Trail Overview
This is a great out-and-back trail that begins in the little town of Polebridge. This road does enter Glacier National Park, so be prepared to pay the entrance fee, and depending on the time of year, a vehicle reservation pass may be required in addition to the park entrance fee. Visit https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/vehicle-reservations.htm for more specific details regarding fees. From the Polebridge Mercantile (grab one of their famous bear claws while you're there), head north on the Inside North Fork Road toward Kintla and Bowman Lakes. You'll see a sign pointing to the east for Bowman Lake, or continue straight toward Kintla Lake. The easy, relaxing road winds through big, open prairies along the North Fork of the Flathead River and groves of cedar trees. Be very careful of oncoming traffic in blind switchback corners as you start to gain elevation. Camping and cabins are available along the way and at both lakes and reservations can be made online at https://www.recreation.gov/.
History
The discovery of oil seeps around Kintla Lake prompted the Butte Oil Company to clear a 40-mile wagon road (now the inside North Fork Road) through the forest in 1901. Although this ungraded, stump-ridden, wagon road was difficult to travel, it encouraged settlement on the east side of the Flathead River. https://www.nps.gov/articles/north-fork-homesteads-brief.htm#:~:text=The%20discovery%20of%20oil%20seeps,side%20of%20the%20Flathead%20River.
