My friend Dave and I have a lot in common. On his birthday and
last day of our trip, he asked to be left alone–no driving to the
national park, no crowded trails, and silence. Dave headed off to hike
some closer trails outside the park, while Ruth, Julia and I drove about
90 minutes to East Glacier/Two Medicine. Dave did a lot of the
driving during our hiking days. I was glad that he was getting some
needed alone time.
The East entrance was a lot less crowded than the West entrance even
though it was a Saturday. We warmed up with a nature trail and the short
hike to Trick Falls.
Next,
we drove Two Medicine Campground, which I immediately put on my list of
places I want to camp when I’m in the area again. Perfectly-sized
sites for a small trailer, the campground is directly across from a
beautiful lake with big mountains all around.
It was time for some hiking. Julia promised easy hikes with moderate
grades. Our first destination was Paradise Point. We continued down
the twisted trail towards Rockwell Falls.
Somehow,
the trail signs changed, providing a destination of Aster Falls and
only a couple of tenths off the main trail. Ruth suggested hiking to
the top of the falls and coming back later for the bottom of the falls.
We quickly agreed, although the trail began to climb and then climb
away from the falls. Without Dave to complain to and knowing that the
route was her idea, Ruth silently climbed and climbed and climbed.
The trail did not end at the top of the falls but did provide a
beautiful scenic overlook at which to take a break. On the way down, I
found an unmarked side trail that did lead to the top of the falls. The
route was challenging.
Once
on top, we scampered across a couple of big rocks to get to the other
side. Then we followed a trail back down to the base of the falls.
The
day’s hike provided just enough difficulty that everyone felt good.
But, wait, there was a bonus. Between Glacier’s entrance and the town
of East Glacier, we saw a young Grizzly bear run across the road
directly in front of the car that was in front of us.
Now, I’ve seen a Grizzly bear up close on my last Glacier trip over
ten years ago. In one of the more stupid decisions that I’ve made
during hiking, I continued hiking with two companions past a Grizzly
that was eating huckleberries a very short distance off the trail. When
we reported the occurrence to a ranger, he scolded us for getting too
close.
The car in front of us had no trouble braking to avoid the Grizzly.
The bear headed directly into the woods on the other side of the road.
This was an ideal Grizzly encounter. No harm, no foul. Well, the photo
that someone took from the back seat could have been better, but the
photo-taking opportunity was very limited.
That
night, we celebrated by going out to eat at the outdoor space of the
Gunsight Saloon in Columbia Falls. The local Subaru dealer sponsored a
Texas band. Everyone had a good time.
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| Dave and Ruth |
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| Julia and John |
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| Not mine, but next time... |
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