As we crossed the state line from Idaho into Montana we could see the change in the landscape almost instantly. Our route took us up the western side of Flathead Lake - words cannot describe how beautiful this area is.
This Was Just The Beginning
Flathead Lake
We were headed for the small town of Hungry Horse ( Flathead Lake, Whitefish, Hungry Horse - where will it stop!) which would put us about 6 miles from the park entrance. Montana is a "tax free" state which means that if you buy a vehicle from anywhere in the US and you reside in Montana you pay no sales tax and all depending on the cost of the vehicle can be a huge saving. The lack of sales tax is also reflected in the price of fuel at $3.78 a gallon or 98 cents a litre it was the cheapest we had seen for quite a while.
We were still having trouble with our trailer brakes so we arranged for an RV technician / repair man to come to check them out to see if we could establish what the problem was. Driving up and down the ranges with no trailer brakes does not make for an enjoyable ride!
Bourbon and coke please Rose
We headed into Glacier Park the following day and thought we would do the right thing by the environment and ride the free shuttle bus. We and a number of other like minded, conscientious travellers waited 15 minutes, the bus turned up and it was full with people already standing in the aisles. Being as patient as I am (not!) decided we were not going to stand and wait another 15 minutes for the next possibly full bus so we jumped into the truck and drove ourselves. I guess the point to make here is that they should have enough buses to cope with the high numbers of tourists during the summer months.
I'm sure Everyone Gets This Photo
Our first stop was Lake McDonald, wow, and this was just the beginning. We walked the shoreline taking copious amounts of photos (just warning all at home!).
The speed limit in the park is 35 mph or 45 mph and is strictly enforced by the park police who have mobile radars and do give violation tickets. We were in no hurry so frequently used the "turnouts" to let people pass - we don't want to miss a thing.
Lake McDonald
We had intended on doing one of the most popular hikes in Glacier which begins at Avalanche Creek but the parking lot was full to overflowing so we continued on our way. Due to the long winters doing any roadwork is limited to the spring and summer and Glacier is no different. Just past Avalanche Creek we were held up for 20 minutes so we turned off the engine and enjoyed the view. As we headed towards Logan pass the road climbed along the historic road built in the early 1900's. As expected it was pretty narrow and we had to turn our side mirrors in to avoid being clipped by some of the oncoming vehicles. As we ascended we just looked in awe as the spectacular views continued to be revealed all the way to the summit of Logan Pass which sits atop the Continental Divide at an altitude of 6646 feet (2026 metres).
Looking Back towards the 'Going to the Sun Road'
Now That is a Waterfall
Looking Towards Logan Pass
Using the Turnouts is a Must
We arrived at the Logan Pass car park to a sign telling us the car park was full. In summer, after a long cold winter, every man and his dog was out and about and it was also summer vacation for the schools. We did a lap of the car park and were lucky enough to secure a spot that someone had just left. Logan Pass is the start of the Hidden Lake trailhead - a return trip of 5.4 miles. Seeing we couldn't do the Avalanche Creek hike we put our backpacks on, grabbed our hiking sticks (thanks Janice!) and headed off up the snowy mountain side. We are constantly amazed at how people dress for some hikes - we passed people walking in thongs (flip flops to our USA friends), yep 5 miles in thongs up a snow covered mountain! We reached the top of the mountain and arrived at a choke point on the trail. It was one way traffic, wet, rocky and slushy and all down hill if you slip. Quite a few some people turned back at this point but persevering past this point was well worth the risk - the trail opened up to a meadow and a mile further up the track was Hidden Lake and a view to the Glaciers in the distance.
We Take a 'Photo Opportunity' Break on the Way Up
The Meadow
Wild Flowers Cover the Meadows
Looking Back Up the Lake
Looking Down to Where the Lake Drains
As we were staying in the area for a week we planned another hike this one a little longer at 8 miles - the Piegan Pass Trail which was a few miles from Logan Pass. The first thing we noticed when we hit the trail was a big pile off what we presumed ( and was later confirmed) bear poo. We had read all the warnings and knew that Glacier was grizzly country so we were now extra cautious. The advice that we were given by the Park Rangers was to make lots of noise, especially on bends so as not to surprise any bears that may be in the vicinity. Apparently this is the cause of most bear attacks.
Was this Bear Poo?
Some of the Gentler Wildlife
One of the Many Creek Crossings
A Meadow Stop
We continued along the trail through the open meadows and came across another couple who were contemplating whether they would venture further up to the pass. We stopped to have a chat and they asked whether we had seen the grizzly bear in the meadow we had just walked through. We looked at one another and said " ah, err no where?" he said "about 200 feet back he must have been 800 lbs!" Of course the problem was now we had to head back exactly the way we had come past this Grizzly! So we headed back talking loudly and blowing our whistle more frequently and being extra vigilant. As we descended the trail we came across another couple and we advised them of the grizzly sighting - a short discussion between them and they headed back down with us. I have never heard Rose talk so much as she did as we headed back down the trail - it made me laugh - she was determined not to meet the bear!
Grizzly, Where? This is where he was.
As we "live" in Whitefish Montana we just had to pay the town a visit. Whitefish we discovered is a beautiful town and is the gateway to many activities especially skiing in the winter months. We walked around streets, stopped into a local bar to have a drink and agreed that we had chosen our home town well!
Ah Home at Last
Even the Light Post Welcomed Us
Main Street of Whitefish MT
Beer in a Jar!
Just Loved This Sign - Whitefish is in Flathead County
We have been to a number of National Parks in the USA in the last 8 months and as beautiful as they all are Glacier National Park would have to be our favourite. The western part of Montana is pretty special too - we will return!
Posted by RnR on their IPad
Location:Glacier National Park MT
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