Ptarmigan Creek
Ptarmigan Creek is a lovely drainage that lines nicely with Wilbur Peak. It is best done in secession with Wilbur Creek via the Ptarmigan-Wilbur route. Though it can be done standalone with some effort, maybe consider linking it with the Ptarmigan tunnel to make it a full day. Ptarmigan Creek shows off Glacier’s brilliant red rock, with the accents of springs and hanging gardens. The main course of the canyon is 3 rappels of different statues, though its lower section adds 2 more rappels, a small technical jump, and a low-angle slide. Granted if you do both sections, you have a lot of elevation to gain. So maybe just stick with the upper section. Though, no there is no doubt, it's quite pretty.
Stats:
4C2 II*** (V2A2 II***)
Time needed: 3 - 6 hours
Number of rappels: 3 - 5
Number of down climbs: 0 - 3
Longest rappel: 90 feet
Distance round trip: 5.2 miles
Elevation gain/loss: 766 feet
Significant hydraulics: Undercuts and strainers
Special recommendations: Bear spray
Season: August - September
Getting there:
From West Glacier:
Cruise onto Going to the Sun Road (Glacier route 1 road) and follow it over Logans Pass and next to the great Saint Mary’s Lake. Enjoy the views, you follow this road for about 37 miles to the bustling town of Saint Marys.
From Saint Marys junction, take a left onto highway 89 and follow it a couple miles until you reach Babb Montana.
At the usual intersection, take a left from 89 and onto Route 3. Follow the road until it becomes dirt. Then continue past the Many Glacier entrance. Continue on this route until you reach the Swift Current Motor Inn.
Behind the Inn is your trailhead. There are a couple ways to get to it, just follow the signs to the Iceberg-Ptarmigan Trailhead. Once at the trailhead. Your adventure starts (probably).
The approach:
From the Iceberg-Ptarmigan Trailhead: Jump onto the Iceberg-Ptarmigan Trailhead and follow it 2.61 miles until you reach the bridge that crosses Ptarmigan Creek. It will be quite obvious. Though with 770 feet of elevation gain you’ll be happy to see the creek.
There is a cool waterfall that you will be all like:
“whoa I want to rappel that, I think!”
If you do not react similarly then find a new sport.
The fun part:
Well, if you’re at the bridge it is time to throw on your suit and harness.
This canyon will start with its largest rappel and prettiest. Expect a crowd and even a Park Ranger. So don’t mess it up.
Please GHOST rappel 1. There is a lot of foot traffic here.
Rappel 1 (90 feet from either tree DCR or DCL): Rappel down your fall line an into the pool below. This is a large pool, but all sides are undercut so if there is a lot of flow. It is best to avoid this pool and two stage rappel DCR.
Pull your rope and enjoy the stunning hanging gardens, springs, red colored rock and the grotto.
Walk 50 feet down canyon and you’ll find Wilbur peak lined up perfectly with the slot. Cool!
Continue another 100 feet until you reach the next drop.
Rappel 2 (50 feet out of the watercourse from a tree DCL): Rappel down the brushy start and down a nice rock face. You COULD also rappel direct flow, though this canyon often sees high flow and the pool below has not been spotted for dangers.
Continue down the slot 30 feet.
Rappel 3 (35 feet from a slung boulder, webbing will likely need to be changed): Rappel into direct flow and into a chest deep pool. Holding the left side of the canyon may keep you out of direct flow. But what is the fun in that?
Pack your rope and tackle 2-3 somewhat challenging down climbs.
The canyon opens up a bit and it jets left into another interesting crack.
Rappel 4 (75 feet from a tree DCR): Rappel OUT of the water course and down the face of the slot into the crack below. DO NOT RAPPEL THE DIRECT WATERCOURSE. There is a very tight restriction and a powerful strainer.
Pull thine rope enjoy the hanging gardens dripping water onto you.
Walk down canyon until you reach a short drop into a pool. This pool is about 5ish feet deep. Please check the depth before jumping, but can be done as a neat jump!
Continue through some interesting rock features.
Soon another drop is encountered…
Rappel 5 (15 feet off a tree DCR): Rappel down the small face.
Immediately after a butt scoot/slide is encountered. Be careful of speed. The end of this slide jets hard right. This is a small but very very deep undercut corner. Stem the watercourse. DO NOT GO IN. YOU COULD DIE.
The large pool after the slabby section concludes the technical section. Smart cannoneers will continue down canyon and to Wilbur Creek. However if you hate yourself, hike back up the canyon following the left side. Follow the rim of the slot until you reach the trail.
The exit:
Either continue down the creek to the Wilbur Creek junction and complete the Ptarmigan-Wilbur loop or hike back up to the trail. Then take a right and follow it back to your car.
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