Overview
At 6181' Dunsire Point comes in at #24 on the Salish Range peak list. This is another mountain that is easily accessed due to the extensive network of Forest Service and logging roads that criss-cross the Salish Range.
Dunsire Point is another mountain in this area of the Salish Range that suffered timber losses from the Brush Creek Fire of 2007. Lightning started this fire in July of 2007 and it burned approximately 30,000 acres in the Kootenai and Flathead National Forests before being declared contained in August of 2007. Most of the losses occurred in the Tally Lake Ranger District of the Flathead National Forest.
Getting There
Drive 16 miles north of downtown Whitefish on Hwy 93. Turn left on Good Creek Road which is just north of Lower Stillwater Lake. Travel 6 miles on paved Good Creek Road. Continue onward on un-paved Good Creek Road (60) for an additional 8 miles and then turn left on 60-A (Greg Creek Rd). Proceed on the gravel road for approximately 6.5 miles to Forest Service Road #5239 located on the left side of the road which will serve as your "trailhead". This is less than a mile further down the road from the "trailhead" to Fox Mountain which is Logging Road #11217 located on the right side of the road. Be careful as you drive along the road...watching for obstructions such as the one below!
Trail Information
As mentioned, Forest Service Road #5239 serves as your trailhead. Stick to the road for approximately 3 miles. This is a pretty level hike for the great majority of the time you're on the road. As you hike your views eventually open up to views of the Cabinet Mountains to the west. |  |
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We did hike to the end of the road...if you choose to start your bushwhack here it will be through a thick stand of old growth forest. We opted to retrace our steps and begin our bushwhack up through the stand of new growth. This proved to be an easier option than the old growth or beginning it sooner through all the downed timber on the ridge.
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After breaking through the trees onto the summit ridge simply make a turn to climber's right and head up through the open ridge and some downed timber to the summit. Watch your footing in this area. Total elevation gain on this hike is approximately 700'. Approximately 3 miles on the road one way with a short, easy bushwhack of approximately .3 of a mile.
Summit Views
Great views of the surrounding mountains such as Johnson Peak, Mount Swaney, and the Whitefish Range make Dunsire Point a worthwhile endeavor.
Red Tape & Camping
Dunsire Point is located in the Flathead National Forest which is bear country. Carry bear spray, don't hike alone and make lots of noise as you hike.
Bring your own water for this hike.
A Tally Lake Ranger District Map is most helpful in negotiating the many FS and logging roads in the Salish Range.
These mountains are being logged so be aware of logging trucks on the narrow FS Roads and of locals felling trees across the roads for firewood.
The closest campgrounds are Sylvia Lake and Tally Lake.
Trip Options
Dunsire Point, in itself, is not a difficult hike....approximately 700' in elevation gain and a little over 6 miles of round trip hiking. However, coupled with Fox Mountain which is approximately 600' in elevation gain and a little over 4 miles of round trip hiking AND Mount Swaney which is approximately 1050' in elevation gain and over 6 miles of round trip hiking....YOU HAVE A FULL DAY!! These 3 mountains all have trailheads on the same road approximately 2 miles apart. Combine any two or do all three in one day...Dunsire & Fox=1300' & 10 miles
Swaney & Fox=1650' & 10 miles
Dunsire & Swaney=1750' & 12 miles
Dunsire, Fox & Swaney=2350' & 16 miles
Images
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