Cracker Lake: Grizzly Encounter
- Meghan McCranie
- Jul 1, 2025
- 4 min read
Cracker Lake is one that I've wanted to do for a while now and trust me, this is a hike I will NEVER forget.
General Trail Info:
Date hiked: June 28th 2025
Where to Park: Many Glacier Hotel Parking Lot- very limited parking
Trail Distance: 12.5 Miles
Our Start time: 6:00am, we left Whitefish at 3:45am in order to get to the trailhead by 6.
Passes/Reservations needed: A park pass is needed to enter the park but no reservation was required because of the day and time we entered the park. (Before July 1st, before 7am). Updated Reservation information.
What to bring: Bear spray, fire arm (seriously, if you are licensed to carry bring it), trekking poles (great for the downhill on the way back), rain/wind layer, and water!
After stopping by the bathroom in the Many Glacier Hotel parking lot, we hit the trail! The beginning of the trail is lined with trees on either side and is VERY muddy. Because it's used as a horse trail as well, you'll be dodging lots of horse poop. Don't worry, it's worth it. Make sure to look through the trees to see Lake Sherburne on your left. Very quickly after starting the trail, we saw some groups stopped ahead of us waiting for a male grizzly bear to go further into the woods. We didn't see him, but little did we know what was in store for us on our way back from the lake.
On either side of the trail we saw thimble berry plants (pictured left)! Predicted to be ripe in July, these are like a tart raspberry and bears LOVE THEM. These beautiful plants line most of the trail along with beautiful wildflowers.
The elevation increase was pretty gradual until we reached a series of switchbacks for a short ways. This section definitely woke up our glutes and we were shedding layers along the way. Once we completed the switchbacks we were rewarded with a gorgeous view of Canyon Creek.
The rest of the hike was along the creek, lined with mountains on either side. We saw the most beautiful double rainbow on our last mile before reaching the lake. The wind really seemed to pick up the closer we got to the lake which made me so thankful for my extra layers.
Once we got to the lake, we took a break and had a much needed snack and shot of tequila! When you're facing the lake, take a look up to the left and you'll see Siyeh Peak. There's no official trail leading to the peak, but there are some brave mountaineers who have paved away for those that wish to overlook Cracker Lake from a new point of view.
When we turned back, we were greeted with the same crazy winds which we didn't anticipate could cause us a problem with a mama grizz. Our laughs, singing, and chatting was drowned out to the point that we accidentally surprised a Grizzly bear coming around a corner.
Graham, leading us six back, came around the corner first and saw a ~500 lb Grizzly bear standing on it's hind legs trying to get a good look at who was coming around the bend. He started to back up slowly when his wife Kim got close enough to see what was happening. Next thing I know I hear the most blood curdling, terrifying scream because the bear started to charge (later realized was thankfully a bluff charge) and I see a bear running towards my friends and ultimately ME. She was a stride and swipe away from our group. As we collected ourselves, grabbed the bear spray and pistol, our friend Dan emerged from the back of the pack to charge the bear, making himself big and the bear retreated back around the corner. Dan then saw something that changed the game... two small cubs, maybe a couple of months old. Grizzly Mamas are a whole different breed- bear spray WILL NOT be enough if you surprise a mama grizz or get between her and her cubs. By the grace of God, mama and cubs took off up the hill deciding that we weren't worth her energy. We acquired two more hikers that happened to be right behind us when the commotion began and we cautiously made our way back, forever changed by the experience.
When encountering a bear it's important to remember these things:
Don't run, back away slowly
Hike in large groups and stay together
Bring a fire arm if you are licensed and trained to use it
Make noise, and even more noise if there are heavy winds
I've hiked numerous trails and had never seen a bear. It's easy to get jaded and think that you're invincible, but remember- we are in bear territory. We are the ones invading their world. Maintain a healthy awareness and fear.
After this experience, my greatest take away is that God is bigger than our stupidity. I almost hiked this trail solo, but He knew better. By the grace of God we all made it out and it is a strong reminder that God has a plan and purpose for us. If you're breathing, you have purpose and significance. Don't forget that.
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