Glacier NP
August 6, 2013
Third hike destination...as close as we could get to Grinnell Glacier. I say that because this hike is an 11 mile hike round trip. With 4 pups waiting in Belle, we just set out and decided to turn around when our time was half up. We made it four miles in.
This trail begins at the Many Glacier Hotel and carried us around the shoreline of Swiftcurrent Lake.
This part of the trail is flat, easy, and full of photo opps.
I was hoping to see a moose, even a deer would have been great, but just not meant to be.
We did spot a fisherman...
...a Pipsissewa which is a new wildflower for me to photograph...
From here, the trail turned right. 
Wildflowers, butterflies, and rock walls on our left...
We made a steady, gradual ascent towards Upper Grinnell Lake...its a 1600 feet rise to the glacier.
This was our lunch view and the end of the trail for us.
Salamander Glacier, Mt. Gould and Lower Grinnell Lake were all visible.
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| View of Salamander Glacier |
Lower Grinnell Lake has an opaque turquoise appearance from rock flour (silt) which comes from the melting glacier.
There were a few colors of fall...already!
We had a much more relaxed day today...
...visited another waterfall. The forecast was for 60 percent chance of thunderstorms...hasn't happened yet.
Until next time...
P.S. Does anyone know what these berries are? We see them on all our hikes. They are so red and shiny and almost look artificial...like berries I bought for Christmas decorations.
Another wonderful hike a great photos, too bad you did not get all the way in, but would have been a long day for the pups at home.
ReplyDeleteI would never have been able to do the eight miles you did. Marvelous hike.
ReplyDeleteThat was quite some hike even at 4 miles in. The scenery is gorgeous there.
ReplyDeleteBoy do we understand about the pups dictating our time away from the rig. But in the time you covered 8 miles, we might have been able to do one. Sure do love your pictures.
ReplyDeleteI am really enjoying "visiting" Glacier National Park with you.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you made it almost to the Grinnell Glacier! Love the lake and that beautiful color from the minerals. There sure are an abundant of magnificently colored lakes in the mountains.
ReplyDeleteDid you by any chance get an opportunity to see the pictures of the glacier through time in the halls of the inn? Stop if you have time and check out what use to be.
We stayed over night at the inn in Many Glacier on our first trip to Glacier which was on a motorcycle. It was a step back in time. Sitting around the fireplace at night was perfect. It was early June and much colder.
Another fabulous day for your hiking!! So glad you are having good weather with all that beauty surrounding you:)
Your photos sure capture the awe and majesty of Glacier...a great montage.
ReplyDeleteBox Canyon Mark
I really enjoyed your pictures. The mama grouse is so cute as it here baby chick. I wish you had seen a moose or deer too. I'll bet the picture would have been great.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful header photo. Montana is calling us. Incredible beauty and you captured them well. And this looks like a hike that we will definitely do.
ReplyDeleteAnd oh please dont say Fall yet :) I always admire your wildflower pictures.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pictures. We had a trip planned to Glacier last fall but never made it. It's certainly high on my list! Thanks for posting the wonderful pictures.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos as usual. I especially enjoyed the mama grouse - I found it interesting how her chest feathers form a circular design. Really pretty. You just never know what you are going to encounter. I always figure if I get just one really good shot, or one interesting animal or bird, then I'm happy. :)
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