Cracker Lake Hike, Glacier National Park Picture: Old mine equipment - Check out Tripadvisor members' 12,896 candid photos and videos of Cracker Lake Hike Once the location of a mine, this lake is nestled in a basin with towering walls and an abundance of wildlife. s.parentNode.insertBefore(gcse, s); 6,079 Feet The 6.1 mile (12.2 roundtrip), hike to Cracker Lake includes wooded forests, grand views of lakes and mountains, creek crossings, distant waterfalls, mining ruins, possible wildflowers and wildlife, and a swim in turquoise water. function ml_webform_success_2150690(){var r=ml_jQuery||jQuery;r(".ml-subscribe-form-2150690 .row-success").show(),r(".ml-subscribe-form-2150690 .row-form").hide()}. The Cracker Lake Mine was established on the southern end of the lake at the foot of Mt. Please read this Disclaimer / Privacy Policy A stalwart hiker poses at Cracker Lake, very near the location of the Cracker Jack Mine. Almost immediately after jumping the man hit a wall and his parachute became caught on a rock roughly 400 feet below the summit. It is possible!. At just over 1.4 miles hikers will arrive at the Cracker Flats Horse Loop. The highlight of Alex's and my trip to Montana earlier this month was an overnight at the Cracker Lake backcountry campsite in Glacier. One of the financial backers of the Cracker Lake Mine was Dave Greenwood Altyn. Looking out over Swiftcurrent Lake. At 4.75 miles the trail finally emerges from the forest for the last time. Cracker Lake Hike, Glacier National Park Picture: Cracker lake and an old mine site - Check out Tripadvisor members' 12,848 candid photos and videos of Cracker Lake Hike The Cracker Lake Mine was established in 1897 after copper was discovered on the shore of the lake. The former townsite was buried under water after the Lake Sherburne reservoir filled the valley in 1921. Notes: Those who may have extra energy once at Craker Lake should also hike to the old Cracker Lake Mine site. Beyond the mine the trail finally reaches the shoreline at the far end of the lake. gcse.type = 'text/javascript'; Cracker Lake is a surreal-colored lake in the Many Glacier valley. Folks who hoped to profit from the mining operations built the town of Altyn near the mouth of Canyon Creek. All rights reserved. At the Cracker Lake mine, a tunnel had been driven some thirteen hundred feet into the mountain, including some four hundred feet along the vein. The 1,400 foot elevation gain may be less than half of what we experienced in Big Pine but is still considered “strenuous” by many hiking metrics. Cracker Lake is famous for its beautiful turquoise water color thanks to rock flour (silt) elements from Siyeh Glacier. It is a destination I have been wanting to make it to since last summer and it felt so surreal finally rounding the corner to see the icy blue Cracker Lake nestled below towering 4000' mountains. At 1400ft elevation gain, the trail never gets too taxing. The mine was established in 1897 after copper was discovered on the south shore of the lake. . Over the course of the first 1.7 miles of this hike you'll be sharing the trail with horses from the concessioners corral at Many Glacier. There have been quite a few bear sightings on this trail, which is understandable considering it's grizzly territory. The Cracker Lake Mine is a copper mine located in Glacier county, Montana at an elevation of 6,079 feet. For those that still have the energy to do some additional exploring you'll have the option of continuing on towards the old Cracker Lake Mine site. 5000′ of vertical rock above Cracker Lake. One Dead Digger Mine Near Essex, Montana. Smoke rolling in from the south. Filter 73 mines by commodity, disposition, development status, and record type in Flathead County, Montana. Cracker Lake also was the site of mining activity in the past, and some of the ruins are still there today. According to legend the mine received its name when two prospectors, L. C. Emmonds and Hank Norris, after staking their claim, had a lunch of cheese and crackers on the site. To continue towards the lake hikers should proceed straight ahead at this junction. All mine locations were obtained from the USGS Mineral Resources Data System. Also, just beyond the red rock outcropping is a side trail that leads down to the backcountry campground (which includes 3 campsites). Eventually the lake was named after the mine. Cracker Lake Mine (Cracker Mine), Glacier Co., Montana, USA Cracker Lake Mine (Cracker Mine), Glacier Co., Montana, USA This page is currently not sponsored. The locations and other information in this database have not been verified for accuracy. From this point forward you'll enjoy spectacular views of the deep canyon you entered a couple miles back, as well as fantastic views of your final destination. The first few miles of the hike passes through a thick forest; however, at roughly one mile from the trailhead you'll reach an