One Last Time in Glacier

Avalanche Creek

After Donna flew back to Ohio we decided we would chill out for the next couple of days, begin to get ready for our next move to Great Falls.  What can I say?  We were Donna depressed - sad she was gone, sad that we didn't have the gumption to get out and explore the park further, sad that we had no incentive to do anything.  Until yesterday.  We said - let's do it - and traveled back into Glacier National Park for one last hurrah - going to the most hiked trail in the park - Avalanche Lake.  Beautiful, beautiful walk! Temp starting out was 58, by the time we got back to the car it was 87! A bit disappointed with the end result - the lake and waterfalls - but the walk was well worth the trip. This is also the first time we saw the warning for mountain lion in the area - typically see only the grizzly bear warning.  Said to not hike alone.  Okayyyyy.  Dave had his bear spray but that won't do good with mountain lions.  Fortunately there was plenty of hikers coming and going on the trail that we didn't worry about any animals, except the two legged kind.

We started out a bit frustrated, having trouble finding a parking spot.  That is one negative with this park - not enough parking for people who want to stop, look, or take hike a bit in the wilderness. Also no areas set up to have picnics. The park officials expect you to board one of the shuttles to move around in the park, but you have to wait sometimes an hour for the next bus - not worth it.  For the most part we see that they could expand the parking area, why don't they?  Anyhow - back to the walk.

Avalanche Lake

Trail starts along Avalanche Creek, crystal clear blue water, flowing very fast - we know that it is a product of a glacier melt due to it's milky color.  You travel along the path for about 2 miles, meandering deep into the woods and back along the creek.  Then it opens up into the lake. We got there just as the sun was cresting over the mountain and could not get a good shot of the three waterfalls, but definitely could hear them.  Lots of people there, some fishing, some just hanging out. My foot held out until the last 1/2 mile and then really started to ache. Traveled back along the same path, got back to the car and on our way out stopped at a waterfall along the Sun Road, viewed, snapped some photos, and then decided to go to Hungry Horse Dam, located right back here in town. Was told by the campground owner that we should make it a point to go.  Glad we did.

Hungry Horse Recreation Area - Bob Marshall Wilderness

Now that was impressive!  The dam is situated at the head of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, deep into the Rocky Mountains.  Stunning! We can see why this area is so popular.  The dam was built in the late 1940s to control the flooding caused from many rivers flowing out of the mountains, and to also harness the energy to provide electricity to a 5 state area.  We understand now the high tension lines coming out of Hungry Horse, makes sense.  But damming up the south fork of the Flathead River provided a fishing and boating haven, plus many hiking trails, camping, hunting.  Lots to do for the outdoor person - even in winter snowmobiles, cross country skiing, skijoring, hunting goes on. Now this is the Montana I thought it would look like!