Biking, driving and hiking in Glacier National Park

We joined some friends for a “multi-activity” adventure through Glacier park, and its sister park in Canada -Waterton Lakes. Before we joined them, we did the two hikes I’ve already shared, but then also drove along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, twice! We stayed on the east side of the park, and after hiking to Scenic Point in Two Medicine, drove west on the Going-to-the-Sun Road in the afternoon. I was able to get some neat shots with great lighting, which were definitely not replicated the next morning.

That’s the view as you head towards Logan’s Pass, as was this -

As you can see, we had gorgeous weather. This next shot is looking west down the valley from Logan’s Pass (the highest elevation in the park reachable by car - 6646 ft), and is probably my favorite along the entire road -

I loved all the views, and Steve actually enjoyed driving on the curving narrow road, catching glimpses of vistas when he could.

About halfway along the road through the park, we chose to turn around and head back to the east side and our lodgings for the night.

The views sure didn’t disappoint…

… and the wildflowers were out in force -

St. Mary’s Lake is 10 miles long, and near the eastern border of the park. This view is with afternoon light…

… while this was taken the next morning as we set out to meet the tour group -

This view of Wild Goose Island in St. Mary’s Lake is supposed to be “one of the most recognizable scenes in all of Glacier” -

This next picture is of Logan’s Pass in cloudy morning light (I was SO glad we had chosen to drive the Road the previous afternoon!) -

This field of wildflowers at the pass just made me happy -

As we joined the biking group, Lake McDonald seemed more brooding than welcoming…

… but we all had a good time…

… despite hiking in the rain the next day. We did get to see some nice water features…

… including this gorgeous pool beneath St. Mary’s waterfall...

… and the impressive Virginia Falls -

So that night we stayed at Many Glacier Lodge, but it was raining, so we didn’t venture out until the next morning.

Oh my!

More to come…