Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Glacier National Park


On June 11, we left our campground and started our exploration of Glacier National Park. I have heard about this park for years, but have always wanted to see if for myself. We found out that we could enter the park in an unmanned entrance just 3 miles north of our campground. There is an interesting sign at the intersection.
20150611_104710
We are only 34 miles from the Canadian border. I guess that is why it does not get dark until after 10PM. We are also on the western edge of the Mountain time zone. We also heard about a bakery in Polebridge with Huckleberry Bear Claws, but I will get into that later. Today we took a right and headed into the park.
20150611_104928
We drove the 11 miles to the Apgar Visitor Center. It is small with no theater, but the rangers, as always, were great and offered excellent advice. The famous “going to the Sun Road” was still partially closed, but it is open to Logan Pass. We decided to head up that way and see how far we got.
The views across Lake McDonald are stunning.
20150611_134225
We then drove the 12 miles along the lake and stopped at a few of the beautiful waterfalls along the drive. The snow is melting and the waterfalls and rivers are running strong.
20150611_142641
20150611_143341
20150611_143217
We made it to Glacier!
20150611_143403
We then drove up a bit further to Avalanche Creek. I stepped out of the truck and BAM! I felt a pull in my back. I don’t know if I pulled a muscle or pinched a nerve, but it did not feel good. I limped around for a while and looked at the ancient grove of Western Cedar Trees.
20150611_184508
The trees are very large and around 1000 years old. They have a nice boardwalk leading through the grove. We stopped a had a nice talk with a ranger. He had been a ranger in the park for over 20 years and was very interesting to talk to. He told us we needed to go see Avalanche Lake. We came to the sign and Kim asked if I could make it. I was hurting, but I really wanted to see the lake. So, off we went on a 5.5 mile round trip hike.
One of the many beautiful parts is in the first half mile. The Avalanche Creek is running strong due to the runoff.
20150611_160730
Here is a short clip to get the feel of the sound and movement.

We hiked mostly uphill for a little over 2 miles. We rested a few times, but it wasn’t too bad. We were in dense forest most of the time. Every now and then you got a look at the surrounding mountains.
20150611_161129
When we finally got to the lake you could see why the ranger suggested we take this hike. WOW!
20150611_170639
Can you count the 5 major waterfalls on that far slope?
20150611_171343
It was one of the most beautiful scenes of the entire trip. We stayed there for a hour or so, just taking it all in.
20150611_173201
Here is a pano shot. It really captures the scene.
20150611_172933
20150611_174326
We headed back down. The walk was easier, but my back was tightening up and I was looking forward to getting back to the truck.
Kim had me take a picture inside one of the giant trees.
20150611_182112
One of the monsters had fallen a while back and left this root structure. The water had cleaned the dirt and rocks out and left a cool sight.
20150611_184844
When we got done with the hike, we decided to save the alpine section of the road for another day. I can promise the pictures are amazing. For today, we went back to camp and I was hoping that my back would loosen up. I probably should have not done the hike, but I was really glad I did. It was amazing.
I ended up spending the next day in my recliner resting my back and praying for a quick recovery. The good news is that my prayers were answered and I was ready to continue with the exploration of this amazing park. Come back to see what else we found to marvel at.
Have an awesome day.

6 comments:

  1. Great pic of the lake and waterfalls.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a 2 mile walk, but well worth it. I look forward to your visit to Glacier.

      Delete
  2. Such a pretty place! I can't wait to get there in August!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Let me know if you want some camping advice. I think I know the best places to go.

      Delete
  3. I love good camping advice. We have a 39' 5er. Always looking for a good boondocking spot or state/federal type park. We do need internet during the week as my husband still works, but he does take some days off for those must see spots and we'll make a long weekend out of it. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hey Debbie, we loved Big Creek Campground. The trick is go in through the West entrance and drive the inner road and out the Camas Creek entrance. That way you only have to drive about 1.5 miles of gravel road. It is $14 per night and site 11 will fit your rig. There are many other sites that you could fit in. Ed and Jo are great hosts. That campground is close to Polebridge and Bowman lake. I will try to convince you why you need to go there is future posts. This is a USFS campground. Fill your water tank before you go in or you will learn how to pump water. We did.

    ReplyDelete