Overview
Mount Wam is a rather non-descript tree-covered peak located in Northwest Montana's rugged Whitefish Range. Standing at 7203' it does not even make the United States portion of the Whitefish Range top 25 in height. However, if you like getting out into a rugged wilderness and trail hiking to a summit that has a neat lookout, then this peak could be the one for you. |
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MT. WAM AND LOOKOUT
Getting There
Mt. Wam shares the same trailhead with Stahl Peak. To get there, drive 43 miles north of Whitefish on Hwy 93. Turn right onto Grave Creek Road and follow it for 10 miles. After about 3 miles the road becomes one-lane but is still paved until you reach the Clarence Creek/Stahl Creek turn-off. Turn left here and follow the road for approximately .5 miles until it forks again, take the right fork indicating Clarence Creek road (#7022). Drive to the end of the road which is approximately 3 miles. There is a large area for parking and the road is in pretty good shape so passenger cars can easily negotiate the road.Route Information
As mentioned, Mt. Wam shares the same trailhead as Stahl Peak. Proceed up the old logging road where you will have to cross many small ditches for approximately a half mile until you see this sign and a fork in the trail.
Mt. Wam Trail
Crossing Clarence Creek
After crossing the creek continue up the trail for approximately 2.5 miles as it contours along the south and east sides of a long ridge. You do get some views of Stahl Peak as you hike up the trail.
After 2.5 miles you will reach a junction in a small clearing. Trail #339 (Highline Trail) comes in from the west and this is the trail that will take you the rest of the way to the summit of Wam.
Junction
Junction Sign
Trail goes around this un-named point
Ridge-top trail section
ROUTE STATISTICS
ELEVATION GAIN=2257'
MILEAGE ONE-WAY=4.71
Summit Views
Summit views of the surrounding Whitefish Range and into Canada to the north are superb! |
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The Lookout
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The Mt. Wam Lookout is available for rental. Your spartan furnishings are pictured below.
However, the restroom facilities are quite nice! CLEAN AND WELL-STOCKED AT 7200' AND THE OPEN-DOOR VIEWS ARE KILLER!!!
Red Tape
Mt. Wam is located in the Kootenai National Forest which is bear country.Carry bear spray and know how to use it and make lots of noise at regular intervals as you hike.
Bring water, camera, and a Rexford/Fortine Ranger District Map of the Kootenai National Forest would also be helpful.
Mt. Wam is also accessible from Trail #77 (Foundation). Trail #77 has two trailheads, one to the NE of Wam and one almost due east, both accessible from Road #319. I have no knowledge of this trail as I have not hiked it but have my doubts as to whether it is as well-maintained as the more popular Trail #78.
