Fifty Mountain Campground

Introduction / Overview

For adventurous Montanans and seasoned backpackers seeking the pinnacle of wilderness immersion, Fifty Mountain Campground in Glacier National Park represents an iconic and truly unforgettable destination. This is not a roadside campground for casual stops; rather, it's a remote backcountry site that demands effort and preparedness, offering unparalleled rewards in return. Located deep within the park's rugged interior, Fifty Mountain is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views, expansive wildflower meadows, and the profound solitude it offers, far removed from the park's more crowded front-country areas.

The name "Fifty Mountain" itself hints at the grandeur of its surroundings, supposedly derived from the numerous snow-capped peaks visible from its vantage point. While the exact count might be a slight exaggeration, the 360-degree vistas of the Livingston Range, Cathedral Mountain, and other towering peaks are nothing short of spectacular. This campground provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience Glacier National Park's raw, untamed beauty, making it a coveted spot for those willing to undertake the demanding trek to reach it.

However, the beauty and remoteness of Fifty Mountain come with a significant responsibility: sharing the wilderness with its native inhabitants, especially grizzly bears. Visitor reviews frequently highlight grizzly encounters, underscoring the critical importance of strict bear safety protocols, including proper food storage in provided bear boxes and utilizing food hanging poles. This article will delve into the specifics of Fifty Mountain Campground, detailing its unique location, essential (and minimal) services, remarkable features, and vital safety considerations, all tailored from the perspective of a local Montanan looking for the ultimate backcountry adventure.

Location and Accessibility

Fifty Mountain Campground is situated in the Waterton Valley region of Glacier National Park, with the nearest major access point often considered to be via Browning, MT, for planning purposes. However, physically reaching Fifty Mountain is an entirely different endeavor. This is a backcountry campground, meaning it is not accessible by vehicle. Instead, it requires a significant and often multi-day hike deep into the park's wilderness.

The most common routes to Fifty Mountain involve strenuous hikes from trailheads such as Goat Haunt (approximately 10.5 miles, often accessed via the Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada), Packers Roost (around 12 miles), or even a segment of the famous Highline Trail from Logan Pass (a challenging 19.5-mile trek that often involves an overnight stay at an intermediate backcountry site like Granite Park). These trails traverse high alpine meadows, steep passes, and diverse terrain, offering stunning vistas but demanding physical fitness and backcountry experience.

For Montanans familiar with the demands of wilderness travel, these distances and elevations are part of the allure. Access to Fifty Mountain is highly seasonal, typically open from early to mid-July (depending on snowmelt) until late September when snow returns. Due to its remote nature, cell service is non-existent, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation, self-reliance, and awareness of surroundings. Backcountry permits are mandatory for overnight stays, and due to high demand, securing these permits, either through advance reservations or as a walk-up, requires diligent planning. This challenging accessibility ensures that Fifty Mountain retains its pristine and secluded character, reserving its grandeur for those truly dedicated to exploring Glacier's wild heart.

Services Offered

As a remote backcountry campground within Glacier National Park, Fifty Mountain Campground offers only essential, minimal services, designed to support a primitive wilderness experience while prioritizing safety. Visitors must be entirely self-sufficient and prepared for off-grid conditions. Services typically include:

• Designated Campsites: The campground typically features six individual campsites, intentionally spaced to provide a sense of privacy and minimize human impact. These are designated tent sites, and RVs are not permitted.
• Bear-Resistant Food Storage: Critically, each campsite area includes bear-proof food storage solutions. Reviews mention "provided boxes" and "food hanging poles." Proper food storage is mandatory and paramount for visitor safety and bear protection.
• Outhouse: A basic outhouse or pit toilet is typically available for human waste disposal, helping to maintain sanitation in the wilderness setting.
• Natural Water Source: A seasonal stream often flows near the campground, providing a water source. However, this water must be filtered, treated, or boiled before consumption, as it is untreated wilderness water. It's also important to note that this water source "can dry up by late August," requiring campers to carry sufficient water or plan for alternative collection points.
• Open Pit (Fire Ring): While some reviews mention an "Open Pit," fire restrictions in Glacier National Park, especially in the backcountry, are common and can change frequently. Campers should always check current regulations before assuming fires are permitted.

It is crucial to understand that there are no potable water spigots, no garbage services (all trash must be packed out), no electricity, no showers, and no picnic tables beyond what might be naturally available or very rustic. The emphasis is on Leave No Trace principles and complete self-reliance.

