running out of daylight after spending time atop Otokomi and East Flattop, we took the long ridge walk toward Napi Point. we found the old trail that switchbacked down towards Lower St. Mary Lake, but it soon became dark. our group was able to follow trails all the way down, but we ended up being spit out at a private residence about a mile down the road from the KOA campground. is there actually an old trail that leads to the St. Mary campground within the park? just curious in case i end up back there again someday, as i'd rather hike those last few miles through the woods than on a paved road.
There is a "use" trail that basically follows the boundary line and puts you at the inside the park campground. If I remember correctly, there are about 3 loops of campsites and it is located at the third one? I'm not sure where the KOA campground is, but assume it is on the Blackfeet reservation and you could be required to have a permit to use that approach, I suppose
okay, sounds right. as i mentioned, it was getting dark on our way down, and we somehow missed the park boundary line. ended up hiking through Blackfeet land on accident. will try to alot for more daylight next time! thanks.
distressbark - Nov 7, 2009 3:17 pm - Voted 10/10
trail to St. Maryrunning out of daylight after spending time atop Otokomi and East Flattop, we took the long ridge walk toward Napi Point. we found the old trail that switchbacked down towards Lower St. Mary Lake, but it soon became dark. our group was able to follow trails all the way down, but we ended up being spit out at a private residence about a mile down the road from the KOA campground. is there actually an old trail that leads to the St. Mary campground within the park? just curious in case i end up back there again someday, as i'd rather hike those last few miles through the woods than on a paved road.
thanks!
jimegan - Nov 9, 2009 10:21 am - Hasn't voted
Re: trail to St. MaryThere is a "use" trail that basically follows the boundary line and puts you at the inside the park campground. If I remember correctly, there are about 3 loops of campsites and it is located at the third one? I'm not sure where the KOA campground is, but assume it is on the Blackfeet reservation and you could be required to have a permit to use that approach, I suppose
distressbark - Nov 9, 2009 11:16 am - Voted 10/10
Re: trail to St. Maryokay, sounds right. as i mentioned, it was getting dark on our way down, and we somehow missed the park boundary line. ended up hiking through Blackfeet land on accident. will try to alot for more daylight next time! thanks.