Continental Divide National Scenic Trail – Marias Pass

Marias Pass cuts through the Continental Divide at 5,213 feet, where Great Northern Railway’s legacy meets modern backcountry exploration. This route follows old logging roads and railroad grades south of US-2, accessing remote drainages between Glacier National Park and the Great Bear Wilderness. Key waypoints include Summit Station ruins and Bear Creek’s technical water crossing, where railroad bridge remnants create a challenging ford during snowmelt.

Moderate difficulty requiring high-clearance 4WD for creek crossings and loose shale sections. Best accessed May through October when snow clears from higher elevations. No permits required for the forest service roads, but respect private timber holdings. Carry recovery gear for mud holes and extra fuel – nearest services are 40 miles either direction. This route delivers genuine solitude and railroad history in one of Montana’s most accessible wilderness corridors.