After a couple more stops we finally made it to Chewing Black Bones campground about 8 miles north of St. Mary, Mt and the east entrance to Glacier NP. When I made my reservation at this park I thought it would be full since there were only a few sites available. However when we arrived I was told that we could pick from several other sites too. So we drove into the park and checked out the site we reserved and the others sites mentioned to us. Well good thing they told us about the other sites. The site we reserved was very unlevel and uneven. The sites are in an open grass field with electric posts spaced out. We chose B8 instead of the C15 we booked. B8 was much more level and even and it ended up the park was basically empty except for a few other sites occupied. Wow...That was great. We got set up and told the office where we ended up. We had very nice views of the mountains in Glacier out our front window.
You can see the place is pretty empty
The next day we took a drive on the Going to the Sun Road up and over Logan's Pass to the west side around Apgar campground and West Glacier. We first stopped at the east vistor's center to get my passport stamped and then up and over we drove. The views of St. Mary Lake and the valley below in the west side of Logan's Pass. It was so cool to be up above the clouds that morning.
Looking down into the west valley
We continued on down the west side until we came to Lake McDonald. We walked along the shore a bit and noticed several cairns that folks had built.
At the west visitors center we walked the bike path that lead into the Apgar campground and over to the tourist area of West Glacier. As we walked we came across this deer feeding on grass. She just kept an eye on us as we walked by but didn't run away.
Along the drive on the Going to the Sun Road there is a sign pointing to a high peak called Heavens Peak. The sun was glowing off the rock and ice making it very shiny and beautiful.
This photo does not do it justice.
Incredible views all around
On our way back we got some photos of Wild Goose Island on St. Mary Lake
The next day we planned a hike to Red Rock Lake. The hike is on the north end of Glacier park near the Swift current trailhead. On the way to the lake there is a nice waterfall.
Lots of wildflowers
Look real close near the middle of the photo....a Grizzly.
Beyond Red Rock Lake is Bullhead Lake. We were told a moose and baby had been there but we didn't get there in time to see them. The hike overall was perfect for us. Not much elevation gain, a bear, waterfall and a lake.
The next day we drove to East Glacier Park Village. We found a cute little taco shop for lunch and a nice drive. While in the area we found another short hike. Again awesome views.
Since we only had a few days to explore, we made the most of our time. We heard about the Hidden Lake trail and so glad we did it. The trailhead starts just above the Logan Pass visitors center and is actually mostly on a boardwalk. We didn't get to the visitors center early enough to get a parking spot so we drove down to the nearest shuttle stop before Logan's Pass and caught the shuttle up from there. It was windy and a little cold but so worth it. Logan's Pass elevation is 6,647. This trail is heavily trafficked but pretty well spread out as to crowds.
They built the boardwalk around the rock.
We headed up the boardwalk, climbing and climbing. Elevation gain is about 700 feet. As we got to the upper point of the trail we saw several folks grouped together taking photos. This is why.
Mountain Goats grazing along the trail
A nice gentleman took our photo
Several in a group with some young goats too
Then on the way back down the goats were still grazing so we got a few more photos. I even got some video of one walking right by me. Unfortunately, Google won't let me upload it so I will show you a few more photos.
This is supposed to be the video
Then as we got closer to the visitors center we noticed this birds along the boardwalk. These are Ptarmigan's. They typically build nests in the spring and the male will protect the female until her eggs hatch. They usually eat berries, seeds and grains. In the winter their feathers will turn white for camouflage. These were in the process of changing.
As we stood there watching them in the grass, they started to come up on the boardwalk. I guess they were looking for us to feed them. They had no fear.
The boardwalk going back down
The Hi Line trail also begins at Logan's Pass. I had read a lot about it and knew it was way to long to hike mid day so Glenda and I decided to just do a small part along the Garden Wall. A narrow path along the mountain with a cable to hang on to if needed. Glenda doesn't like height like that so se turned around. A female volunteer ranger happened to be walking near us so I struck up a conversation and we hiked out along the wall for about a 1/2 mile before turning back. She had a class to teach back at the visitors center and I didn't want Glenda to wait too long for me.
Haystack Butte a popular place to have lunch on the Highline Trail. There's a saddle between Haystack Butte and Mount Gould, and it allows you to get a great view of the Northwest section of Glacier National Park. You will climb several long switchbacks up to this saddle. When you reach the saddle, Haystack Butte will be directly to your right, blocking the view to the west, and the towering west face of Mount Gould will be directly to your left. This saddle is about 4 miles from the Logan Pass parking lot.
Well after a day of hiking we would drive back to St. Mary and have some lunch or dinner at the restaurant in the Lodge. We enjoyed the Crab Cakes, Salad and other appetizers.
One of our last hikes was the Johns Lake Loop it was only a couple miles but very scenic with a waterfall and wildflowers.
Going to the Sun Road
Through a couple tunnels
Next we move south toward Idaho. Such a beautiful state too. I'll keep catching up.
