Rasika DalviIt’s my first post on the blog and I would be starting with the most magnificent place I have ever seen; Glacier National Park, Montana. As a total winter-snow-nature-adventure lover, Glacier Park has been on my bucket list for a long time and finally on the occasion of my 30th birthday (phew…30 is just a number) we planned a trip to this divinely beautiful park.
Day 1 – 2
Travelling, travelling and travelling…
As they say “Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations”, We were quite prepared for our long journey to Glacier National Park. Flight from Hartford, CT to Salt Lake City, UT via Chicago, IL (six hours) and then ten hours drive till GNP (I know it sounds very tedious).
To our surprise, the drive was extremely beautiful and scenic. If you and your traveling partner are keen about driving and time permits, enjoy this long beautiful drive on I15. Finally, we reached our much-awaited destination, Glacier National Park. (Yippee!!!)
Tip: I would suggest trying to get a good deal of flight tickets to Kalispell Airport, MT. In this way, you can save a lot of time and energy which can be used to explore the park.
Day 3
Lake Swiftcurrent-Josephine-Grinnell-Hidden Falls!!!
As this was our first day in the park, we thought we should start with a small hike and get acquainted with the park. (One more reason behind this “guided” hike was my husband’s fear of facing grizzlies in the woods). It’s always safe to carry a bear spray while hiking (hopefully you don’t need to use one). We had planned to visit Grinnell Lake that day. I had already booked a boat ride + guided hike with Glaciers Boat Co. ( Book your tickets in advance as those tours get booked fast). This tour starts at a boat dock below an old, historic Many Glaciers Hotel at Browning. I must mention this hotel is worth visiting due to its beautiful landscape and rustic look. If you get a chance, do not hesitate to stay in this wooden, Swiss chalet-style hotel.
Here we boarded a wooden boat called Chief Two Guns and our much-awaited exploration of the park began. The boat took us through stunning Swiftcurrent Lake.
View from the boat was simply breathtaking, the lake is surrounded by pine trees and snowy mountains; which gives you a feeling of Swiss Alpes. This boat took across Swiftcurrent and then we did a short walk on a paved trail (but over a steep hill, so guys wear your hiking shoes) to the shore of Lake Josephine. There we boarded a boat named Morning Eagle, which took us to the head of Lake Josephine. From there you have the option to return or go for a guided hike or self-guided hike (Make sure to take a return ticket from the boat guide. So you can return whenever you want).
Then, from this point, you need to hike through a quiet forest. On our way, the guide was providing information about all the vegetation and fruits in the park. She showed us some huckleberry and thimbleberry plants. There are also pit toilets on this path (in case you forgot to go to the hotel and it’s too cold out). Roughly after 1.3 miles, we reached Grinnell Lake. They have saved best for the last. This lake is simply breathtaking with the turquoise appearance of the water. That’s due to the glacial slit flowed down from Grinnell Glacier. Towards the south, you can see Angel’s wing and to the north is Mount Grinnell. No wonder, early boosters have romantically termed Rocky Mountain as “American Alps”.
The lake, falls, mountain and glacier are all named after George Bird Grinnell, an early American conservationist, explorer, who devoted more than two decades working to establish this heavenly beautiful land as a national park.
After getting soaked ourselves in such a divine beauty, we decided to head to the Hidden Falls. While back on our way to lakeshore we reached a suspension footbridge over Cataract creek. That wooden bridge was so delicate that only one person could cross at a time.
Everyone was enjoying their turn on this old, swinging bridge. From this bridge, the falls is around 0.2 miles away. After such a short and pleasant hike, you’ll see a beautiful overlook of the Hidden Falls.
After this, we turned back down to Lake Josephine to catch our boat on the time. I must say this was such a beautiful and adventurous start to our Glacier exploration.
Four hours hiking made us quite hungry, so we decided to try lunch at Ptarmigan Dining room inside Many Glacier Hotel. Lunch tastes tastier when you enjoy it with the beautiful view of the serene lake surrounded by pines.
On our way back, luckily we got a glimpse of a black bear wandering in the mountains. (No, we didn’t have to use our spray; it was so far on the mountain and we were happy about it).
Day 4
Logan Pass and magnificent waterfalls!!!
Happy Birthday to me!!!!!!!
Today we were determined to do some really good and adventurous hiking. But, everything was depended on the status of wildfire, which caused west side of the park completely shut (our hard luck!!). So, we started with famous Logan Pass drive, the highest point of the Going-to-the-sun road; which was indeed one of the scenic and beautiful drives in America.
