We really don’t like to say we have visited a state or country unless we have seen or spent a large amount of time there. On this years travel loop we had a few good reasons to swing into Montana, even though we couldn’t afford as much time there as we would have liked.
Good Reasons
On Jason’s side of the family, more and more of the extended family has been getting together. This year, that ment us as well! Although it was only 2 days, we were able to meet and get to know so many people we didn’t know previously. I love how everyone gathered from different states to all meet up in Southern Montana. Everyone was gracious and kind. Smiles were shared and stories were swapped. Thank you to the Thompson side of the family!
Heading North for more visiting, we drove to Big Fork to see friends and Montana’s natural beauty. We were glad to have been able to reach this destination as last years weather became too cold and thus kept us away.
Northern Montana’s beauty caught us by surprise! The weather was cold in the early mornings and night, but perfect in the day. The mountains, trees, flowers and lakes were a sight to take in. Flathead lake twinkled and shined under the big bright sun. I had planned on us paddling this lake but unfortunately just ran out of time. The lake is massive and even has mountainous islands in it.
Our main focus was on getting our fill of visiting friends as we hadn’t seen them in over a year. Catching up was full of playing and talking. We were taken out on some hikes and treated to delicious home cooked meals. Thank you friends for hosting us!
Glacier National Park
This parks visit was only a few days but it did not disappoint! Again the beauty in Northern Montana was just fantastic. In fact I’m not sure if any of our photos will do it justice. The waters of Glacier are blue, stunningly blue.
Our first full day in the park was special as it was the last day with our friends. We drove most of the Going-to-the-Sun road with them and viewed glaciers in real life for the first time! We even drove up and over the continental divide.
The following day we hiked a very popular trail, Avalanche Lake Trail . It was such a pleasing hike with varying ups, downs, and landscape. There were forest of ancient western hemlocks and red cedars. We passed an area later in the hike that was full of downed trees but in a peculiar direction. They had been blown over going up hill as a result of recent thunderous avalanches coming down the opposite Mt. Cannaon.
The hike ended at the picturesque Avalanche Lake. Complete with waterfall runoff from glaciers and snow. So picturesque it inspired Jason and I to take a dip.
Another beautiful place in the park was called Red Rocks. Wow, It looked just like the polar bear exhibit at the zoo! No exaggeration. It had the big rocks, a downed big tree going through the center, and the cold, cold blue water.
Planning a trip to Montana (Northern)?
Don’t miss Flathead cherry season.
If visiting Glacier National Park, plan at least a week. If your looking for calmer water to swim or paddle, try the south end of Lake McDonald by the Apgar Village.
Don’t miss boating opportunities on Flathead lake.
Pingback: What is in the Arizona Desert?