Jumbo Mountain (3.4 mi., 3,400 ft, 16-mile approach)
The approach and climb to Jumbo Mountain offers a scenic journey through the remote and spectacular Bob Marshall Wilderness. We included this activation as part of a 9-day loop trip through the Bob Marshall Wilderness that included three SOTA activations.
While there are numerous approaches to the trailhead (we went from Benchmark over White River Pass and up the South Fork of the Flathead to Danaher Creek), the most direct route is to take the 16+ mile hike from Benchmark, over the Continental Divide at Stadler Pass, and down to the trailhead on Danaher Creek. The Jumbo Mountain trail heads south from the main Danaher trail just east of the Camp Creek trail junction. Follow the Jumbo Mountain trail across Danaher Creek. There are two channels to cross, so keep your watershoes on after crossing the first one. The 2nd (south) crossing is more pleasant (shallower and less muddy) if you deviate to the left (east) several hundred feet. After crossing the creek, follow the excellent trail to the top. Beautiful views abound. The trail is more fully described in “Hiking Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness” by Erik Molvar.