opening in the canopy that provides some outstanding views of the Cracker Flats area. After passing the horse loop the trail climbs a couple of switchbacks, and then begins ascending a ridge where you'll have the fairly unusual occurrence of being able to see two creeks flowing down valleys on either side of you: Allen on your right, and Canyon Creek on your left. The former townsite was buried under water after the Lake Sherburne reservoir filled the valley in 1921. var cx = 'partner-pub-9736755019159052:xpuzw9d2li5'; It appears to tumble at least 200 feet down the cliff. Premium members have access to Google dynamic maps. Route Description for Cracker Lake Expect a muddy, buggy first 3.2km, as horses from Many Glacier share this trail! From the outcropping hikers will stand roughly one hundred feet above the lake. This is still another half-mile away, but well worth the effort. Almost immediately after starting your hike you'll reach a split in the trail. Towering above the south end of the lake is 10,014-foot Mt. Looking back on the lake. Cracker Lake Trail is a 12 mile hike deep into Glacier National Park through grizzly territory. First view of the lake. At roughly 3.25 miles from the trailhead you'll emerge from the forest. As another interesting piece of history concerning the area, a BASE jumper leapt off of Mt. . var gcse = document.createElement('script'); My book on the history of hiking has much more information about trail development in Glacier, as well as the early years of the park. Please add your email address and specify your topics of interest. Vivid colors. Hopes were so high for the Cracker Jack and Bullshead Mine on the shoulder of Mt. However, after the mine went bust, so did the town. After continuing for another two-tenths of a mile you'll cross a footbridge over Allen Creek, and shortly thereafter, will reach the far end of the horse loop. The Cracker Mine at the head of Cracker Lake opened in the same year. var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; Before the park was established, there was a copper mine at the head of the lake. A little more than a half-mile from this spot you’ll cross over Canyon Creek, at which point the trail heads back into the forest for another long stretch. The Cracker Lake Mine and the boom town of Altyn If you’ve ever had the chance to hike to Cracker Lake in Glacier National Park, it’s likely you’re aware of the remnants of the old mine located near the far end of the lake. Camp views. According to legend the mine received its name when two prospectors, L. C. Emmonds and Hank Norris, had a lunch of cheese and crackers on the site after staking their claim. Entering the mine, however, is strictly prohibited. Although you won't actually be able to see the lake from this vantage point, you will be able to see the headwall between Mt. gcse.async = true; Located at the head of a canyon, Cracker Lake is framed by Mount Siyeh, Cracker Peak, and Allen Mountain. Directly across the basin from this perch is 9376-foot Allen Mountain. The land containing the Cracker Lake and Bulls Head mines changed hands several time in the years to follow and was finally picked up on a tax deed from Glacier County on September 22, 1953 by the Glacier Natural History Association. The Cracker Lake Trail has a long reputation for bear sightings, and for obvious reasons. To continue on towards Cracker Lake hikers should turn left at this junction. Seriously? cestovatel25 / TripAdvisor The mine was established in 1897 after copper was discovered on the south shore of the lake. Want to get a bird’s eye view of Glacier National Park? (1,853 Meters). A lesson in the industrial age may seem farfetched in such a remote location, but at the end of the lake, visitors will find the leftovers of the Cracker Lake Mine. Flathead, MT County, Montana Location. Siyeh, and sitting like a gem more than 4000 feet below is Cracker Lake. In the course of the hike, we encountered waterfalls, glaciers, a wide range of ecosystems, a bull moose, and a grizzly bear. Cracker Lake is a surreal-colored lake in the Many Glacier valley. A little information about the mining: By 1910, when Glacier National Park was finally formed, only a small number of these consolidated claims remained. This onetime robust little settlement got its name from Dave Altyn, one of the mine’s financial backers. According to legend the mine received its name when two prospectors, L. C. Emmonds and Hank Norris, had a lunch of cheese and crackers on the site after staking their claim. Please consider becoming a member. However, after the mine went bust, so did the town. Cracker Lake in Glacier Park is nestled in a huge glacial cirque, and is surrounded by a natural cathedral of towering walls and peaks. Privacy. One of the financial backers of the Cracker Lake Mine was Dave Greenwood Altyn. Cracker Lake is located in the Many Glacier region of the park, and it ranks