This Tiny Montana Town Runs on Solar Power and Serves the Best Huckleberry Bear Claws in America

Polebridge, Montana

Up in Montana’s northwest corner, Polebridge holds out against the modern world. No power lines. No cell phones. Just a red wooden mercantile famous for its pastries, a saloon that runs on solar power, and some of the wildest country left in America.

Here’s what makes this off-grid spot so special.

Solar Panels Replaced Noisy Diesel Generators In 2019

Polebridge residents live without traditional electricity. They depend on alternative power sources like generators and solar systems for basic needs.

The town changed from loud diesel generators to 87 solar panels that now power most buildings. Propane lights brighten nights, while propane stoves and refrigerators handle food storage.

Winter temperatures drop to 9°F, requiring extra heating solutions. Located 35 miles northwest of Columbia Falls, this remote spot attracts those who value seclusion.

Adair’s Mercantile Has Served Since 1914

The “Merc,” as locals call it, has worked as a general store, bakery, base camp, and vacation spot for over 100 years. Some know it as “The North Fork’s Last Best Outpost.” William “Bill” Adair built it in 1914, and it soon became the central hub for homesteaders spread across the 900-square-mile North Fork Valley.

It handled postal services until 2001 and stays the only general store for miles. The building belongs to the W.L. Adair General Mercantile Historic District, added to national registers in 1983.

Bakery Makes Famous Huckleberry Bear Claws

The Mercantile’s bakery earned fame for its huckleberry bear claws and other tasty treats, all made without regular electricity. Dan Kaufman, a third-generation baker, added the bakery in 1994, and his recipes stay in use today.

Their huckleberry pie recipe has passed through generations of bakers. Despite having no standard power, they use propane ovens for their legendary pastries.

During busy summer months, customers line up six deep by 10 AM, eager for fresh-baked goods.

Town Name Came From A Bridge Built In 1920

The Mercantile started with William ‘Bill’ L. Adair who built a cabin in 1912 that later turned into the Northern Lights Saloon. In 1914, he built the general store known as the Polebridge Mercantile.

Adair got a 160-acre homestead through the Homestead Acts. The town got its name in 1920 from the log bridge linking the inner North Fork Road in Glacier National Park to the outer North Fork Road.

At first, Polebridge meant the store and post office a half-mile north, owned by Ben Hensen Sr. in the 1920s.

Bowman Lake Remains Hidden From Most Tourists

One major benefit of Polebridge: it offers access to parts of Glacier National Park many tourists never see. Follow the winding gravel roads through Polebridge into Glacier to find Bowman Lake, among the most beautiful areas of the national park.

This northwest section stays mostly undiscovered compared to busy southern areas. Polebridge lies just one mile from the park boundary and 22 miles from the Canadian border.

The area features Glacier’s most unique welcome sign and lets visitors reach Kintla Lake, Bowman Lake, and many secluded hiking trails.

Northern Lights Saloon Started As 1912 Cabin

Need a meal or strong drink in Polebridge? The Northern Lights Saloon fills that need. Open during summer months, the saloon serves food and drinks, including liquors from the area.

What started as Adair’s original 1912 cabin now serves as the only restaurant for miles. They focus on Montana craft beers and locally-sourced ingredients.

Their outdoor eating area shows off stunning mountain views. The building survived the Red Bench fire of 1988 that burned many historic structures including the original barn.

Musicians Play Outdoors From Thursday Through Sunday

The Northern Lights Saloon hosts outdoor music and other events during nice weather. The outdoor stage behind the saloon showcases local Montana musicians playing everything from folk to bluegrass.

Shows typically happen Thursday through Sunday during summer months. The natural setting creates great sound quality.

Dancing under stars with Glacier National Park as backdrop makes for unforgettable evenings without city lights blocking the night sky.

No Cell Service Forces Real Human Connection

Polebridge has no cell service or wifi. Nature becomes the entertainment. The Mercantile keeps a landline phone for emergencies and limited computer access.

The North Fork Hostel offers a “power hour” for charging devices through their small solar system. Without digital distractions, people talk face-to-face.

The community ranks among the few places in America where conversation, not screens, leads social gatherings.

Cabins Come Without Running Water By Design

The Mercantile rents cabins for overnight stays, all without running water—rustic living by choice. The North Fork Hostel + Square Peg Ranch gives various lodging options including a teepee for those wanting to sleep outdoors.

Most places use outhouses rather than indoor plumbing. Cabins have propane heating for winter visits. Despite basic conditions, bookings fill months ahead during peak season.

Winter Population Drops To Single Digits

From the start, the Mercantile worked as the social and business center of the North Fork and a gateway to the national park across the river. Year-round population falls to fewer than ten people during winter. Summer brings the count to just under 100 residents.

The community mailboxes work as an informal meeting spot. Before 2001, residents picked up mail and shared news at the Mercantile’s post office, keeping up a tradition of community links dating back to 1914.

Grizzly Bears Outnumber Permanent Residents

Polebridge ranks among the most remote places in the lower 48 states, drawing people who want escape from busy city life. The area has more grizzly bears than year-round residents.

Only 2% of surrounding land belongs to private owners; the rest belongs to Forest Service, Glacier National Park, and Montana. The nearest gas station needs a rough hour-long drive by 4×4.

North Fork Road stays unpaved, calling for vehicles with high clearance.

Area Gets 94 Inches Of Snow Annually

The Mercantile and Saloon have grassland around them and the North Fork of the Flathead River nearby. Across from the saloon, the Transboundary Flathead River Interpretive Trail offers amazing views into Glacier National Park.

The area gets 94 inches of snow each year and 22 inches of rain. Wildlife includes wolves, elk, eagles, mountain lions, black bears, deer, and moose.

The spot lies between Glacier’s Livingston Range to the east and the Whitefish Range to the west. The North Fork Flathead River gives clean fishing spots.