To continue the story of our epic Glacier National Park trip after the bear encounters we tried a different mode of travel in the park. Instead of hiking, we opted for whitewater rafting! We took a 4-hour rafting trip down the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. It had class 3-4 rapids and it was a blast! Our guide was a very knowledgeable about the local fauna and flora and was an excellent river guide. So good in fact that he took us down one of the class 3 rapids backwards! Yee haw! We really enjoyed our time on the river and the jokester family that was with us.
After finishing our rafting trip, we did another one of our favorite activities. Shopping at the local Farmer’s Market. Fresh cherries, ice cream, tomatoes, and bread, YUM. After stocking up our cupboard we also explored the local Hungary Horse Dam. This is a very large concrete dam along the South Fork of the Flathead River. The surrounding area is all National Forest Land and it is truly wild and magic.
This beautiful area of Montana is home to many Native American Reservations. Well, technically it was their land before us ‘Westerners’ stole it. In honor of our Native Americans we decided to witness some of their culture. We attended a real Native American Pow Wow! Before we arrived at the Ksanka Standing Arrow Pow Wow we stopped at a local rock shop along the way. Wade and I have become ‘rock heads’ in our travels. Anyways, in this shop the owner had several cats. I love cats, so of course I had to say hello to them. One particular fat orange cat and I shared some love. Then all of a sudden the owner says, “Did she let you touch her?” I said, “Yes.” She gave me a huge smile and said, “Wow, she doesn’t let anyone touch her!” The owner was a very nice lady, so we chatted a little and I told her I was a veterinarian. At this she was ecstatic and said, “I will trade a crystal for vet advice!” Wade’s face lit up and we made the barter. It was very nice to help this older lady with her cats!
Now Back to the Native American Pow Wow. It was a remarkable experience. The pride in their heritage poured through and it touched me. The drum circles beat to your heart and dancing awakens your soul. It truly is moving and we were privileged to be able to witness it. On our way back to West Glacier we topped the wonderful day off with some fresh brews at Kalispell Brewery.
Our next adventure in Glacier National Park was to explore the East Glacier area. Glacier National Park is so huge and each section has its own beauty. This day we hiked Two Medicine Lake up to Twin Falls. As expected it was breath taking! We were a little weary after our bear encounters but this hike was very uneventful. After hiking 5 miles we decided to take the local boat back. It is always fun to witness the beauty from the lake too!
Because we love this area of Montana and farmer’s markets so much the following day we drove to Whitefish. Whitefish is a local lake town. It is known for its ski slopes and hiking. It has a wonderful downtown with bustling shops and restaurants. It also happens to have a brewery. We of course indulged. The Farmer’s market was very large and joyous. We loaded up on more fresh, local produce and happily headed back to the RV.
Our last day in Glacier National Park was epic of course. We had wanted to hike the Highline Trail earlier in our trip but it was not yet open for the season. As this trail traverses the continental divide all the way to Canada it has very snowy passes. Luckily for us, the snow had melted enough to open the trail. So we ascended the mountains along the amazing Going to the Sun Road and parked our car at Logan’s Pass before beginning our journey. This day was raining and misty but we put on our rain gear and headed out. The trail hangs on to the cliff edges of the mountain where often there are chains for you to hang on to. It was exciting and invigorating! Especially when it started sleeting! That is right it was July 24 and it was a balmy 37 degrees F with sleet and hail! What an awesome life we live. Really. The views from Highline Trail are remarkable, fantastic, and epic. We had to cross snow patches with high winds that felt like you would be blown over but it was so worth every minute of work. We were even rewarded with the elusive local herd of bighorn sheep. I hope our pictures do this journey justice!
I have said it before, but we absolutely love Glacier National Park and this area of Montana. It holds a very special place in our hearts and souls and maybe, just maybe we will be lucky enough to live here someday. Or at least visit frequently.