The Bob Marshall Wilderness is often referred to as the "crown jewel"
The Bob Marshall Wilderness is often referred to as the "crown jewel" of America's wilderness areas. Nearly fifty years ago, 950,000 acres of high mountain lakes, crystal clear rivers, remote valleys and high, alpine meadows were set aside for protection - destined to remain forever wild. In the 1970s, the federal government added the Scapegoat Wilderness (the southern portion of the wilderness complex) and the Great Bear Wilderness (the northernmost area of the wilderness, nearly to the boundary of Glacier National Park), creating a total wilderness complex of a million and a half acres.
Major Access Trails to "The Bob"
Indians, mountain men and explorers over the years have used many routes to travel through the country known as the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Today, main trails are kept open from June through November by Forest Service trail crews, area outfitters and guides.
In the summer, outfitters use a variety of entry points, often criss-crossing the wilderness on trips lasting up to 10 days.
On the western edge of the Bob Marshall, Gordon Pass near Holland Lake in the Swan Valley is a well-maintained route used by backpackers and outfitters alike. Pyramid Pass near Seeley Lake has for years provided access to the Young's Creek area and the headwaters of the South Fork of the Flathead River.
On the southern edge of the Wilderness Complex, good access trails begin near the Monture Guard Station, the Lake Creek and North Fork of the Blackfoot trailheads.
A popular entry point along the Rocky Mountain Front on the eastern edge of the Bob Marshall is just past Benchmark, not far from Augusta. Other access points from the east include the trail near Gibson Reservoir, or farther north at Birch Creek. Northern access to the Bob Marshall is gained near the Spotted Bear Ranger Station, where trailheads for Lodgepole Creek, Spotted Bear River and the South Fork of the Flathead River begin.
Many of the outfitters who guide summer trips which begin in the southern half of the Wilderness, travel north or northwest and come out at Holland Lake in the Swan Valley; Spotted Bear Ranger Station on the northern edge of the Bob Marshall; Schafer Meadows, also on the northern tier near the Great Bear Wilderness (there's an airstrip here); Benchmark; Gibson Reservoir or Birch Creek along the Rocky Mountain front. Likewise, many summer trips start near Holland Lake in the Swan Valley and travel north, east or south.
