PNT Day 4: Along Bowman Lake to Polebridge

Daily Miles: 14.2, Total Miles: 56.3

I awoke to loon calls on the lake, a cool way to start the day. Had a nice chat and breakfast with three young couples from Bozeman on the Bowman Lake/Kintla Lake loop hike.

A smoky, hazy start to the morning which only marginally improved throughout the day. A pretty cruisy hike for about seven miles along the shore of Bowman Lake with nice views of the lake and surrounding mountains. I heard but never saw what must have been a moose moving through trees, noisily entering the water and swimming.

I arrived at the Bowman Lake campground and walked a dusty seven miles on the dirt road eventually crossing the North Flathead River into Polebridge, only stopping at the ranger station at the west entry to the park for water, a snack and to wash the dirt off my face.

My first stop was the Mercantile for a cold drink. No phone service here so I bought their WiFi for $12, good around the store and porch and also good until they decide to change the password.

I then headed a short distance to the North Fork Hostel, a large cabin with bunks, kitchen and shower, surrounded by a collection of funky lodging options. I chose the Goat Chalet, a single room, somewhat restored cabin with a bed and wood stove with no electricity. The story goes that the Chalet was home to goats at some time in the past.

After settling in, I borrowed one of many available bikes and pedaled to the North Fork Saloon for an early dinner, a big burger and cold IPA. I was told this was to be the busiest night in Polebridge, and before I finished dinner, a popular, local funk band, 20 Grand, was doing their sound check on a stage behind the saloon.

I opted to hop on the bike and return to the hostel, finding a large tub and running water to wash my clothes and hang on a clothes line. I followed that with a wonderful, hot shower. I sat on my porch and listened to the band for awhile, now in full swing, not bad, but I may need earplugs tonight.