Hiking a Peak and a Valley
We hiked every single day that we were in Glacier. Side note: Strenuous hikes pair very well with camping because they knock you on your ass and, therefore, make sleeping in a tent seem almost comfortable. See we have an ulterior motive for embarking on these monster hikes.
Today, we want to highlight two trails. One that took us far into a gorgeous valley and another that ended on a mountain-top with a killer view.
First, this photo gives you a good idea of what we saw on the Swiftcurrent Valley trail. Lots of snow and tons of wildflowers for July.
The overwhelming snow melt created several gushing waterfalls.
There was so much snow, if fact, that we had to turn around at Bullhead Lake. We had this place all to ourselves. What a day.
Another day, we decided to take on the Scenic Point trail. We quickly gained about 2500 feet. We couldn’t breath, but that didn’t matter much. Check this out.
When we had almost reached the climax of the hike, we ascended through a mind-blowing field of wildflowers, teasing us with what was ahead.
The dramatic view that met us at the top was a show stopper, for sure. We sat in disbelieve, catching our breath and gazing at Two Medicine Lake sitting at the base of this awesomeness.
The ominous clouds were a reminder that we needed to hustle back down before dangerous conditions set in.
This is our planet.
Do you have any plans to get back to nature before summer wraps up?
Wow this makes me want to go hiking again!
No nature plans before I go back to work. But I was just in the woods last week in Lithuania for a music festival. Does that count?
Roy, We’ll count the music festival in the woods.
Next summer, I’m there! Can’t wait. My only trip for the rest of the summer is the Indiana Sand Dunes on the lake. Not much wildlife there…
Awesome Scott. We will look forward to your unique take on the park. Perhaps you will uncover some quirky corners that we have yet to discover. Let’s compare notes.
Gorgeous photos! We met a lady on our flight to Yellowstone who invited us to come stay with her in Whitefish, MT and use that as our home base for exploring Glacier and surrounding area. These photos make me want to go right now!
Go right now. Do not pass go. Do not collect 200 dollars. Just go.
We, too love hiking. You have a real knack for getting great shots! I think of all of America’s national parks, glacier is my very fave!
And that makes you our very fave.
Incredible views wow! It really does make all the difference to sleep like a baby in a tent (potentially on hard uneven or rocky ground) when you are extremely exhausted. Incredible photos and great that you guys had that view all to yourselves!
On most hikes – when we got just a few miles away from a road – we’d usually have solitude. Most people won’t go too far down a trail.
Wow, this place is just so beautiful. What a feeling it must have been to hike there and take in those views. I have a good friend who went to school near there, and I can see now why he raved about it.
You guys have a way of capturing a place and a time with words and photos like no one else — I always look forward to your posts!
Thanks, Raymond – awesome of you to say that!
Great shots – looks like you guys are getting to grips with that new(ish) camera!
We are trying (and having fun doing it!).
Very pretty pictures!
Snow, water, green and wild flowers. What a good combination!
Beauty! We just got back from a camping trip to Chiliwack Lake, it looks quite similar, but not nearly as high up
I completely agree that really tough hikes are great for knocking you out when you have to sleep in a tent (or even worse out in the elements like I did once in Nicaragua).
Great photos.
You two have some awesome photo skills – these are quite stunning! I mean, the location probably helps some, but for real… I’d totally frame some of these on my wall.
Thanks… We’re enjoying taking them! We’ve been trying to make an effort to include 1) more pictures and 2) better pictures.
Ah, Bullhead Lake looks incredible- and all to yourselves… so lucky! We are planning a few trips before summer ends- love being outdoors as much as possible.
Sounds like you’re really taking advantage of August with “a few” trips planned. Although you’ve got it pretty good down there. I mean, does summer really ever end
That third shot made me say “wow” out loud. Spectacular.
I hope we can do some hiking in northern Thailand in a few months. I don’t think we’ll see snow, though.
Take us to northern Thailand please!
Ah, love the pictures! I too love hiking. I just got back from a trip to Vail which I already miss…so very much. There are tons of trails there. Now, obviously I need to put Bullhead Lake and Glacier on my list. Thanks for the kickass post.
I’m not visiting nature much this summer but I am sending my husband camping while I spend 2 weeks in Europe! HA HA
Seriously tempting me to get off my ass and into nature. Lovely shots, guys.
WOW! It surely is an Amazing feeling to be in that beauty! Terrific captures!
That view of the lake must have been amazing! Totally with you; if you want to sleep like a baby, no matter the conditions, go hiking! Last time it happened was last month; went for a 5 hour hike in the German alps. Slept like a baby. Next week we’re going to Austria, so we’re definitely going to explore the area.
Awesome pics!
I’ve always wanted to go to Glacier, looks gorgeous! Thanks for the post!
I’d like to take a trip back to the white mountains in NH. I haven’t been there in the last few years. It’s great in the summer time.