Many Glacier Area

This morning, we woke up early to try to get a hike in before the rain set in. The Many Glacier area requires a vehicle reservation to enter the gate between 6am and 3pm, but we ran thru the gate before 6am. So all that watching the clock, making sure I cleared my schedule to be able to buy the pass online 180 days before we were going to enter...all for nothing.

The trailhead is at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, which is the cutest 1950s motel. Parking was easy because it was so early. The hike we were going to do was only supposed to be less than 2 miles. A lake and a waterfall. We got turned around and never made it to the falls. We should have kept going, but the signs were misleading. We were hiking alone, and it is grizz country, so we just headed back to the lake. On the way back, we saw a mama deer and her fawn. We watched them for a long time.

The lake was beautiful and so clear. Apparently, moose frequent this area, but none in sight this morning.

We headed out and passed by the Many Glacier lodge. I love this place. The views of the mountains are stunning.

We came back to the bus so I could change my socks, which got wet on the hike.

Went to Columbia Falls and bought some coffee beans at the Montana Coffee Roasters and then came back east across the Going to the Sun road. It was pouring rain almost the whole way over, which made a treacherous drive so much worse. Laws I had to cover my eyes...so no photos or videos.

We did get a good view of a bear that was right on the side of the road. Video is terrible because he was on the other side of us, so traffic crossed in front.

Tomorrow will be a low-key day. It is supposed to clear up, and we plan to launch our paddleboard from the dock here at the campground. We may do some short hikes nearby.Read more