The Backbone of the World

The Blackfeet People refer to the mountains in and around Glacier National Park as the Backbone of the World.  If you've been there, you agree.  The mountains in Glacier look like they hold the planet together.  They defy description, and resonate in your brain long after you leave.

We spent a week camped on Lake McDonald and surrounded by mountains.  Highlights of the trip included driving on the Going to the Sun Highway, hiking at Logan Pass, spending the day on Lake McDonald, taking a boat ride on Lake Josephine, and attending a Blackfeet tribal dance performance in St. Mary.  The Woodsman also hiked (by himself with just the bears for company) on the Highline trail - look for that in Glacier Part II.

Hiking at Logan Pass

Logan Pass is beautiful.  There are hikes that start on both sides of the visitor's center.  Get there early- the parking lot and trails will become full as the day progresses.  The scenery is worth the early rise time.  Don't skip it.

  

My parents were with us from Olympic through to one day east of Glacier.

Marmots - the girl's favorite rodent.

Mountain Goats everywhere!

 Going to the Sun Highway

This drive is not for the faint of heart, but it is beautiful.  Plan to allow plenty of time and be sure to drive it at least twice so you can see the view both going and coming.  The view changes as the light changes so it's good to try to go at different times of day as well.

Bird Woman Falls

St. Mary's Lake

Sunset looking from Browning to the mountains

Boat Ride and Guided Hike on Lake Josephine and Lake Grinell

Book this tour before you go.  It is better to go earlier in the day if you can.  The return boats are open to anyone, and we almost weren't able to make our evening dance concert at the Blackfeet Reservation because we had to wait so long for a return ferry.  This is a good place to see Grizzly Bear as there are many berry bushes.  I was glad to see the one we saw from INSIDE our boat!

Look for the bear in the middle of the picture on the shore.

The chalet at Lake Josephine

Lake McDonald

We spent a good portion of our time in the Lake McDonald area near Apgar village.  The lake was peaceful, there was good ranger programing for the kids and there were even paddle boards to rent one day.  Don't miss out on the huckleberry pie at the restaurant in Apgar village.  Yum!

I hope we get back again someday, but until then, memories of Glacier will have to suffice.