Firebrand Pass, Elk Calf and Flat Top Mountain Summits

Glacier National Park, Badger-Two Medicine Proposed Wilderness Area, Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana

Broke camp first thing in the morning and left Two Medicine. On the way out of Glacier I stopped to see Running Eagle Falls. Such a short hike from the road to the falls, it is always worth it. So much water was coming over the top of the falls you can hardly see the water coming from the middle. Still pretty no matter what the water conditions are.

I headed for the Lubec Lake trailhead and the trail up to a Goat Survey site below Firebrand Pass. As I got closer to the pass, the clouds built up and a bit of rain fell. After an hour spent looking for Mountain Goats I packed my stuff up and headed back down to the trailhead.

While there was a shortage of big animals, lots of these ground squirrels were about. This one stayed pretty close. If he was looking for a snack from me he was disappointed.

Lots of little plants growing. This is a tough place to eek out an existence. I like how the plants grow right on top of each other even though there is plenty of space to spread out.

I decided to go from Marias Pass and head for Elk Calf and Flat Top Mountains in the Badger-Two Medicine area. The area I was in is still recovering from the Skyland fire from many years ago. Had to get around lots of trees to get up to the ridge. This photo shows the relatively clear scramble I had along the ridge.

And there was some talus towards the summit. Saw some pika and heard more calls from them as I climbed through the area.

I didn't expect a marker on top of Elk Calf Mountain, but I found one. At least it had half of the name on it. They all seem to be done differently. Half the fun in finding them is to see what they will say.

Lots of flowers blooming in the open space left by the fire.

I thought it only fitting that there was Prairie Smoke growing in the old burn.

After Elk Calf I went the 2+ miles up and down along the ridge to get to the summit of Flat Top Mountain. It really did have a large flat summit area. After checking all the rocks on top I determined this was the highest and therefor the true summit of the mountain.

From the summit it was a quick cross country down to where I had left my vehicle. After all day running around I was looking forward to some dinner.