July 4th - Glacier NP

START:                                          TODAY:       30  Miles
END:      West Glacier, MT            TOTAL:   6,720 Miles

Massive mountains and giant trees mean no connectivity, so let's catch up on postings.  

Happy Independence Day from Glacier National Park!  After 10 hours in Glacier, 187 photos, 173 miles on Going To The Sun Road, and 3 miles hiking, we were done for the day!  But what a great way to spend the 4^th!


Even the roadway driving views were amazing. 

Heaven’s peak loomed large at 7,987 ft elevation.

Bird Woman Falls had a 492 foot cascade, but the overlook area wasn’t at a good angle for a photo op.

The roadway was constructed with a tunnel to allow the water to flow down the hillside.

At Logan Pass Visitor’s Center we learned that in 1850 there were 150 glaciers and now only 25 remain.  It is predicted that by the year 2030 there will be none left in Glacier Park.

  Ron conquered this glacier while he still could.

We hiked to Sun Point for amazing views of the mountains and Saint Mary Lake.

There are six peaks in the park with elevations over 10,000 feet. Further along the road, at the end of Saint Mary Lake, the view yielded more reflection on the water and a lovely sky to top it off. 

The view of the lodge at Many Glaciers was a picture-perfect sight, but the mountains over Lake Sherbourne stole the show. 

Smaller waterfalls, bubbled and flowed over rocks virtually around every curve.

Snow and ice along the road was equally as frequent sighting. 

Retracing our path to exit the park, we were delighted to see mountain goats and big horn sheep up close and personal. 

 Once again we had a wonderful experience in a national park, thankful for naturalist like John Muir and George Bird Grinnell, as well as President Roosevelt for understanding the importance of setting aside these lands for all.  

JULY 3rd

Today was a travel day so John Grisham entertained us as we drove US2 which was a good road with very little traffic allowing us to drive a steady 60 mph.  Having crossed into Big Sky Country, Montana, and Mountain Time we entered Kootenai National Forest.  We passed thru Troy, decorated in red, white and blue with banners announcing the local Fourth of July celebration.  This area adhered to the trinity to which we have become accustomed; river, railroad tracks and highway as we traversed the pass through the mountain range.  

Coming around a curve we pulled into an overlook where a trailhead led to The Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge.  We mindfully chose our footing over the jagged rocks and tree roots on the trail.  One mile walking, 200 stairs up and down to cross the railroad tracks, with quickly-beating heart we were glad we took the time for this gem. 



 By 3:00 the trailer was tucked into the wooded site at Glacier Park, which had a “No Vacancy” sign displayed.  After taking the time to square things away, we headed to the visitors center at the west entrance to Glacier National Park. 

Since we were spending three nights here we just spent an hour in the park and snapped a few photos of Lake McDonald since the sky was crystal blue. 

The touring cars were charming and the passengers seemed to be enjoying the ride.  Lake McDonald Lodge, built in 1914, had an authentic woodsy feel.