Pitamakan Dawson Loop backpacking trail

The Pitamakan-Dawson Loop can be done as a long day hike, but it’s better as a backpacking trip. Keep in mind, you will need to get a backcountry permit before camping in Glacier National Park. You can find more information on backcountry permits in Glacier National Park here.

At points the Pitamakan-Dawson Loop is quite exposed to the weather, so be sure to pack the appropriate gear such as a raincoat, hat, and gloves because the weather can change very quickly.

Day 1: Two Medicine Campground to Old Man Lake Campground (6.2mi, 2064ft)

Starting from the Two Medicine campground, head across the bridge by Pray Lake and continue straight until you reach the Pitamakan-Dawson Loop trail. You can go either direction for this loop, however if you go right (counter-clockwise) we think it has the best views and you potentially can catch one of the Two Medicine Lake boat tours back for the last 3.0mi.

Taking the trail to the right, the first part of the hike is in and out of forest and avalanche chutes. After 1.5mi you will pass a waterfall before a short descent and then the start of your climb to Oldman Lake campground. The trail to the campground is a steady climb and fairly open until 1.0mi from the campsite, where you begin to enter the forest. The campground trail leads to the lake, where there are 4 sites. Set up camp and enjoy the serene views of the lake and surrounding area.

Day 2: Oldman Lake Campground to Two Med (12.0mi, 2178ft)

From Oldman Lake Campground, return to the main trail and continue in a counter-clockwise direction. This is where the trail becomes significantly steeper as it switchbacks up to Pitamakan Pass. The views are spectacular the whole way up, but from the pass and along the ridge you can see many different parts of Glacier National Park. From Pitamakan viewpoint, Cutbank Valley and Old Man Lake look spectacular. As you continue along the ridge, the continental divide, you get views into the Coal/Nyack area. The trail goes between Mt. Morgan, and Flinsch Peak before continuing around Flinsch Peak to Dawson Pass.

From Dawson Pass you get great views down into the Lewis Range. As you continue along the trail you descend into Bighorn Basin. At this point you can try to catch the last boat tour down Two Medicine Lake Shore and back to the boat dock near the campground. If it has left, then continue for 3.0mi on level ground back to the campground.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Two Medicine Campground to Old Man Lake Campground (6.2mi, 2064ft)

Day 2: Oldman Lake Campground to Two Medicine Campground (12.0mi, 2178ft)