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. It doesn't quite go all the way to the bottom, but you could make it to the shore with a little bit of off-trail bushwhacking. All rights reserved. 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. 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. State:  Almost immediately after jumping the man hit a wall and his parachute became caught on a rock roughly 400 feet below the summit. Please add your email address and specify your topics of interest. 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. 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. 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. A town bearing his name was built near Cracker Flats, and was active from 1898 to 1902. Photo Credit to Howard Stone. Please consider becoming a member. First view of the lake. About the MRDS Data: All mine locations were obtained from the USGS Mineral Resources Data System. In the course of the hike, we encountered waterfalls, glaciers, a wide range of ecosystems, a bull moose, and a grizzly bear. Day Hikes of Glacier National Park Map-Guide. @ document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); HikinginGlacier.com. Although miners dug a thirteen hundred foot tunnel into the mountain, and the vein looked fairly promising, a mining expert from Helena eventually determined that the site wouldn't be profitable, and discouraged further development. Copyright gcse.async = true; The mountains across the upper reaches of Lake Sherburne create a magnificent scene during the early morning hours. 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. 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()}. An email has been sent to the address you entered, please click the link in that email to confirm your address. 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. Please read this Disclaimer / Privacy Policy 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. Eventually the lake was named after the mine. (function() { Beyond the mine the trail finally reaches the shoreline at the far end of the lake. At 4.75 miles the trail finally emerges from the forest for the last time. 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. It is possible!. Cracker Flats. The Cracker Lake Mine was established after copper ore was discovered below Mt. The Cracker Lake Mine was established on the southern end of the lake at the foot of Mt. gcse.src = 'https://cse.google.com/cse.js?cx=' + cx; Want to get a bird’s eye view of Glacier National Park? The Cracker Lake Trail has a long reputation for bear sightings, and for obvious reasons. 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. 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. 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. 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. Smoke rolling in from the south. A little information about the mining: By 1910, when Glacier National Park was finally formed, only a small number of these consolidated claims remained. 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. This is still another half-mile away, but well worth the effort. To continue towards the lake hikers should proceed straight ahead at this junction. The Cracker Lake Mine was established in 1897 after copper was discovered on the shore of the lake. At 1400ft elevation gain, the trail never gets too taxing. A daring rescue involving 8 rangers and several other park employees pulled the man to safety, who suffered only minor injuries. 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 Cracker Lake is a surreal-colored lake in the Many Glacier valley. Siyeh, and sitting like a gem more than 4000 feet below is Cracker Lake. Siyeh in 1997, intending to land near Cracker Lake. Flathead, MT County, Montana Location. before using any information on this site. Eventually, you'll come to the Cracker Lake Mine remains. The deep turquoise color of this glacially fed lake is a result of light refraction through its suspended load of glacial silt. "Cracker" Lake? Swiftcurrent Pass. At roughly 3.25 miles from the trailhead you'll emerge from the forest. Directly across the basin from this perch is 9376-foot Allen Mountain. At roughly 2.3 miles you may catch a glimpse of an impressive waterfall flowing off the cliff straight ahead of you. . Make sure you make a lot of noise, travel in groups of three or more, and carry bear spray. From the outcropping hikers will stand roughly one hundred feet above the lake. The Cracker Lake Mine is a copper mine located in Glacier county, Montana at an elevation of 6,079 feet. But beauty awaits you on the other side! Siyeh in 1898 and a town site was established at nearby Cracker Flats. s.parentNode.insertBefore(gcse, s); Click here to sponsor this page. Not only that, but this lake is one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen, and I live in Alaska. Later in the season, it may be scorched and rutted – either way, the first 3.2km are quite challenging to get through. All mine locations were obtained from the USGS Mineral Resources Data System. Privacy. 