Formerly an old lookout, Elk Mountain is a short but formidable hike. You start out at an out of the way trailhead a few miles shy of Marias Pass on the west side in an area called Snowslip. After a short 1.2 a mile walk where you cross some train tracks, you encounter the cutoff and begin to gain the 3,000 feet over the next 2.5 miles. By rapidly gaining elevation, you quickly emerge from the lodgepole forest to get great views to the south looking towards Great Northern as well as into the Ole Creek drainage. After clearing into the subalpine terrain, the view of the summit comes into view and everything opens up in the typical grand Glacier Park fashion. If you can handle the climb, the views will reward you!
