Hike #1
Our first hike was up to Swiftcurrent Pass from Many Glacier (13.2 mi RT, 2300' EG) - something we hadn't been able to do in previous years because of foraging bears. But this year the bears were busy elsewhere so we were off early,
up the Swiftcurrent valley,
and past Redrock Falls.
The trail is almost level until it reaches the head of the valley,
then it starts up the ridge to the right.
Fortunately, the loved one has no fear of heights,
given that this trail is a real cliff-clinger at this spot (arrow) where she's standing.
But you do get a great view of the Swiftcurrent valley
and of the Swiftcurrent Glacier below Mt. Grinnell from here.
From the pass,
it's possible to see W to Heavens Peak (8987') across the McDonald Ck valley.
The hike back was enlivened by two moose who browsed their way across the trail at the head of the valley (didn't see any bears this year).
Hike #2
Our second hike was NE on the Redgap Pass trail toward Poia Lk, which give good views of the lower Swiftcurrent valley.
But there was a foraging grizzly near Poia Lk, so we called the hike at Swiftcurrent Ridge Lk,
with its views of the Yellow Mtn complex.
Then, after a quick smell of the flowers, it was back to the TH (7.2 mi RT, 1000' EG).
Hike #3
After two days of great weather, a front moved in, putting something of a damper on our hike to Iceberg Lk (9.4 mi RT, 1200' EG). The lake sits in a large E-facing cirque that keeps conditions there on the cool side.
So, as promised, the lake is filled with bergs.
Colder, but still smiling, we headed back.
It was good we left early because, despite the gloomy weather, we passed 40+ hikers on our way back (this must be one of the most popular hikes in the park).
Hike #4
We spent a day (of nice weather) getting settled at Lake MacDonald, thereby allowing yet another front to push in for our planned hike to see Sperry Chalet (12.8 mi RT, 3400' EG). The loved one decided that staying in the lodge would be more fun than hiking in the rain, so I headed off for the chalet solo, in less than cheery weather.
The trail climbs so gradually and smoothly that I hardly noticed the gain and was soon at the chalet,
which is at a crossroads of various trails,
and commands a great view (on a clear day) of the Lake McDonald valley from its front porch. It managed to rain only while I was in the chalet enjoying a quick snack!
On the way back, I had to look hard (arrow) to actually see where the chalet is perched on the cliff.
As is sometimes the case, by the time I got back to the TH, the clouds were parting
and by evening of this, our last day in the park, sunny skies were enroute for our journey home.
But, there are still trails we haven't hiked and chalets we haven't stayed in, so we'll be back....
