OverviewAt 10,037’, Mount Jackson is one of the six peaks in Glacier National Park that are over 10,000’ high. It is also one of the easiest of these tall peaks to climb. For this reason as well as the location and views you will enjoy from the summit, it is a highly desirable destination. The NE Ridge route can be climbed with nothing worse than Class 3 if the proper route is followed once the winter snows have melted. The distance to the summit is about 10 miles…7 ˝ of which are on human trails and the elevation gained is about 5,000’. To the south lies Blackfoot Mountain and glacier as well as Harrison glacier. 
Harrison glacier and Mt Walton to the south |
Looking north there are a large number of familiar peaks such as Reynolds, Going to the Sun, Sieyh, Canon and Clements. To the east you can see Mt Stimson and less often visited peaks like Almost a Dog and Mt Logan. There are several beautiful lakes to the west of the summit.
When to Climb:
July, August, September and into October depending on the amount of snow
Guidebook: A Climber’s Guide to Glacier National Park
Trail guide: Hiking Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks
Getting ThereGlacier National Park is located in the NW part of the state and extends up to the Canadian border which it shares with Waterton National Park of Canada. The nearest airport is Kalispell. Amtrac stations are in Whitefish, W Glacier and E Glacier. Depending on your travel plans, it may be worthwhile to fly to Spokane, WA and pick up a rental vehicle. Some rentals there may be more user friendly on multiple state use and mileage allowances as well as price.
Mt Jackson is located in the Saint Mary valley area of the park which lies east of Logan Pass. You can access the Going to the Sun Road at the park entrances at West Glacier or at St Mary and from either location you head toward the opposite end of the road until reaching the Jackson Glacier Overlook which is about 5 miles east of Logan Pass on the south side of the road.
Route DescriptionNortheast Ridge Route
Leave the Going to the Sun Road at the Jackson Glacier Overlook. From the parking area beside the road, you start downhill on the trail that leads to Gunsight Lake and continue to the lake about six miles.  Crossing at Gunsight lake
After following this trail for about a mile and gaining about 600’ you will reach some open meadows. 
Meadows where you leave trail to climb to ridge |
Look for a good route up to your right to attain the long ridge which will take you all the way to the summit. Nearing the summit the ridge suddenly steepens with a few class 3 climbing moves. It is best to work to the west where more difficult cliffs are encountered. Ice axes may be needed if you are climbing too early in the season.
Alternate NE Ridge Route
An alternate to the main route is to follow the main trail toward Gunsight Pass for about 2 miles to the third switchback around 6,400’ elevation and scramble up a basin to the ridgetop and thence on to the summit. My preference is to use this route for the descent.Red TapeRegistration for day climbs in Glacier National Park is recommended, but not mandatory.
National Park entrance fees apply in Glacier National Park. See Entrance Fees
CampingThere are many camping sites available at Glacier Park; backcountry, as well as car camping. Due to the large number of grizzly and even larger number of black bears who inhabit the area, there are strict guidelines for storage of food. Most of the backcountry campgrounds have facilities for hanging your food from cables or bear proof poles, but you need adequate lines to hoist your packs, etc 15 or 20 feet off the ground. If you are seeking an “undesignated area” camping permit, the rangers may require you to use a bear barrel to protect your food. When we backpacked in to Buffalo Woman Lake, they loaned us a bear barrel since they did not think we could find adequate tree limbs for hanging our food, etc. Hanging your packs is a good idea, since I have seen damaged packs from chewing by rodents. The GNP rangers require you to view an informational video annually before you can purchase your first backcountry permit.
GNP Campground Status and Info
Backcountry Camping Info
Backcountry Camping Sites
External LinksGlacier Mountaineers Society Images
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