The North Circle is a remote & wild hike. Make sure you know what you are doing — or consider a more civilized hike elsewhere.

Hike aware. Be prepared just-in-case you surprise a bear. Hike in groups. Make a good deal of noise. Watch for bear sign.

Conventional wisdom is that black bears are good tree climbers, Grizzlies are not. In 2005 a jogger in the Canadian Rockies decided to climb a tree rather than back away (with 2 friends) from an inquisitive Grizzly. She climbed 51ft. The Grizzly climbed 50ft high after her. Isabelle Dube fell to her death. Do not climb a tree for protection, in any situation.

• Do I need accident insurance?
• Who administers First Aid?
• Who rescues me in case of emergency?
• Altitude sickness?
• Hypothermia?

• Heat Exhaustion? Sunburn?
• Dehydration?
• Will it rain? What about wind?
• Is there cougar risk?
• Storing food safely

• Are there any dangerous snakes?
• River crossings?
• Blisters?
• Insect Bites & Stings?
• Ticks?

• Safe Water
• Be Prepared
• First Aid Kit
• Hiking Technique

moose at Kootenai Lake