Montana: September 2020
On the road before dawn to make it to Glacier National Park... where things were almost foiled by an accident that completely shut down the park's main road, Going-to-the-Sun Road, for two hours. After waiting out the accident (along with dozens, if not hundreds, of others), finally made it up to Logan Pass and found that and virtually every parking area and turn-out to be full. Heading further east did find a few parking spots, so pulled up to Saint Mary Lake and finally hit the trail with the plan B of the day's hikes.
To no one's surprise, the whole area is beautiful. As merely the second-largest lake in the park, even a few hundred feet to the lakeshore, away from the cars lining the road, is enough to feel quite scenic. Saint Mary Lake's usual hike boasts no less than three named waterfalls and several unnamed ones; in particular Virginia Falls is worth the trouble. St. Mary Falls itself is less about the waterfall and more about the miniature gorge and scenic bridge across, plus all the hikers diving, no, leaping, from the bridge into the water.
Due to COVID-19, the temporary eastern-most terminus of the park is Rising Sun. Talked to some park rangers to get some useful info, relaxed with the view for a bit per their advice, then headed back up to Logan Pass. Hoped to beat the crowd and the rain, but still had to drive in many circles through the parking lot to get a spot.
Even late in the day, with the light fading, there's a reason why Logan Pass is the most popular destination in the park. While those who can start early can get on the Highline Trail, stragglers like me, in combination with those looking for an easy hike, settle for Hidden Lake Overlook and (the currently closed) Hidden Lake trail. The view of Hidden Lake from the overlook, even with clouds and haze, is the most photographed place in the park for good reason. And the hike itself has its own views and wildlife-- even if it gets lost in the excitement about Hidden Lake itself.
The return to Kalispell was done during the last vestiges of daylight. Heading west via The Loop down Going-to-the-Sun Road, with nearly every turnout showing spectacular views despite the fading light. Sadly the park was mostly closed the next day due to rain and snow...
With everything in town long closed before I made it back to Kalispell, dinner was a last Mexican pizza at Taco Bell. Perhaps one of the last ever for me, as Taco Bell has announced they're about to eliminate it from the menu. Alo: ever heard of a Taco Bell that literally only gives one packet of hot sauce per item?