2013 Epic List, Top 5.

5.  Great Northern Mountain. EPIC.  Great Northern Mountain is a majestic, sweeping peak worthy of it’s name. Standing somewhat alone east of Columbia Falls, Montana, the GN offers breathtaking views of Glacier National Park to the east, and the Swan Mountains and Flathead Valley to the west—if you are hearty enough to endure the treacherous first mile of the hike.  From the trailhead, the hike begins with a ridiculous 2400 foot climb through a thick forest up to the ridgeline proper.  Luckily, our guidebook had given warning about the beginning of the hike, otherwise, I would’ve second guessed the trail.  There was a spot or two where it was so steep I was looking for where the ladder was.  Once the ridgeline was achieved, this one was pure joy.  Cristin and I stopped often for photo opps.  I was initially optimistic about achieving the summit, but unfortunately, we were a…