Trip to GNP; Part I : Lake Avalanche Hike @ Glacier National Park


The Mesmerizing View of Avalanche Lake @ Glacier National Park
Finally I have started my Travel Blog and the temptation came from a Hiking/Camping Trip to Glacier National Park, Montana. What I saw and what I felt in this trip has been a lifetime experience and beyond my imagination. Mountains, serene lakes, glaciers, wild flowers, abundance of wild animals and what not. The way I was moved by this trip, is why, I have decided to share my experiences in series. 

One of the most exciting and thrilling hiking was Avalanche Lake Hike. It was 2 miles moderate hike (according to me) one way. You might have a little trouble as the trail is a bit steep sometimes. My friend Sameer and I were little late that day and reached "Trail of the Cedars" around 5 in the evening. We enjoyed the easy hike in the woods of Cedar. Oh, those trees were beautiful and Tall. And in between, we saw a trail going upwards in a bit steep area which is the trail towards Avalanche Lake. I asked Sameer should we go there because it is already 6.30 pm and you never know what you might encounter as you are in the "Bear Country". After lots of speculations and discussion we have decided not to go there and if needed, will continue next morning. But still having some time left, we thought of going for some easy hikes along the way back to our camp at Sprague Creek Campground.Though Sameer was not entirely happy about the decision, still he was trying to manage and I was thinking that next day it will be impossible to come back as we will be driving back home (approx. 11 hrs drive). So, we went few miles and then I told him "Let's do it. We might miss the view". But inside I was praying hard as I knew animals might come out in the evening. We started our hike around 7.30 pm which was late, everyone was coming back by that time. Sameer told me that we will go little bit and may find someone. But Nope !!! "Should we continue? Let's go back" Sameer suggested as he already knew me. "Hey what a beautiful waterfall on our way. Let's go a little" I told him. The trail was in the long Cedar Woods and it was pin drop silence all along. I was scared to death but still walking. In the mean time we already walked for 30 minutes, meaning almost a mile we crossed. Suddenly we saw a family was returning back and we asked how much is left, they mentioned almost a mile and it is worth the view we are about to have. We were so happy about it. "Yay!!!! We have decided it right" My cheerful expression. And we met another family who were also returning back, the young lady in that group was extremely scared and kind of ran into us and whispered "Be prepared !!! We just saw a bear and it was really close within 200-300 Yards!! Try to shout and clap...". "Oh my god!! really, we can't go back now, we crossed midway" I told. Sameer was certain by now. "Let's go. We will see..." he ascertained me. We started talking loudly and I was clapping intermittently. Why? Because this will let them know that we are intruding in their habitat and they will not come close to us. We learnt all this in a brief discussion in Apgar Nature Center. We also learnt that bears are not willing to cross paths with humans. It happens by mistake. So making noise will make them aware of other creatures out there and they will stay away. Anyways, we continued and finally reached. Believe me, it was worth everything. One of the prettiest view of my life. Beautiful, mind blowing, serene and calm....beyond words. We spent some time there, saw beautiful birds and flowers too. It's time to go back but we are less worried now. You know why? We saw some other groups and felt more confident as we grew in numbers. The way back, though not as adventurous as way up, was thrilling. For starters it took us half the time. And nevertheless, all the while returning, I was so immersed in my thoughts that I was reliving every moment of the incredible view I had encountered, up at the Avalanche Lake.

P.S. We are amateur photographers but still tried to capture that beauty in our mobile cameras and point and shoot camera. Enjoy!!!

That beautiful Waterfall on our way















                                                                            By
                                                       Tanaya Datta & Sameer Bisoyi


** This is our first blog ever and we are very excited about it. Please read and share your comments and suggestions.
Location: Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

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