Triple Divide Peak & Mt. James (Glacier NP)- August 29, 2026

Kercher Glacier Classic

Participants: Rupert Williams, Taryn Brahmsteadt, Haley Eakin, Luke Jacobsen, Stefan Kolis, Kory Kolis, Kevin Ewing, Josiah Niesley.

Trip leader: Corey Hinshaw

A big group of nine Rocky Mountaineers headed up Cut Bank to stand/spit/pee atop the hydrologically unique Triple Divide peak, only one of three in the world. For those who don't know, water sheds off this peak into the Pacific, Atlantic, and Hudson Bay/Arctic oceans. Luke set a brisk starting pace, and we were up near the pass in good time. We traversed over to a terribly rotten weak point in the south ridge. Once at the summit, a few of us decided to "release" some water into all three drainages. We could also see dark clouds coming in the distance. Two in the party opted to go and add Norris mountain, four went on to add Mount James, and three decided they'd had enough fun for the day. On the slog up James, we were hit by intense but brief rain and wind as it chased us to the summit. We stayed for all of a minute or two, then practically ran back down to the trail. Stefan and I were initially going to do Mount Jackson that day, but with the weather, we thought this combo would be quicker. With the addition of James, the mileage and vert were likely identical, oh well. Guess I'll be back next year.