Features / Highlights

Fifty Mountain Campground's allure stems from its extraordinary natural features and the unique wilderness experiences it offers. Its highlights include:

• Unrivaled Panoramic Views: The primary highlight is the stunning "360-degree view that takes in a plethora of peaks," including the Livingston Range, Vulture Peak, Cathedral Mountain, and distant views towards Logan Pass and the park's highest peaks like Mt. Merritt and Mt. Cleveland from overlooks like Sue Lake Overlook (a 1.5-mile jaunt from camp).
• Vast Wildflower Meadows: The area is famous for its "immense wildflower meadows." Throughout the summer, these meadows transform with blooms of yellow glacier lilies, red paintbrush, white valerian, and purple fleabane, creating a vibrant landscape.
• Grizzly Bear Country Immersion: While requiring strict adherence to safety protocols, the frequent presence of grizzlies offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, from a respectful distance. This is a true wilderness experience.
• Remote Solitude: Unlike front-country campgrounds, Fifty Mountain offers profound solitude and quiet, attracting backpackers who crave genuine wilderness and escape from crowds.
• Historical Significance: The site was part of an old tent camp on the Northern Circle horseback tour in the 1920s, with a stone foundation from a former hiker shelter still visible, adding a touch of historical intrigue.
• Access to Challenging Trails: It's a key point on or near sections of the legendary Highline Trail and other backcountry routes, offering exhilarating hiking, backpacking, and scrambling opportunities.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: Beyond grizzlies, the area's pristine nature means excellent chances to spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, and various bird species.
• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the night sky over Fifty Mountain is incredibly dark, providing spectacular opportunities for stargazing.

These features collectively create an experience of rugged grandeur and intimate connection with the wild heart of Glacier National Park.

Contact Information

Address: Waterton Vly, Browning, MT 59417, USA (Note: This address is for general geographic reference. Fifty Mountain Campground is a backcountry site within Glacier National Park and is not directly accessible by vehicle.)

Phone: (406) 888-7800

Mobile Phone: +1 406-888-7800

The provided phone numbers connect to the main information line for Glacier National Park. For specific details regarding Fifty Mountain Campground, including mandatory backcountry permits, current trail conditions, bear activity reports, and up-to-date information on seasonal accessibility (snowmelt, closures), it is essential to contact the park's Backcountry Office or visit the official Glacier National Park website (nps.gov/glac). Backcountry permits are required for all overnight stays at Fifty Mountain, and these are often highly sought after, with a reservation system and a limited number of walk-up permits. It is strongly advised to plan well in advance, research permit application processes, and call the park directly for the most current information before embarking on a trip to this remote and wild area.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Fifty Mountain Campground, deep within Glacier National Park, is an unparalleled and profoundly suitable destination for adventurous Montanans who are seeking the pinnacle of wilderness immersion. For residents of Big Sky Country, who often possess a deep appreciation for vast, untamed landscapes and challenging outdoor pursuits, Fifty Mountain offers an experience that truly embodies the essence of Montana's wild heart.

Its primary appeal to locals lies in its demanding nature and the extraordinary rewards it offers. This isn't a campsite for the faint of heart; it requires physical fitness, meticulous planning, and a strong understanding of backcountry safety, particularly regarding grizzly bears. These challenges, however, are precisely what many Montanans embrace, as they lead to a profound sense of accomplishment and an intimate connection with one of the world's most pristine ecosystems. The raw beauty of the "immense wildflower meadows" and the "unrivaled 360-degree view" of surrounding peaks are vistas that resonate deeply with those accustomed to Montana's grandeur.

For local hikers and backpackers, Fifty Mountain represents a crowning achievement in their exploration of Glacier National Park. The opportunity to camp in such a remote and quiet setting, far from the tourist crowds, provides a true sense of solitude and allows for a deep appreciation of the park's natural sounds and rhythms. The mandatory bear-safe practices, while a strict requirement, are also a testament to the thriving wildlife population, offering Montanans a chance to truly coexist with iconic species like the grizzly in their natural habitat.

Ultimately, Fifty Mountain Campground is more than just a place to sleep; it’s an expedition into the very soul of Montana's wilderness. It calls to those who are prepared to push their limits, respect the wild, and be rewarded with an unforgettable experience of unparalleled beauty and tranquility. For any Montanan seeking a quintessential, challenging, and deeply fulfilling backcountry adventure, Fifty Mountain stands as an unmissable destination.

Fifty Mountain Campground

Waterton Vly, Browning, MT 59417, USA