Polebridge

Polebridge/©Jason Savage

Well finally back to the blog. Feels like I keep getting sidetracked lately and haven’t had a chance to post for a while.

Spent this last weekend exploring some new spots up in Glacier National Park and the fall colors are looking spectacular.

Couldn’t beat the weather either. September was a beautiful month and one of the warmest we’ve had in a while or at least it seemed that way.

Towards the end of my trip I decided to venture over to Bowman Lake as I had never been there before and also planned to check out the Polebridge Mercantile which I have always heard rave reviews about.

All I can say is that if you haven’t been-you gotta go. 

For all the years I have spent exploring Montana, there are a handful of places that stick out as very special and have a fond spot in my memory. Polebridge is no doubt on that list.

The town, or if you can call it that, is not much more than the Polebridge Mercantile and the Northern Lights Saloon. There are a dozen or so yearound residents and a variety of vacation homes scattered here and there throughout the valley.

Traveling from West Glacier you cross the North Fork of the Flathead River and continue heading west on 486. After a bit the road turns to dirt and for the next 15 miles or so it’s pothole city. 

Surrounding Polebridge are some spectacular spots that are a must see if you are heading to Glacier. Six miles from town is Bowman Lake and another 20 or so is Kintla. 

After spending some time at Bowman Lake on Sunday, I ventured over to the Polebridge Mercantile to check out some pastries. 

I was greeted by Sasha their three legged dog and had one of the best cinnamon roles ever. 

Polebridge Mercantile/©Jason Savage

The Mercantile is owned by Dan and Deb Kaufman and they are on their fifteenth year in Polebridge. Deb was kind enough to show me around and shared a little history with me on the place.

It sounded like it has survived a lot since being built in 1914 by Bill Adair and has traded hands many times over the years. Deb said they had a couple forest fires that came close to taking out the place,with one catching the roof on fire.

The place itself looks like it hasn’t changed much since it was built and with the fresh baked bread and pastries, it certainly has a particular charm to it.

If you need to mail something, make a phone call, shop for supplies or just gather for coffee, the Mercantile is the place to be. It’s also a great stop after spending time in the wilderness and from what I was told has quite a following from the local college kids to people traveling here from all over the world.

I hope to get back up there soon and if you’re in Glacier, I would highly recommend stopping by.