10 and 2: Glacier Fire

 

The wildfire continues to burn in Glacier National Park, and the hot, dry, and windy weather continues to work against the fire crews fighting the blaze.  Although we didn’t get to spend a lot of time in the park before its most famous feature, the Going to the Sun Road, was closed from the Big Bend towards the east, we were happy to have had some time to explore.  We also slowed down our trek and spent two weeks in the Flathead Valley – by far the longest we’ve stayed in a single location since leaving Los Angeles over three months ago.  My girlfriend and adventure partner got a temporary job working with a local adventure outfitter in the park while I worked a documentary film project. These kept us busy for a few days, but really, the real reason for sticking in one place for two weeks was the sheer amazingness of Glacier.

While traveling between the eastern and western entrances to the park, I paused for a few minutes to take in the landscape and snap a few photos as I watched the fire burn from a distance.  It was a particularly unique experience – as I photographed the smoke hanging between the mountains and watched fresh smoke billow from the mountainsides, I realized I was witnessing the fire from an older burn that was actively recovering and transforming back into forest.  A little further down the road, I passed the basecamp for the fire crews who were battling the blaze and again realized how lucky I was to enjoy the park and witness the fire from the safety of my hillside opposite of the burn area.

Access to the top of Logan’s Pass was recently re-opened, so I took the opportunity to make the short hike to the overlook of Hidden Lake.  More than a few other tourists had the same idea, but leaving the park without seeing this gem wasn’t really an option.  Although it was crowded at the hike’s end, the views of the lake nestled in the crook of the mountains and the views down the valley of the series of mountains was well worth the company.  This hike is definitely a must-do if you’re here, and I recommend sticking around in the fading light of the long evenings — the mountains feel like they never end.

The next morning we made the two hour drive to one of the east entrances of the park in order to hike away from the fire.  The shifting winds were blowing smoke back into the area we hiked, but its beauty was unspoiled.  We chose to hike the trail that leads to the foot of the Grinnell Glacier, which, now quickly melting and shrinking from its once epic size, feeds a mineral-blue lake filled with icebergs which have calved off the glacier itself.  The hot weather fueling the nearby fire made for a steamy hike, and temperatures on the mostly shadeless trail exceeded 90-degrees.  After a glacier-side lunch of smashed sandwiches from the bottom of a backpack and a quick trail nap, we made our way back down to our van.

I’ve said it before, but I really can’t emphasize enough how amazing this place is.  If it’s been on your adventure list but hasn’t yet made the vacation cut, do yourself a favor and come up here.  The scenery is unbeatable, the hiking is amazing, the fly fishing is excellent, and the opportunity to recharge your batteries can’t be beat.

So what is 10 and 2? Meet Ryan and learn about why he’s on the road with Crown & Caliber.