Glacier National Park

If we were to drive as much of the Going-To-The-Sun Road as we could, we’d have to approach it from West Glacier, so today we set out for that side of the park. Normally, the trip from St. Mary to West Glacier is 50 miles; however, when you’re “detouring” to avoid avalanche conditions, the trip is double in length. And takes you through some interesting territory.

  

But our first stop was Two Medicine, which, back in the day when people traveled to Glacier National Park via rail, was once the primary destination. Nowadays, Two Medicine is a little overlooked. But visitors who pass on Two Medicine in favor of the more commercial West Glacier or the easily accessible St. Mary are making a HUGE mistake, because it’s gorgeous back in there! If I ever return to Glacier – and please God I hope to return one day – I’ll spend lots more time exploring Two Medicine.

We spent lots of time enjoying the scenic drive (and driving conditions improved over yesterday’s!) until we got to Running Eagle Falls, which is one of the prettiest waterfalls you’ll ever see and has such a history behind its name. Rather than my recounting the history, I’ll just encourage you to click on the images of the signs posted to read for yourself.

Don’t worry if you’re unable to read this sign. It’s written in the Piegan language. Isn’t that the coolest?

  

On for the short, easy hike to the falls.

Along the way we took a footbridge over Two Medicine Creek. I’m unused to seeing water that is completely clear, unspoiled by silt from development or agricultural runoff. I could’ve sat by this stream all day long!

And finally to Running Eagle Falls, with Rising Wolf Mountain just visible in the near distance. I could almost feel Running Eagle’s spirit, majestic and proud, presiding over the scene.

Reluctantly leaving Running Eagle, we dawdled along the path to study early wildflowers such as Bear Grass

and Glacier Lily.

This is Two Medicine Lake, and you can see by the water rolling onto the lakeshore that it’s a windy day.

On to West Glacier, to drive 14 miles or so along the western end of the Going-To-The-Sun Road.

We stopped at the barricade, and spent some time on the banks of Avalanche Creek.

  

This particular area was sacred to the Salish, Pend d’Oreille, and the Kootenai. I copied these words from a sign posted, and they are worth noting – and acting in accordance with: “The Kootenai people still maintain a strong sense of stewardship, centering on a respect for and desire to protect the natural world. They believe life has little value without a true regard for the integrity of the environment. Consider these principles as you follow in their footsteps.”

Traveling back down toward West Glacier, I paused for a while on the shore of Lake McDonald.

Then we backtracked to St. Mary. Along the way, we encountered a mini Bear Jam – people studying a black bear. Yes, and us right along with them! Because we have actually seen more grizzlies than black bears on this trip.

  

Stopped to take a picture of Marias Pass, at the Continental Divide. Suddenly, Henry started barking madly! At a statue. My dog. Barking at a statue.

Finally back at St. Mary. And maybe my instinct about the supermarket wasn’t so far off base after all. It wasn’t well-stocked, at least not with fresh food – and who could blame them? They’re probably weeks away from their tourist season.

Another incredible day at Glacier National Park! Ted and Polly Land, thank you a million times over for encouraging me to visit this place! And Nancy Minard, that friend of yours who is “sure that [Glacier N. P.] is where God lives” – I’m sure he’s not all that far off the mark. This place has the hand of God all over it.

More photos from the Forces of Nature Tour at Flickr.

Click here.