Unveiling the Extraordinary in the Ordinary: A Glimpse into our Days in Glacier National Park
Our journey through Glacier National Park, from Fish Creek Campground to the serene shores of Lake McDonald, was marked by miles of unspoiled wilderness and intimate encounters with nature. We chose a site that was just a short walk to Lake McDonald, providing us easy access to both solitude and breathtaking views.
Two distinct hikes defined our days. The first led us to Avalanche Lake, a popular trail stretching 5.5 miles with an elevation gain of 750 ft. The walk was accentuated by the rush of Avalanche Creek, gnarled western red cedar trees, and the majestic lake itself.
On another day, we traced the shoreline of St. Mary Lake on Piegan Pass to Virginia Falls passing St. Mary Falls. This trail was a longer haul at 6.3 miles and about 700 feet of elevation gain, but well worth every step. Wildflowers carpeted our path, framing the glacial blue lake and towering mountains in the background. The hike culminated at the Upper Virginia Falls where we took a moment to rest and refuel with lunch.
As the echoes of Upper Virginia Falls hummed in our ears, we retraced our steps back to camp, situated by the serene Lake McDonald. The call of its glacial waters was impossible to ignore. outfitted in my reliable Stio shorts, I jumped in for a refreshing dip after a long day of hiking. The frigid water elicited gasps and laughter, bouncing off the surrounding mountains and infusing the serene setting with our joy. It's in moments like these—feeling the lake's icy yet invigorating embrace—that connections are forged not just with nature, but also with the reliable gear that supports our journey. As a special treat for my readers, you can use the code 'JAMIE20' to get a 20% discount on your own Stio gear. These are the moments of serene connection that make this journey worth every step
Our time in Glacier wasn't just about the outdoors. Life in our A-liner Evolution (affectionately named Stella) was getting cozier by the day, and this was reflected in our culinary exploits. Our Snowpeak Takibi grill played host to sizzling chicken thighs and charred cabbage, complemented by grilled carrots sweetened with a hint of maple syrup. On another night, our Camp Chef Everest 2 burner stove transformed humble ingredients into a memorable bibimbap-inspired feast, a nod to our love for flavors from around the world.
A highlight of the week was a solitary drive at sunset, journeying into the heart of Glacier's interior. Without another soul in sight, the spectacle of nature at twilight was truly my own. These moments of quiet reflection brought me back to my first time in Glacier, under the tutelage of Alex Strohl. His influence sparked my transition into full-time freelance photography, a leap of faith that has shaped my path over the past year.
Glacier holds a special place in my heart, and returning to it is akin to tracing the footsteps of my own growth. It's been a year of learning, experiencing, and connecting with fellow creatives. But as always, the road beckons, and Stella is all set for the next chapter of our adventure – onwards to the Missoula area.