This day ended up being pretty epic. We again utilized our “Going to the Sun Road” pass to make our way through the park. Today our hopes were to do two hikes! But we were flexible on which would be first/second based around parking availability as we learned a lot from the last two days. So, initially we headed towards Logan Pass to check out the situation there in hopes of doing the famous Hidden Lake Overlook hike. I got to ride with Lydia, so not only did I get cousin time, but also the opportunity to take pictures of the Venture Van en route and all the beautiful scenery along the way!
At one point we pulled over to get a family photo with the incredible mountains behind, but also so that the white-knuckled drivers could get their feet on the ground and shake out their fingers! The road is no joke with tight switchbacks, narrow lanes, low stonemason guardrail walls and overhanging cliffs on the inside lane.
All along the drive there are waterfalls dripping or gushing down the mountain on the inside of the road. And there are a few tunnels and some architectural elements along the way as well. Apparently these three arches under the road (and the Venture Van) are quintessential Glacier items.
We finally made it to Logan Pass and as we had surmised, it was PACKED!!! We took a few passes at the parking lot and then moved on to the hike we had chosen in the St. Mary’s area. Thankfully Lydia got a spot and then Doug drove down the road a mile and found one too and hiked back to meet us. Then we got right on the trail, ready to burn off the nervous energy! First stop…St. Mary’s Falls.
Here they are! An absolute torrent coming down over the rocks, through a narrow space beneath a bridge and spilling out into a creek bed. Many people were jumping into the gush and riding it out into the creek. Koen was tempted to do it and part of me wanted to allow it and the other part (the one that did the lifeguard training) encouraged him to play it safe and not risk it. Ugh, one of those tough parenting moments. You want to say yes and be cool, but also, thinking of the injury that could occur is just so much to bear! Anyways, thankfully he seemed to get it and didn’t push it. And instead we took some great family photos and ate our picnic lunches near the roar of the falls.
Next stop was to continue on the hike to Virginia Falls. The whole hike in was about 2 miles. It was a little more open to the sun and less shaded than yesterday, but it was all absolutely worth it. Virginia Falls was spectacular. High, majestic and frigid. We got chills from the mist. And we took more pictures. Of course.
Eventually we all hiked back and the kids were pretty tuckered out at this point. But Doug and I were still hopeful to get another hike in. It was only three miles round trip to do the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail if we could score some parking. The kids were not enthusiastic, so as we drove off from St. Mary’s, it was really looking like Doug and I might do it alone. But Lydia must have worked her magic again because her son Cam decided to go which made Tavin and Penn want to go and then Jansen could not handle being left out and amidst tears (which I think were mostly that he knew he was tired but he didn’t want us to go without him) decide he would come too! Lydia took Coop and Koen back to the house, and the rest of us headed out on yet another hike. And we were all so glad we did! It starts off with elevation gain through alpine meadows which quickly lead up to packed snow! It was such a blast! Jansen was absolutely rejuvenated by the cool air and even cooler conditions (hiking on snow in July?!?) and caught up with the cousin and brothers and never looked back.
After the snowiest part of the trail, this is the view. Just incredible!!
Along the way we ran into quite a few mountain goats at quite close range. So fun!
Don’t miss the mountain goat near the trees! And her baby was hiding behind the front most tree.
And then we reached the amazing Hidden Lake Overlook. This is actually what is behind what we were at yesterday at Avalanche Lake. Some of the waterfalls spill from this lake above those mountainsides I shared yesterday. We took some more pictures to share with those that didn’t come along and then the mosquitoes started to bite (and our tummies started to growl) so we headed back down the trail.
Only to find more mountain goats!
And the descent on the snowy part was such a blast for the boys. They loved it!
It was so fun that they actually hiked back up to do it again and again!
Here's some video footage of the slip-sliding!
Oh we were so glad we were able to do this trail. What a wonderful day of experiencing a bit of Glacier National Park!
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