Avalanche Lake Hike

Despite the chances of rain, we decided to try to get in a hike this morning.  It had rained some in the night and the forecast was for more but we packed both kayak and hiking gear so we could see what the weather was like once we were in the park.  Lake McDonald was like glass when we got there but because of the long term forecast, we decided to hike instead.  We stopped along the way to take some pictures of the great reflections and I finally got a couple of pictures of a plant I have been seeing along the roadside.  I still don't know what they are.

The trail to Avalanche Lake starts from the halfway point of the Trail of the Cedars that we walked the other day.  When we got to the trailhead, the sun was beginning to come out but the temperature was still in the mid fifties as it has been for days.  We had dressed for it and by the time we got to the lake, we were ready to shed some layers.  Besides extra clothes and lots of water, we had bear spray with us that our campground lends out for free.  If we had to use it, we would pay for it after the fact (if it worked, that is).  There were quite a few people on the trail, especially since not many trails are open so we didn't really have to worry but better safe than sorry.  

The trail basically follows Avalanche Creek although not always in sight.  We could hear the sound of rushing water the whole distance, though.  There were areas where lots of trees were down.  The forest was really wet and humid and we thought that must be what affected the trees.  The ranger we met at the lake said that the trees were downed by the force of wind from avalanches.  I would hate to be around to see it happen.  

Beside Avalanche Creek

Trees Behind Ted Blown Down By Avalanche

We Think These Trees Down By Non-Avalanche Causes

We hiked about four and a half miles round trip with an elevation rise of five hundred fifty feet.  Except for maybe a couple exceptions, we figured that the highest rise at any time was no more than twenty to thirty feet without it leveling off for a bit so the climb was not really difficult.  We saw people climbing with just sneakers and one girl had on flip flops.  The trail got really muddy and soupy in places by the time we came back and I was really glad for my hiking shoes and walking sticks.

Lots of Red Rocks Along the Way

Lots of Moss as Well

Waterfalls on Cliffs - Clearing Due to Avalanche Blowdowns

When we got to the lake there were quite a few people sitting around on logs on the shore.  The sun was out and it was breathtakingly beautiful.  We sat down sharing a log with another couple.  There was a young lady ranger standing nearby and we were able to hear her answers to questions people were asking her.  The glacier that formed the lake and bowl we were in was a called cirque glacier.  The view was spectacular.  There was quite a lot of snow visible but all were seasonal snow packs, no glaciers in sight.  So far we have not seen any real glaciers.  We read somewhere that by 2030, all the glaciers will have melted so if anyone wants to see any, they had better think about coming here soon.

Almost There

Hard to Choose Which Picture to Choose

The Chipmunks Were Real Pests at Lunch But Really Cute.

Cliffs on Left - Sometimes Mountain Goats are Seen Here

The lake is fairly shallow.  We watched a duck that kept diving and with the help of the ranger, we identified it as a Goldeneye.  We ate our lunch and just sat and enjoyed the views before heading back down the trail.  The return trip was much quicker.  We chatted with a few couples and everyone we met were smiling and saying hello.  It was a nice feeling to have everyone around us in such a great mood.  When we got back to the car, we answered the usual questions about our wooden kayaks from several groups and then headed for home.  We showered and watched a movie before turning in.