Heavy Runner Mountain was named for the Blackfeet Indian Chief, Heavy Runner, who was massacred along with most of his encampment by Major Eugene M. Baker's detachment on the Marias River on January 23, 1870.

The Marias Massacre occurred because of stolen horses. No one in Heavy Runner�s band was responsible for stealing the horses and Owl Child, the accused thief, was with another band under the leadership of Mountain Chief. Scouts for Baker�s troop reported that this camp was not the correct camp but Baker proceeded to attack Heavy Runner�s camp anyway. Baker�s failure to listen resulted in the deaths of Chief Heavy Runner and 173 of his tribe members (most were women and children). Heavy Runner himself was killed as he left his lodge with his gift of an American flag given to him as a promise for his camp's safety.

**Differing views of Heavy Runner**

Every visitor who travels to Logan Pass will no doubt see Heavy Runner Mountain. With its imposing mass jutting up out over the head of the St. Mary�s Valley Heavy Runner provides a picturesque view driving up the eastside of Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Observing the mountain from Logan Pass puts it in true perspective compared to its neighbors. Heavy Runner is a little over 1,000 feet less in elevation compared to Reynolds Mountain which is connected to its western shoulder. Like Reynolds, Heavy Runner is located approximately 1.5 miles from Logan Pass.

Although it does not possess the commanding presence of its nearest neighbor Heavy Runner Mountain is still a worthy destination for climbers who want to experience a great day in the Logan Pass Area and see some incredible scenery.

Getting There

Heavy Runner is located in the middle of this photo behind the horn of Reynolds Mountain as viewed from Cannon

The "Crown of the Continent" is located in northwestern Montana and shares a border with Waterton International Peace Park in Canada. Driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road is the only way to make it to Logan Pass and Heavy Runner Mountain. Typically Logan Pass and Going-to-the-Sun Road opens near the end of June but it can be as early as the middle of June and as late as after July Fourth. The road isn�t open in the winter but you can ski there. Be ready for some gnarly conditions and lots of snow!

Glacier National Park began offering a free Shuttle Service in 2007. This is a great option for exploring the park.

Click here for Road Information regarding conditions, repairs and delay schedules as well as estimated opening dates.

Red Tape

Bear Danger!

For current National Park Entrance Fees: Current Park Information

For all the Rules and Regulations governing Glacier National Park look at the Rules and Regulations. You can find a PDF files here with a lengthy treatises about what you can and can't do but it could keep you out of jail.

You do not have to register for day climbs in Glacier National Park but it is recommended. Backcountry travel regulations can be found at Backcountry Travel. There is also information from the Park Service on Mountain Climbing in Glacier.

As with all hiking and climbing in Glacier National Park use caution and practice good manners with the wildlife. You are in bear country. Carry your bear deterrent spray, don�t hike alone and make some noise. For more information please go to the Park's website for Bear Information. The U.S. Forest Service also has helpful information on Grizzly Bear Management.

Routes Overview

Heavy Runner Route Topo

GUIDEBOOK:

There is no climbing route described in J. Gordon Edwards� A CLIMBER'S GUIDE TO GLACIER NATIONAL PARK for Heavy Runner Mountain. The mountain has a false summit where the cairn is located after a class 4 cliff and chimney. A more complicated class 5 climb is required for reaching the true summit. Strong climbers who are used to climbing in Glacier will enjoy the challenge but protection for the ascent and descent are recommended for climbers who have not climbed in Glacier. A good rock climber could do this solo but a rappel would be highly recommended.

Special Considerations:The rock in Glacier Park is widely varied and it is not unusual to find several different types of rock on any given route. Know your rocks and be certain of your safety. J. Gordon Edwards has an excellent section in his guidebook on rock and climbing safety. Be safe and know your limitations as well as those who are climbing with you. Also refer to the following links for further details: GNP Rock and Grading System and the GMS Climbing Guidelines.

Please Note: The Glacier Mountaineering Society along with the NPS established several acceptable approaches to the peaks accessed from Logan Pass. The information desk in the visitor center has a map showing these approaches.

The climbing guide describes numerous approaches to Reynolds Mountain, which would also apply to Heavy Runner Mountain, as all cross country, going directly across the meadows to the mountain. After most of the snow is melted, the NPS closes the meadows and other areas near the pass to protect fragile vegetation.

Looking down the St. Mary's Valley while on the Heavy Runner via Reynolds Circuit

1) Heavy Runner via Reynolds Circuit, Glacier Park Class 2 & 3 on approach and 4 or 5 on summit attempt

This route completes a circuit around the base of Reynolds Mountain. With incredible views into Hidden Lake, Floral Park, Fusillade Mountain, Eden East (as referred to by George Ostrom of the Over The Hill Gang) and the St. Mary�s Valley as well as spectacular views of Logan Pass and it�s surrounding peaks this route is perhaps the most scenic way to reach the top of Heavy Runner Mountain. Total distance around Reynolds and up to the Heavy Runner Summit is approximately 9 miles and total elevation gained on this route is 2,600 feet.

The Direct Approach from the Climber's Trail

2) The Direct Approach, Glacier Park Class 2 & 3 in approach and 4 or 5 on summit attempt

For those wishing to not walk around Reynolds the saddle between Heavy Runner and Reynolds can be accessed by dropping down into the valley below the north face of Reynolds via the climber�s trail to Reynold�s from The Hidden Lake Trail. Round trip distance is approximately 7 miles and total elevation gained is about 3,300 feet.

Special Note on a Direct Approach from Logan Pass: A direct approach is generally the way Montanans deal with most obstacles in their path, however in this case the direct approach from Logan Pass Visitors Center is discouraged for a number of reasons. The area around Logan Pass is fragile and can be highly impacted by off trail usage (see Special Considerations). This route would also require increased changes of altitude. There is also a strong possibility of crossing paths with the numerous grizzly bears which are frequently seen from the Visitor�s Center and call this area their home.

When to Climb

Pollock and Lunch Creek

Heavy Runner Mountain (on left) with Reynolds, Bearhat and Clements surrounding Logan Pass.

Heavy Runner viewed from Hidden Lake Pass. Photo by SassyApes.

It is possible to climb Heavy Runner as soon as Logan Pass is open. Ideal times to climb are late July to September. Alpinists will experience a higher degree of challenge earlier and later in the season. Logan Pass closes at a moments notice due to poor road conditions and snowfall in October. Plan on additional gear if an early season attempt is made.

Weather

This seldom-seen perspective of three well-known GNP peaks is taken from the NW shoulder of Little Chief Mountain. Reynolds is the horn on the left with its nose in the clouds, Heavy Runner Mtn at center, then next on the right is Mount Oberlin; the long ridge continuing right, and out of the picture, is Pollock Mtn, with its summit being just out of the frame. Photo by Vernon, June 4, 2005.

Reynolds shrouded by clouds with view of Heavy Runner in the background

In Montana it is said �If you don't like the weather just wait a half hour� or you can check out what�s up with the local weather at Glacier Park Weather.

Camping

No Camping at Logan Pass

Thou shalt not camp at Logan Pass.

The options for camping include: GNP Campground Information, USFS Campgrounds, Camping on the Blackfeet Reservation or East Glacier Campgrounds

External Links

Glacier National Park in Pictures
Glacier Mountaineering Society
Logan Pass Trails
Visit Montana

Images



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