among most people’s top 10 hikes to do in Glacier National Park. About the MRDS Data: All mine locations were obtained from the USGS Mineral Resources Data System. Copyright At roughly 2.3 miles you may catch a glimpse of an impressive waterfall flowing off the cliff straight ahead of you. As a result, hikers should be extra vigilant on this trail. Montana, County: On this particular trip, I saw mountain goats, a moose and a bear in addition to many birds, flowers and small mammals such as marmots and Columbian ground squirrels. Mining artifacts from the Cracker Lake Mine (Click for more info) Portrait. Many Glacier is probably my favorite section of the park for it’s intense stunning beauty and glacial colored lakes. Siyeh. Once the location of a mine, this lake is nestled in a basin with towering walls and an abundance of wildlife. The hike to Cracker Lake in Glacier National Park begins from the Piegan Pass / Cracker Lake Trailhead, located at the south end of the parking lot above the Many Glacier Hotel. If hiking on a bright sunny day, you'll be immediately struck by the most amazing turquoise color you could ever imagine. Mining Town Archive | It travels through prime grizzly bear habitat, passes through a lot of tall vegetation, including many berry patches, and makes a lot of twists and turns, thus creating numerous blind spots along the route. Unfortunately you won't have a real clear view as the waterfall is partially hidden by trees, and the trail never gets any closer. My favorite thing about the Cracker Lake Trail is I hardly saw another human being.. That’s right; I went to Glacier National Park and escaped the crowds. The lake can be reached by a 6.1 mi (9.8 km) trail from the Piegan Pass with 1400 ft (427 m) elevation gain. Mine Owner Land Status Work Type Minerals; Badger Creek Deposits: Iron Titanium: Borrow Pit: Sand and Gravel: Bufflo Lake Deposit: Iron Titanium: Cracker Lake Mine: National Park: Copper: East Kiowa No. Later in the season, it may be scorched and rutted – either way, the first 3.2km are quite challenging to get through. Hikers should also take a look at the walls surrounding the lake where you'll likely notice some really interesting sedimentary layers of multi-colored rock. . (function() { Depending on the season, this section of trail can be either extremely muddy, or it will be dusty and deeply rutted as a result of heavy horse traffic. Copper Commodity. Glacier, Elevation: Cracker Lake Lake, 750 feet north; Cracker Mine Mine, 770 feet south; Cracker Mountain, 3700 feet south; Siyeh Glacier Glacier, 4200 feet southwest; Mount Siyeh Mountain, 1 mile south; Preston Park Plain, 1 mile south; Other Places. Heading for the Cracker Mine (dark gray in the meadow are mine tailings) We arrived at the junction up the rock about mile 6.7, but instead of turning up onto the rock, we kept walking past the junction down to the campground (approx. Click here to sponsor this page. Siyeh. Document Archive | Prospect Development Status. A daring rescue involving 8 rangers and several other park employees pulled the man to safety, who suffered only minor injuries. gcse.src = 'https://cse.google.com/cse.js?cx=' + cx; Photo Credit to Howard Stone. But beauty awaits you on the other side! 8. "Cracker" Lake? On this particular trip, I saw mountain goats, a moose and a bear in addition to … Not only that, but this lake is one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen, and I live in Alaska. At the Cracker Lake mine, a tunnel had been driven some thirteen hundred feet into the mountain, including some four hundred feet along the vein. It should be assumed that all mines are on private property. The Cracker Lake Mine was established on the southern end of the lake at the foot of Mt. At roughly 5.8 miles hikers will arrive at an overlook that provides outstanding views from the north end of Cracker Lake. Siyeh in 1997, intending to land near Cracker Lake. A town bearing his name was built near Cracker Flats, and was active from 1898 to 1902. The Cracker Lake Mine was established after copper ore was discovered below Mt. The mountains across the upper reaches of Lake Sherburne create a magnificent scene during the early morning hours. According to legend the mine received its name when two prospectors, L. C. Emmonds and Hank Norris, after staking their claim, had a lunch of cheese and crackers on the site. Feet down the cliff water color thanks to rock flour ( silt ) elements from Glacier. For obvious reasons above the south shore of the Mine, this Lake is nestled in a with! Of mining activity in the trail a wall and his parachute became caught a. Ever imagine Peak, and some of the canyon, Cracker Peak, and carry spray. This break in the canopy offers the first views of the Cracker Mine... Siyeh in 1997, intending to land near Cracker Flats, and was active from 1898 1902. 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