Glacier National Park is our favorite of the National Parks we've visited so far, it is also the first National Park we visited together. On this trip, we realized that this was our sixth time visiting the area and though we were able to cross off a few more wish list hikes and experiences, we still had a handful to check off and added a few new ones.
With two hikers we decided to forgo Ted's wish list of hiking over the contenatial divide from Siyeh Bend to Piegan's Pass to Many Glacier. Though the hike is 12.9 miles, it's only 1750 ft in elevation gain and 2640 elevation loss, but because it's a one-way hike, and requires a shuttle to get back to your point of origin, many visitors don't make the haul. Plus there's been a handful of hikes recently closed surrounding the general trail area due to bear activity and with two hikers and a less popular trail, it wasn't a situation we wanted to potentially put ourselves in.
With our change in plans, we were able to pursue a different wish list hike, Ptarmigan Tunnel. The trail shares a good portion of the Iceberg Lake Trail, a hike we did in 2010, but the trail breaks off about 2 miles before the lake and has a completely different view! Both hikes are great and provide a very different view, but walking through the tunnel almost felt like we were in Game of Thrones going north of the wall. Unfortunately, our valley vista views were impeded by scattered rising clouds, but glimpses of the valley floor and Lake Elizabeth could only leave you guessing and wanting to go beyond the wall. Yes, the tunnel is just above where I am pointing.
Crossing off another wish list, we secured two nights at Many Glacier Hotel! Built by the Great Northern Railway in 1914-15, Many Glacier Hotel is situated on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake and is often deemed the “Switzerland of North America′′ - we wouldn't argue.
After a night's sleep, and Cracker Lake being closed due to Grizzly activity, we decided to revisit Grinnell Glacier Trail, a hike we did in 2011. Leaving from Many Glacier Hotel the hike is relatively easy and fun with the exception of the the last half mile and the pesky chipmunks trying to come home with you by climbing on your pack for your snacks.
On our descent, we decided to take the northern route around Lake Josephine and quickly ran into stopped hikers. A mother moose and her calf were on the trail and slowly making their way down the trail leaf by leaf! Eventually our side of the trail accumulated 20+ inpatient hikers and Ted and I decided to let them pass and watch the circus unfold. And yes, the hikers on the other side of the moose and calf squired up the hill as the calf moved towards them and mother moose followed.
Thankfully no incidents occurred, but it is unfortunate how impatient individuals can become when their Instagramable moment becomes an inconvenience. For reference, one should be two bus lengths away from a moose and eight bus lengths away from a bear. After the wildlife moved off of the trail and down to a small pond, we were able to enjoy the moment from a safe and quiet distance.
After six previous visit attempts, we were able to check off hiking down to Hidden Lake on our last day! The Hidden Lake overlook is accessible from the Logan's Pass visitor center and is a staple hike for us, but the trail down to the lake is often closed for bears frequenting the area. It was worth the wait.
Until next time, Give a Hoot and Don't Pollute.