Day 6

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We were planning to leave the cabin bright and early, hoping for better weather at Logan Pass. We got up at 6:15 AM and packed up, which was about half an hour earlier than we’d planned. Shelley was already up and ready to go, which was a surprise! Londell was thrilled. We were on our way by 7:15 AM, which was quite an accomplishment.

Shelley made oatmeal to keep us going until we could eat at The Glacier Highland Restaurant, which is just off Highway 2 near the park entrance at West Glacier. We had a wonderful time dining there on Sunday. Owner-operated restaurants have a special vibe that you can’t find anywhere else.

The drive to Logan Pass was a mix of weather conditions, leaving us uncertain about what to expect. We arrived at the restaurant at 8:00 AM. As usual, the food was delicious, but it became evident that exceptional service significantly enhances the dining experience and fosters a desire to return. Today, however, the waitress’s monotone demeanor, lack of smile, and apparent disdain for her job were noticeable. Despite the uninspiring staff, Shelley savored her eggs and bacon, complemented by a larger pancake, Huckleberry Style. Londell opted for his traditional two eggs, hash browns, and toast.

It was 8:45 AM when we embarked on our journey to Logan Pass. As we traveled, we encountered dense fog, reducing visibility to less than 100 feet at times. This was on the narrow, cliff-side Going to the Sun Road, with the cliffs looming on Shelley’s side of the car. Determined not to give up, we decided to continue our journey.

At Logan Pass, the fog persisted, as depicted in the image below. Undeterred, we set off on the 3-mile hike to Hidden Lake. Along the way, we paused to capture the breathtaking beauty of the mountain pass. A riot of yellow flowers, resembling miniature black-eyed Susans, carpeted the Alpine meadow, while occasional purple and coral wildflowers added delightful accents. Even the occasional slush made the wooden stairs challenging.

Weather was less than sightseeing worthy	Fog moves out

Fog moves in	Slippery boardwalk
Small stream 0.7 miles on Hidden Lake route

 

We ventured out on a 1.1-mile hike in the midst of sleet, which was driving and painful when it hit our faces. The fog added to the challenge, making us realize that Hidden Lake was determined to remain hidden. As we descended the trail, we returned to the Logan Pass parking lot drenched and shivering.

Determined to escape the cold, we decided to drive down the mountain and explore the 2.4-mile John’s Lake loop near Lake McDonald. As we reached the bottom, the sun briefly peeked through the clouds. We took a break, had a snack, and prepared for the hike ahead.

The first part of the hike led us deep into a lush forest. We were captivated by the diverse array of trees, including towering Cedars and Hemlocks, as well as a mix of Spruce, Firs, and other pines that formed a dense canopy below. The forest floor was covered in an abundance of mosses, showcasing a spectrum of green hues. There was a deliberate effort to regenerate the forest, as many of the fallen trees appeared to have been cut cleanly. This area was experiencing rapid growth, yet it also symbolized a profound rebirth.

Rebirth

This serene trail offered us the opportunity to capture some photographs. While some of the images were simply amusing, others resulted in blurred pictures due to the movement of individuals. Please find several photographs below.

Slow shutter, we were to stand still	Slow shutter, we were to stand still, again
It worked; we stood still

After approximately a mile, we arrived at McDonald Creek Falls. This was a beautiful cascade of falls that we had heard about long before reaching them. The trail marker informed us that this was a shared trail with horses. It was clear that horses had the right of way. We encountered around 10 people riding horses and managed to capture a photo of them crossing the bridge.

McDonald Falls	McDonald Falls
McDonald Falls	McDonald Falls

 

Fly fisherman at Lake McDonald

Near the trial’s conclusion, we were once again met with rain. We also encountered a few fly fishermen heading out to the creek’s mouth. Although they were quite a distance away, Shelley managed to spot them with her binoculars. She was delighted to witness the elegance of their casting technique. The fisherman had waded out to the lake in rubber hip waders. They kindly invited Shelley to join them, but the prospect of hiking boots getting soaked in Alpine waters was not appealing.

At 4:15 p.m., we exited the trial and headed back to the cabin.  It was pouring rain AGAIN!  This trip would not be complete without a stop at the local mercantile and grocer.  Londell found a great book that was excerpts from journals of the Old West.  We picked up some great salads and a steak (with Huckleberry BBQ Sauce).  We arrived back at the cabin before 6:00 PM and began dinner.  It was nice to get back early and rest.  

Great rib-eye steak made better with the sauce

We are both tired, yet long to get back out there in the morning!  Shelley found her cozy spot.  

Carry on my friends, carry on!