WOW! Our Glacier experience was so amazing that I have decided to divide it up into several Blogs. We started by following the cold gray weather from Whitefish up to West Glacier and stayed at Apgar Campground adjacent to Lake McDonald.
The overcast weather gave the park an eery mysterious feel which made for some interesting pictures. It also provided for some cool(as in chilly) hiking which I prefer.
Our first hike started with the Trail of Cedars which took us through an old growth forest with several hundred year old Red Cedar trees which rose to 100ft. The damp low lying forest was also abundant with more different kinds of moss than I have seen in one place before. It was also one of the muddiest trails I have experienced. The Lil’ Dude would be muddy to his knees within the first half mile.
We decided to continue on the Avalanche Lake Trail which took us by a gorge and paralleled a raging river through the forest. Coming out of the trees to find a serene glacial lake surrounded by snow capped mountain peaks was awe inspiring. Once there, the scene motivated us to take some extra time eating a snack and watching the numerous chipmunks go about their busy day.
By the time we got back to camp, the gray had lifted from Lake McDonald to reveal a large aqua tinged glacial lake.
We also got back to camp in time for the Dudes to do their “Ranger homework” so that they could earn another Junior Ranger badge the next morning. It was a really fun day and we were looking forward to moving on to St. Mary’s for more hiking the following day.
“I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.” ~John Muir
* see photo gallery for more pictures
4 Responses to Glacier National Park (Part 1)