Glacier National Park

Chris gave us a National Parks Pass for Christmas and he and Henry had been talking about going to Glacier ever since.  I was a little nervous about such an adventure being 6 months pregnant and cancelled the trip but last minute decided I was feeling better and that we should go. I am so glad that we went! It was so beautiful and we had a wonderful time!

Hidden Lake

We didn't waist any time getting started exploring the park. As soon as we arrived we set off to find the Mitchell's, ( who happened to be there just a day or two ahead of us). It was beautiful and one of my favorite hikes. It reminded me of the Swiss Alps, although I have never been there, I imagine it looking something like this. The best thing about it was the wild life. Ever since our Yellowstone trip 2 years ago, Henry has been talking about how he wants to go back in the summer so he can see the marmots. (They were already hibernating when we went in September). Well, to our excitement, we saw 14 of them as we hiked to Hidden Lake!

These two guys were really going at it, right along the side of the trail. Watch out for those teeth.

Cute cousins.

These cute boys were great hikers. One couple passing us on the trail thought they were all mine. "She's crazy" the wife said. Ha ha, maybe I am but three boys is all that was needed to make that happen.

Our first Mountain Goat siting! They came running down this snowy mountain. There were many more mountain goats to come.

Such a cute little guy!

The whole gang of cousins. Hooray for Tessa! She was the cutest and most spirited little hiker.

Avalanche Lake

The next day we set off to see Avalanche Lake. The thick forests of Glacier were incredibly beautiful.

This tree had been struck by lightening.

The boys could have played for hours at the lake. All they need to be content is a little water and a stick.

Nolan was so hard at work he didn't mind getting his feet wet, or his whole backside for that matter.

Nicey, as the boys affectionately named her came right up to us on the trail.

As we got back to the parking lot we spotted this snowshoe hare beauty.

The Going to the Sun Road

Our first time driving this narrow road that hugs the cliffs near Logan Pass I admit I was nervous. The view was breathtaking. I have never seen anything like it.

Baring Falls and St Mary's Falls

Baring Falls

St Mary's Lake

St Mary's Falls

The  Highline Trail

 We were exhausted from hiking but caught wind that just 30 yards down the highline trail there were big horn sheep right along side the trail. We were about to turn back when Chris decided to just check on the other side of the hill. Thank goodness because there they were! These magnificent creatures hold a special place in our hearts because Nolan chose a stuffed animal ram for a souvenir when we went to Arches National Park and has been completely attached to it ever since. It's name is Billy, and we don't go to sleep without it.

Our respect for these creature grew as we held their horn at the Discovery cabin and again at a Ranger talk. They are incredibly heavy. We even saw a skull of a Big Horn cut in half. Cool creatures!

More wildlife to note... ground squirrels

Raven

More cute goats right along the side of the road licking away at something.

 Junior Rangers

Nolan and Henry getting sworn in as Junior Rangers! Henry's 3rd and Nolan's 2nd.

The Discovery Cabin was a fun place for kids and adults alike.

Nolan hung out at the theater for the majority of the time.

Brotherly Love.

Lake McDonald

Many Glacier

We saw a couple of Grizzlies from a good distance but this cute little black bear was just off to the side of the road down a ravine eating huckleberries. The ranger broke that party up pretty quickly though because everyone was parked on the road.

Fishercap Lake

It was a beautiful evening and just a short walk led us to this...

We sat and watched her for a long time. She would dip her head under the water for 20 seconds at a time feeding on plants. Such a beautiful site.

 

The Cabin  at Timber Wolf Resort

 

The boys loved this luxurious little cabin, well as soon as Nolan realized that the bears couldn't get us here. I especially loved middle of the night trips down to the bathrooms.

Take special note of the curtains. Henry insisted we get a picture of them.

Roasting hotdogs and marshmallows in the fire.

Our story wouldn't be complete without atleast one picture of a glacier.

Come back again! I know we will, when the boys are older and mom is not pregnant. We loved this place!