Montana: Hasta Luego

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.

Dave and Ruth

Julia and John

Not mine, but next time...