The reason that we love grizzly bears is that we didn't see one during our time in Glacier National Park. Although we did buy the $45.95 "combat assault pepper spray" made specifically for grizzly bears (you can see the can hanging from Joel's pack in a picture below). We bought it mostly for our own peace of mind and thankfully didn't have to use it...does anybody need any bear sized pepper spray? In any case, we had a great time and we saw plenty of non-aggressive, vegetarian wildlife!
It took us 23 1/2 hours to drive out there and bit longer to drive back. The drive was nice and we listened to a few books on tape (most notably, the 5th installment of the Harry Potter series which was 27 hours long!). The Honda civic held up well although a few times it didn't want to climb the mountain. We hiked a total of about 40 miles over the course of the trip-the weather was hot but it didn't rain so we couldn't complain.
We spend the first four nights and five days camping and hiking in the Park out of our car. We did the Highline Trail (which follows the continental divide) up to an old Chalet and then back down (on this trail we saw mountain goats and a marmot!). We also hiked up to avalanche lake which followed a pretty amazing gorge.
The last two nights we backpacked 8 miles along the US/Canadian border to Cosley Lake. It was gorgeous and relaxing. I read and we played cards. Joel and another guy tried to "bush-whack" up a creek bed to a peak above Cosley Lake and while they didn't get to the top they managed to have a pretty nice view (see below). Our campsite was right on Cosley Lake and though it was too cold to swim we still enjoyed the views!
Joel all loaded up and ready to go backpacking!
We had to cross the river to get to our site on Cosley Lake-this bridge was really wobbly!
There were so many wildflowers blooming while we were there...this is Indian Paintbrush
A mama grouse that got pretty upset and poofed up as we tried to pass by!
A fawn was running around our campsite the day we left Cosley Lake
We saw a few big horn sheep right by the road drinking from waterfalls
Mama and baby walking right above us on the highline trail
Joel on the highline trail
At avalanche lake
On the highline (the views were breathtaking)
Joel's view after he hiked up off-trail to a peak (that's Cosley Lake)
Cosley Lake from our campsite
The trail leading to Cosley Lake (the lake is just over that ridge on the right)
A view of St Mary's Lake in the morning
It took us 23 1/2 hours to drive out there and bit longer to drive back. The drive was nice and we listened to a few books on tape (most notably, the 5th installment of the Harry Potter series which was 27 hours long!). The Honda civic held up well although a few times it didn't want to climb the mountain. We hiked a total of about 40 miles over the course of the trip-the weather was hot but it didn't rain so we couldn't complain.
We spend the first four nights and five days camping and hiking in the Park out of our car. We did the Highline Trail (which follows the continental divide) up to an old Chalet and then back down (on this trail we saw mountain goats and a marmot!). We also hiked up to avalanche lake which followed a pretty amazing gorge.
The last two nights we backpacked 8 miles along the US/Canadian border to Cosley Lake. It was gorgeous and relaxing. I read and we played cards. Joel and another guy tried to "bush-whack" up a creek bed to a peak above Cosley Lake and while they didn't get to the top they managed to have a pretty nice view (see below). Our campsite was right on Cosley Lake and though it was too cold to swim we still enjoyed the views!
After our backpacking extravaganza we headed back to St. Mary's (which is just outside the Park) and stayed in the lodge before leaving Montana the next morning. We stopped at Teddy Roosevelt National Park on the way home (and saw lots more wildlife). See tomorrow's post!
Joel all loaded up and ready to go backpacking!
We had to cross the river to get to our site on Cosley Lake-this bridge was really wobbly!
There were so many wildflowers blooming while we were there...this is Indian Paintbrush
A mama grouse that got pretty upset and poofed up as we tried to pass by!
A fawn was running around our campsite the day we left Cosley Lake
We saw a few big horn sheep right by the road drinking from waterfalls
Mama and baby walking right above us on the highline trail
Joel on the highline trail
At avalanche lake
On the highline (the views were breathtaking)
Joel's view after he hiked up off-trail to a peak (that's Cosley Lake)
Cosley Lake from our campsite
The trail leading to Cosley Lake (the lake is just over that ridge on the right)
A view of St Mary's Lake in the morning