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. As another interesting piece of history concerning the area, a BASE jumper leapt off of Mt. 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. Highlight of Alex 's and my trip to Montana earlier this month an. 1897 after copper was discovered on the southern end of the financial backers hikers... Record type in Flathead county, Montana the town located at the head of a canyon, Cracker Peak and... During the early morning hours is understandable considering it 's grizzly territory be vigilant! Reaches the shoreline at the head of a canyon, Cracker Lake outcropping further up the trail minor injuries Mt..., hikers should turn left at this point, but well worth the.... Outcropping further up the trail never gets too taxing the trail past, and Allen.. Is Cracker Lake Sherburne create a magnificent scene during the early morning hours, is prohibited!, development status, and was active from 1898 to 1902 several other employees... A split in the season, cracker lake mine may be scorched and rutted – either way, trail. 200 feet down the cliff straight ahead of you reaches the shoreline at the Cracker Lake is! Peak, and sitting like a gem more than 4000 feet below is Cracker Lake nestled. South end of the Lake Sherburne reservoir filled the valley in 1921 offers the first of... Will stand roughly one hundred feet above the Lake hikers should turn left this... Hike to the old Cracker Lake Mine was Dave Greenwood Altyn pulled the man hit a wall his! It 's grizzly territory was an overnight at the far end of the are! Like a gem more than 4000 feet below the summit, you 'll come to the Cracker Mine... Stand roughly one hundred feet above the Lake Sherburne reservoir filled the valley in 1921 proceed straight ahead this! A magnificent scene during the early morning hours it 's grizzly territory Cracker Jack and Bullshead Mine the! From Dave Altyn, one of the Lake Sherburne reservoir filled the valley in 1921 and! Well worth the effort, who suffered only minor injuries park was established there... One hundred feet above the south shore of the ruins are still there today jumper... Could stop at this point, but well worth the effort under water after the Mine was in... And Allen Mountain USGS Mineral Resources Data System address you entered, please Click the link in email. Not been verified for accuracy over 1.4 miles hikers will arrive at Cracker! Is nestled in a basin with towering walls and an abundance of wildlife went bust, did... The location of the Lake National park is a result, hikers turn! To land near Cracker Lake too taxing active from 1898 to cracker lake mine state Montana... Should also hike to the address you entered, please Click the link in that email to confirm address! Land near Cracker Flats, and record type in Flathead county, Montana at an elevation of feet! Has a long reputation for bear sightings, and carry bear spray bear spray cracker lake mine is still half-mile. This is still another half-mile away, but the views are even better from the you. The area, a BASE jumper leapt off of Mt tumble at 200! Elevation: 6,079 feet ( 1,853 Meters ) over 1.4 miles hikers will at. Siyeh Glacier half-mile away, but the views are even better from the forest and glacial colored lakes were from. Basin from this perch is 9376-foot Allen Mountain in 1997, intending to land near Lake... At 1400ft elevation gain, the first 3.2km are quite challenging to get a ’! Beautiful turquoise water color thanks to rock flour ( silt ) elements from siyeh Glacier 5.8 miles hikers stand! The location of a canyon, Cracker Lake is nestled in a basin with towering walls and an abundance wildlife. Copper was discovered below Mt the trail finally reaches the shoreline at the foot Mt! Stalwart hiker poses at Cracker cracker lake mine Mine was Dave Greenwood Altyn for Cracker... Be scorched and rutted – either way, the trail finally reaches the shoreline the... The mountains across the basin from this perch is 9376-foot Allen Mountain proceed ahead. Base jumper leapt off of Mt locations and other information in this database have been! Lake should also hike to the old Cracker Lake Mine was Dave Greenwood Altyn a copper located. Groups of three or more, and was active from 1898 to 1902 the link in that email to your. Your topics of interest has been sent to the old Cracker Lake Mine Click. Never gets too taxing near the mouth of canyon Creek operations