Glacier National Park, with its alpine meadows, snow kissed cliffs, and year round glaciers is a special place. Two years ago Mom and Dad came with my older brother Remy (Mom says his paws are very big for me to fill😊) and my Auntie Cinder (she's over the bridge with Remy). Back then it rained the whole trip and the Going to the Sun Road was closed. Mom and Dad weren't going to miss it this trip!
Glacier National Park does not let doggies on the trails so Cooper and I stayed home, Mom will have to tell you about the week!
So I think I became quite the task master, making everyone get up at 4:30 or 5:00 am to see wildlife and beat the crowds! Our first stop was McDonald Lake and Creek just at sunrise...
Our first day we drove up to Logan's Pass on the Going to the Sun Road. For those that haven't taken the GTS road it is full of twists and turns as you climb to 6646ft with spectacular scenery, waterfalls, wild flowers.
Our first hike was at Hidden Lake at Logan's Pass and while only 4.1 mi, the wooden steps were often high and slanted making for a difficult first hike for those of us with bad knees! The wild flowers, glaciers, and mountains made a beautiful backdrop.
As we neared Hidden Lake we got a peak at the shear beauty of the lake but were also treated with 7 cute goats over the course of the trail!
Hidden Lake was stunning with a view of Bear Mountain and a lovely reflection!
On the way back this cute Hoary Marmot decided to pose for us!
A few more wild flowers as we made our way back down through the hilly meadow!
Back in the overflowing parking lot, while cars hunted us down for our parking spot we snapped a quick picture of the famous red cabs!
Hike one under our belts we continued down the GTS road for some spectacular scenery at St Marys Lake with a view of Wild Goose Island where a majestic eagle perched. Sharon and Vickie took a break while the three of us snapped eagle pictures, mine were not great, but here he is!
I could go on and on about the scenery...but you get the idea!
Day 2 was another early rise as we headed to the Many Glacier Section of the park for a glimpse of Grizzlies or Moose...none to be found, but the break of dawn was stunning!
Jackson Glacier had the hint of pink across it...
And the mountains took on a rose colored hue from the sun's reflection
Swift current Lake didn't disappoint in beauty but the moose that is usually there was nowhere to be seen!
From there we headed up to Red Rock Falls, sure wanted to jump in!
That evening we drove up in the park looking for wildlife...none to be had, but the sunset in the clouds was cool!
The next morning, Wayne and I left for Avalanche Trail with another daybreak call. We picked this trail because while pretty, bears had been reported in the area. We saw signs that said frequented by bears and mountain lions so we were a little creeped out as we were the only ones on the trail that early. We took our bear bells out and whistled and talked our way up the beautiful serene forest! The trip started along Avalanche Creek...
And ended at Avalanche Lake with beautiful waterfalls into the water...a sunny day would have been preferred but still nice!
After about 30 min traffic started arriving, the first visitors were an Ahmish family...
The Rangers stopped traffic around the backside of the lake, but we saw no wildlife.
We got almost to the bottom of the trail and what do you know...a black bear! A woman from England had never seen one and it made her day...ours too!
We followed him about 45 min until he crossed over the boardwalk, maybe 50 ft from us!
The next day the whole group headed up to Logan Pass for the Highline Trail. Before we got out of the parking lot we had a treat...big horn sheep!
This trail is supposed to be beautiful but the first part is a narrow ledge way up above the road, maybe 1000 ft, and at times along the Garden Wall the ledge is 18" to 2-4 ft with a cable to hold onto. As most know I am petrified of heights and at one point Sharon said I looked white as a sheet!
The scenery took your breath away!
We stopped for a group documentation!
As we neared Haystack Rock there was a horrible smell, but we never looked up...until someone told us we just passed a mama and baby Grizzly eating a deer carcass...what a sight!
Soon after they closed the trail which made it nice for us because no one passed us on the difficult portion! Interesting though, going back didn't bother me...all smiles!
It was a hike none of us would soon forget!
The next day was supposed to be an easy hike, but it was quite warm (okay, we are officially spoiled, it was 81 deg). While hot, it turned out beautiful by McDonald Lake.
We met a very tame friend...
And soon came to the lake...crystal clear!
We followed it on around to Rocky Point where the water was Carribean blue!
We were hot but the views made up for it!
Our final day, Sunday, we needed a rest. We went down to the Huckleberry store and although they only had pies they were saving for a bus tour, Wayne sweet talked them into one! Unlike other fruit, the huckleberries are hand picked, so the pies are expensive, these made by a 76 yr old lady! Pie and a bit of fudge in hand we headed back to the campground. Cooper says it all...relaxed and content!
Our next big stop is Yellowstone and Grand Tetons...all of us head out in the morning knowing this is a favorite place where we will return!
Looks like you had great weather. The pictures make me want to be there. We are headed that direction in a couple of days. Maybe we will try some of the same hikes.
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