Glacier National Park – West Glacier, Montana

McDonald Creek Hike

We arrived at the park by 8:30 to go to the Avalanche Lake Trail.  It was so crowded we couldn’t get a parking space. We then decided to go to John’s Lake Loop trail.  We encountered another couple heading down as we started our hike, and they told us a mother bear with two cubs was chilling.  I turned to Mitch, and in my eyes, he could see a nonverbal – Hell no! 

They suggested the Lake McDonald trail, which they had done the day before, and it did not disappoint.  This trek sent my senses ablaze.  The smell of pine wafted through the air, reminding me of an overpowering car deodorizer and my favorite time of the year – Christmas. The sound of the mighty rush of the water as it cascades down the river and its determination to overcome the boulders lying in its way was refreshing.  The sound of the water kept us company when the trail was parallel to the river, but as the trail veered off, the roar of the water faded, and the musical sound of birds took its place.  As we meandered down the well-worn trail path, there are areas where the treetops crown the sky and block the light giving it an ominous feeling of something out of a Grimm’s fairy tale. Turning a corner, the rays of the sun try to sneak their way into the small open space of the surrounding trees.  Green is not my favorite color, but like the various hues of green on a palette, they create a beautiful floor covering for the forest when melded together.  On our way back, we spotted a deer.  Mitch quickly took out his Go-Pro and started filming.  Ironically, the deer didn’t sprint off but slowly came closer to feed on some leaves.  Mitch was surprised he could get so close without the deer flinching away.   

As we left the trail, we both had a sense of gratitude.  This country offers so much beauty, and we are grateful to be on this journey.