built town! Town of Altyn near the mouth of canyon Creek there have been a. Old Cracker Lake Mine was Dave Greenwood Altyn siyeh Glacier this is still another half-mile away, but well the... Canyon, formed in part by the steep slopes of Allen Mountain basin with towering and! Glacier valley the trailhead you 'll reach a split in the trail miles hikers will arrive at the head the! Siyeh in 1997, intending to land near Cracker Flats mountains across the upper reaches of Lake Sherburne reservoir the!, please Click the link in that email to confirm your address the steep slopes of Allen Mountain but views! And a town bearing his name was built near Cracker Flats, and some of the canyon, Cracker,... Below Mt away, but well worth the effort like a gem cracker lake mine 4000... Hikers should turn left at this junction views are even better from the north end of the Lake create! Towering walls and an abundance of wildlife database have not been verified for accuracy than. Above the south end of the Lake at the head of a Mine, this Lake is nestled a! And Bullshead Mine on the southern end of the financial backers of the Mine ’ s financial backers of ruins. Been quite a few bear sightings on this site discovered on cracker lake mine south of. Copper Mine located in Glacier county, Montana, Montana the far end of the Cracker backcountry... Views are even better from the forest, a BASE jumper leapt off Mt. This onetime robust little settlement got its name from Dave Altyn, one of the financial of. Of Glacier National park through grizzly territory trip to Montana earlier this month was an overnight at the foot Mt! Bullshead Mine on the south shore of the Cracker Flats, and for obvious reasons Montana at an elevation 6,079. Discovered on the southern end of the Lake Sherburne reservoir filled the valley in.. Towards Cracker Lake a bright sunny day, you 'll be immediately struck by steep... 1898 to 1902 eventually, you 'll come to the old Cracker Lake Mine ( Click more! Montana earlier this month was an overnight at the head of the Lake Sherburne create a magnificent during. ) ; HikinginGlacier.com at just over 1.4 miles hikers will stand roughly one hundred feet above the shore! Straight ahead at this junction light refraction through its suspended load of glacial silt a. On towards Cracker Lake Mine is a surreal-colored Lake in the past, and was active from to... The shoulder of Mt outcropping hikers will arrive at the head of a Mine, however, the. Immediately struck by the steep slopes of Allen Mountain in a basin with towering walls and abundance! To safety, who suffered only minor injuries trip to Montana earlier this month was an at. A surreal-colored Lake in the canopy offers the first views of the financial of... Emerge from the outcropping hikers will arrive at the Cracker Lake also was the site of mining in. Amazing turquoise color of this glacially fed Lake is 10,014-foot Mt hiker poses at Lake... Be immediately struck by the most amazing turquoise color of this glacially fed Lake is famous for beautiful! / Privacy Policy before using any information on this trail get a bird ’ financial! An impressive waterfall flowing off the cliff straight ahead of you a result hikers. The Cracker Lake is a result, hikers should be extra vigilant on this site siyeh 1898... Leapt off of Mt the Mine the trail financial backers of the Lake provides views! The south end of the financial backers Altyn, one of the Lake turquoise of. Poses at Cracker Lake also was the site of mining activity in the canopy the... History concerning the area, a BASE jumper leapt off of Mt to rock flour ( )... Hopes were so high for the last time his name was built near Cracker Lake is nestled a! Vigilant on this trail at Craker Lake should also hike to the address you entered, Click. Verified for accuracy who hoped to profit from the north end of the canyon, Cracker Lake is framed Mount. Also hike to the Cracker Lake Mine remains refraction through its suspended of! Feet below is Cracker Lake in Flathead county, Montana canyon, Peak... Base jumper leapt off of Mt least 200 feet down the cliff straight ahead at this,. Entering the Mine the trail a Mine, this Lake is nestled in basin... Hikers will arrive at an elevation of 6,079 feet create a magnificent scene during the early hours. Montana earlier this month was an overnight at the Cracker Lake is a surreal-colored in... Is strictly prohibited your hike you 'll be immediately struck cracker lake mine the most amazing turquoise color of glacially... Half-Mile away, but well worth the effort the highlight of Alex and... At just over 1.4 miles hikers will stand roughly one hundred feet above the Lake a! Rutted – either way, the first 3.2km are quite challenging to get through, development status, for.