Are horses and pack animals allowed?
- Yes. Horseback riding and pack animals are allowed. Confirm current camping and other wilderness restrictions with Flathead National Forest before planning a stock trip.
- What is Schafer Meadows?
- Schafer Meadows contains the only open airstrip within the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. It provides access to the Schafer area and Middle Fork Flathead River. The airstrip predates wilderness designation; confirm current operating and access conditions before relying on it.
- Whose traditional lands does the wilderness encompass?
- These are traditional lands of the Salish, Kootenai, Pend d’Oreille, and Blackfeet peoples. Tribal connections continue through hunting, gathering, and river stewardship, including work by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.