I’ve been to a lot of National Parks this summer. Even with someone like me who has a little more flexibility than the average vacationer – between the weather, construction, trail closures, wild fires and air quality concerns it’s just so rare when all things line up. So many things have to go right in order to experience these places to their fullest, more often they don’t.
Glacier National Park is no different. Wild fires are still being fought within the park boundaries and due to that fact many trails are closed, along with one of the most scenic drives in North America – the Going to the Sun Road.
That won’t stop me from exploring and hiking Glacier National Park but it does mean getting to East Glacier is now a 2 1/2 hour drive – one way. That’s gonna make for a very long day. Let’s get to it.
I was walking along the river on a heavily wooded portion of trail when I heard something large splashing in the river. I ran ahead about 50 yards to a clearing to get a better look. A big bull moose was crossing the river. So cool!
The shorter and more direct route on the north side of Lake Josephine was closed due to recent bear activity. This meant I had to hike around the south side of the lake which probably extended this 10 mile hike another 2 miles.
As you may be able to imagine, this water is about as cold as it can possibly be while still being in liquid form. Unlike Crater Lake – there will be no jumping in!
I stop to rest, eat, and take it all in. After 15 or 20 minutes it’s time to turn around and head back.
This was quite possibly the most scenic hike I’ve done yet. From start to finish there were just amazing views the entire way. Add to that some animal sightings and this hike was easily one of my favorites.
Leaving the park I see a mama bear with 3 cubs walking above the road – it just keeps getting better.
Sadly, I’m totally beat and now have to drive 2 1/2 hours back to Whitefish. 5 hours of hiking and 5 hours of driving makes for a long day. But it was totally worth it!