(Tip: I would recommend visiting your nearest visitor’s center to get info about accessible hikes. If you think the weather would be fine and you can go per your plan. Then, No. Welcome to Montana. Roads which were closed last night are accessible now or vice-versa. It’s better to be well informed by inquiring to Park Rangers).
We started our hike to Hidden Lake through Logan Pass. It is a comparatively easy hike, but at the elevation of 1325 feet. So, one can feel little tired while climbing up to the top. So, I would suggest carrying enough water, some snack and of course winter jackets (it would be chilly and windy once you are close to the top). There is wooden stairway which takes you through alpine meadows known as Hanging Gardens.
As you start your hike, you could see humongous 8760 feet Clements Mountain in front of you. In fact, your view is dominated by such huge mountains from all the sides. As we did this hike in September, we could see grass, some flowers, mud and of course snow. But, I am sure when the snow melts it would look like a beautiful carpet of the wildflowers. Over this trailhead, you could also find small, frozen waterfalls; which adds to the beauty.
Once you reach at Hidden Lake overlook, you can enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of Grinnell Lake and surrounding mountains.
After enjoying such a wonderful view for some time, we started hiking back to Logan Visitor Center. On this trail, you may expect to get a glance of bighorn sheep, mountain goats, squirrels and yes grizzlies too.
Glacier National Park has more than 200 waterfalls, amongst which we picked St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls for hiking. This hike starts at St. Mary Falls Trailhead on the Going-to-the-sun road. It’s moderately difficult hike of 3.6 miles. As you start the hike you would realize; in the beginning, the trail gradually drops; so be prepared to climb this part while coming back when you’ll be really tired (don’t worry guys, it’s not too tough and definitely worth it).
On this trail, first you’ll encounter stunning St. Mary Falls with aqua-green colored water.
There is a small wooden bridge to cross the waterfall and start with the hike for Virginia Falls.
On this way, you may find several beautiful, unnamed waterfalls cascading down the hillside. Don’t mistake them for Virginia falls because very soon you would be seeing a magnificent Virginia Falls. After 1.7 miles you’ll arrive at Virginia Falls Viewpoint Trail Junction. Don’t stop here, because the most spectacular part of this hike is waiting for you ahead (By looking at the steep climb, you would be tempted to stop there. But, DON”T). After hiking for a while, you will reach the base of Virginia Falls from where you can see the main fall dropping 50 feet. It’s such a spectacular view which would definitely make you feel refreshed and bursting with positive energy. Get rejuvenated by standing in the mist coming off.
We were completely exhausted after doing three hikes one after another in a day, but certainly we were richly rewarded with an incredible nature’s beauty. In the evening, we went to see Glacier Railway Station. It’s a beautiful countryside wooden railway station. If you are fond of trains and like all such rustic rail stations, then you can visit this one.
In a lovely way, I had celebrated my birthday. I wish my all forthcoming birthdays would be wonderful, adventurous and memorable as this one.
Day 5
Two Medicine Lake & Red Rock Falls!!!
Today we started our day by driving to Two Medicine Lake. It is one of the less explored and serene parts of the glacier. If you are interested in camping near the sparkling lake water with a true wilderness experience; I believe this is the place for you. You can enjoy kayaking in such a calm water surrounded by awe-inspiring views.
After visiting two medicine lake, we decided to hike to Red Rock Falls, which is a relatively easy hike of 4.2 miles. This hike begins at Swiftcurrent Pass Trailhead. This fall is not so impressive, but trail which leads to it is beautiful and hardly crowded. You can take a stop at beautiful Fishercap Lake along the way.
On our way back, we got a glimpse of bighorn sheep.
Day 6
Enchanted Lake McDonald!!!
We started our day with a delicious breakfast at “Whistle stop”. After gorging on huckleberry pancakes, we started our drive to Lake MacDonald Lake, which is on the west side of the park (unfortunately we couldn’t explore west side on this trip due to wildfire).
Lake MacDonald is ten miles long and 500 feet deep largest lake in the park, created due to glacier carving. This is the most spectacular, stunningly beautiful lake I have ever seen. Photographs and videos cannot do justice to its beauty. It was incredibly crystal clear water and round, smooth, colorful pebbles. I may sound little philosophical, but this is the kind of place where one feels like unified part of nature. You just feel like getting soaked into such a surreal beauty more & more and time should just stop right there (especially when you are with your loved one). As they say “Save best for the last”, this lake was like a cherry on the cake.
After bagging such wonderful memories in this magical land, we started our return journey to our home sweet home. I am coming again GNP to explore more wilderness and beauty bestowed by you.
