Forest and Fire Nature Trail: A Short Walk Through Glacier’s Post-Fire Recovery

The Forest and Fire Nature Trail is a short, 1-mile nature loop located off Camas Road in Glacier National Park. Rated easy on the Trekking Wild scale, this flat, well-defined trail offers a quick and educational walk through a regenerating forest born from the aftermath of wildfire.

What to Expect on the Trail

This trail winds through a new growth forest that began regenerating after a major fire swept through the area in 2001. Today, you’ll walk among stands of Western larch, Lodgepole pine, and Quaking aspen a living classroom for understanding the role of fire in forest ecology.

Interpretive signs at the start of the trail explain the importance of wildfire in shaping Glacier’s ecosystems and how different species respond after a burn.

Seasonal Notes: Beware the Mosquitoes

If you’re hiking this trail in late May or June, come prepared with bug spray or long sleeves. The mosquitoes were especially thick during this time manageable while moving, but quick to swarm if you pause for too long.

Is It Worth It?

While the Forest and Fire Nature Trail might not land on anyone’s top 10 hikes list in Glacier National Park, it’s a worthwhile stop if you’re traveling between the West Entrance and North Fork via Camas Road. It’s a great leg-stretcher and offers a quiet, reflective walk in the woods.

You won’t find grand vistas or alpine lakes here, but if you’re curious about the park’s fire history and forest succession, this short loop delivers something different from the typical Glacier hiking experience.