Climber dies descending Mount Gould in Glacier National Park

A Utah climber fell to his death in Glacier National Park on Wednesday evening.  

Officials believe that Brian Astle, 42, was descending an off-trail climbing route on the west face of Mount Gould when he fell at about 5:54 p.m., July 9. The exact location and height from which Astle fell is unknown. 

Rangers worked with A.L.E.R.T. and Two Bear Air to locate Astle’s body that evening but were unable to complete a safe recovery until 10 a.m. the next morning. The body was transferred to the Flathead County Coroner. 

“An investigation is ongoing, and there is no additional information available at this time,” said park officials in a July 11 statement.  

At 9,557 feet, Mount Gould is the highest point on the Garden Wall, making it a popular destination for the park’s more adventurous clientele. The standard route up the peak’s western face is rated as Class 3 by Glacier Mountaineering Society, denoting “high angle scrambling, moderate cliffs [and] considerable exertion.” 

At least eight other people have died in climbing accidents in Glacier National Park since 2020.  

Astle’s is the third death to occur in the park this year. 

Reporter Hailey Smalley may be reached at 758-4433 or hsmalley@dailyinterlake.com.