Summer 2008 Trip: Day 38 – Glacier National Park

Woke up this morning and after an attempt to make edible pancakes, we got started driving down Going-to-the-Sun Road. We stopped a few miles in and hiked out to Avalanche Lake, which was absolutely gorgeous. You step right up to the edge of the lake and it is ringed with mountains, and down each mountain there is at least one waterfall caused by glacial melt. It’s absolutely amazing.

We popped back onto the road and drove through the mountains; Going-to-the-Sun Road is described as one of the most beautiful scenic highways in the world, and I will completely agree with that. The road through Rocky Mountain National Park doesn’t even come close. In one section, four or five waterfalls are right at the side of the road and your car gets sprayed as you drive by. It is absolutely amazing.

We also hiked down to Baring Falls, where Sarah left me to hike to St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls while I set up my picture, waited for people to clear out and the right light to hit the scene. After I had a few shots I was reasonably satisfied with, I hiked back up the path and took a few shots of Sunrift Gorge before heading to the St. Mary Falls trailhead to wait around and pick Sarah up.

Then we headed down what was left of the highway, swinging by Sun Point for some pictures (I’ll be going back there to shoot sunrise). Now… camp is set up, food has been eaten and I’m headed to bed.

Day 38 - Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park

Travel Distance: 50 miles, plus 5.5 on foot

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