Going to the Sun, Glacier National Park

This week for Travel Tuesday I want to take you on an adventure that you can see all from the windows of your car.  However, I highly recommend getting out and taking a few hikes along the way.

This is the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park.


What is the Going to the Sun Road?  It's 50 miles of pure beauty!  A winding mountain road, that climbs, and climbs and allows you different views from each turn and every mile.

One thing that a lot of people expect when they visit Glacier National Park is to see lots of Glaciers. While many years ago, this was true. Now you can really only see them from a distance, or you need to hike in to get to them.
I highly recommend getting to Glacier National Park as soon as you can, because they predict that all the glaciers within the park may actually be completely melted by 2030.

This park is actually open year round.  However, depending on what time of year you visit you may or may not have access to certain areas.
You an always check their website if you'd like to check out driving and weather conditions.

Why visit Glacier, besides to catch a glimpse at actual glaciers?  Well, if your a hiker, it's a hiking paradise, they have hundreds of miles of trails, I believe close to 700 miles of trails.  Everything from easy afternoon hikes, to long all day, or backpacker hike in for a few days hikes.

If you're lucky you may even catch a glimpse of some of the wildlife.  I saw this Grizzly bear one day there.  Not the best picture, as I didn't have my camera ready when I saw him, and he was on the run to get away from us.
But there are lots of bear sightings, if you are lucky and keep your eyes open.  I saw bear almost every day there, both black and grizzlies.

Or maybe you'll even catch a glimpse of some mountain goats.  These beauty's were just sitting on the mountain within feet of the vehicles passing them, catching some rays and probably doing a little people watching!

Or take a morning or evening and go fishing.  This is me and my dad doing a little fly fishing one evening in the main river.
I have told you before I wear a lot of pink.  Yes, if you can tell in the picture, I do own a cute pink fishing (girl) vest with matching hat:)

They also have lots of beautiful lakes.  Certain parts of the rivers, have that beautiful milky like glacial melting look to them.  From the milky gray's to the milky turquoise blues.

Also lots and lots of beautiful waterfalls.  Some are easy to see, others require some binoculars or a hike in to get closer.  Some like the one below, flow right down and under the road.

A few places of interest along with the road, that I recommend.  Visiting the Lake MacDonald Area and spend some time playing around there.  St. Mary Valley, also stunning and beautiful, lots of hiking up and around this area I found.
The Two Medicine Area, not a lot of people take the time to travel up to this area.  But I will tell you, it is more than worth it, there is so many trails and waterfalls and lakes up in this area.

There are a lot of pullouts along the way, that you can get out and take snapshots of other stunning views, and view the river and decent below.

IF YOU GO:

* If its your first time, I recommend stopping at one of the visitor stations first, get some information and maps to help you get the most out of your visit.

* This is a national park, they do charge an entrance fee.  But your entrance fee's pays for unlimited trips in and out of the park for 7 days.

*  There are lots of campgrounds and lodging in the area.  I actually stayed in a nearby town up at a lodge at a ski resort when I visited.  I highly recommend making reservations before you come.

* Have a passport?  Cross the Canadian boarder and visit Waterton Lakes National Park (in some ways it's connected to Glacier National Park.) Check out the famous Prince of Wales Hotel.  (Hint) Some of the best views of it are from the middle of the lake:)

Have you been to Glacier National Park before?  If so, were you able to drive the entire road, did you do some hiking?  If you haven't been, is Glacier a place you hope to visit?

Hiking Avalanche Lake In Glacier National Park

Today is Travel Tuesday

I'd like to show you a hike in Glacier National Park, Montana - This hike is to Avalanche Lake
This trailhead begins at the Trail of the Cedars Trailhead (which is on the Going-To-The-Sun road.)

You'll hike in the middle of this beautiful cedar forest for about a mile before you get to the Avalanche Lake Trailhead start.

Trail runs along rivers and streams, but you won't see them the entire way.  But you'll hear them down below the mountain roaring.  Occasionally you can walk out to different look-out's to get a better view.

This forest is beautiful and lush, you'll love being surrounded in the quiet of the forest, and the roar sitting creekside as you watch the water cut down the mountain.

When you get near the end of the trail, you'll start to see the lake.

One of the first views you'll see near the end of the trail.  If you walk around down the smaller trail, it will open you up to the beachside view of the lake as seen below.

The above picture of the lake was one of the favorites that I took on this hike.  If you look close, you can see the many waterfalls running down the mountain behind.
The mountain in the distance is Bearhat Mountain which rises 4,800 feet up behind the lake.  The actual elevation at the top of that mountain is 8,694.

Depending on the time of year you go, your views may be different.  I hiked this in mid July.

That water is glacial water, so yes it is very cold you won't actually want to spend time playing in the water itself.

As you hike back down the trailhead, take a few extra moments and venture off the trail a little at points to see spectacular views like the one above.  (Just be safe and watch your footing, don't put yourself at risk, as this is a very steep canyon.)

As your hiking, take a moment to stop and take a water break in the beautiful lush mossy forest.  Surrounded by tall cedars, you'll be at peace.  Look around some of the tree's, and you can actually see traces of bears who have come through to scratch them up.  Listen to the beautiful songs of the mountain birds.


IF YOU GO:

*  Trail is a 4.5 mile loop
*  Trail is wheelchair accessible for a good portion on the Trail of the Cedars
*  I recommend taking this hike starting early in the morning, this will give you the best picture taking opportunities.
*  Depending on the time of year, mosquito repellent my be required
*  There is much, much more to do and see withing the National Park, I'd recommend 5-7 days of vacationing to see as much of the park as you can.
*  I highly recommend visiting Glacier National Park in the next few years, as it won't be too long before Glacier has no more glaciers due to melting!
*  For more information visit the National Park Website HERE