July 20th ~ Glacier National Park
Entry on the East side of the park
Glacier NP is often called the Crown of the Continent, and with good reason. It is enormous, diverse, sits on our northern US/Canada border, and provides magnificent scenery.
“The park encompasses over 1 million acres (4,000 km2) and includes parts of two mountain ranges (sub-ranges of the Rocky Mountains), over 130 named lakes, more than 1,000 different species of plants, and hundreds of species of animals. This vast pristine ecosystem is the centerpiece of what has been referred to as the “Crown of the Continent Ecosystem”, a region of protected land encompassing 16,000 square miles (41,000 km2).” ~ Wikipedia
Map of Glacier courtesy NPS
After spending several days exploring the western corner and mid section of the park, we decided to take a drive around the southern loop and enter through the eastern edge.
To orient yourself, we have been camped in Apgar, which is at the bottom edge of the bump on the west side, at the base of Lake McDonald. We exited the park, and took Highway 2 which followed along the border, heading southeast, then northeast, and finally northwest making a big “U” shape to then reenter the park near Two Medicine.
The hike we had chosen today was to Running Eagle Falls ~ .03 miles (one way) and handicap accessible. It is also called Trick Falls in some publications.
It was mid afternoon by the time we arrived and our lighting was not ideal to put it mildly, but the falls were very interesting. I have never seen falls that come right out of the middle of a rock wall.
We saw posted pictures that showed that at certain times of the year that the water also flows over the top of the cliff, but then it might cover the part that was so fascinating for us.
Running Eagle Falls – water flowing out of the side of the cliff
Children walking through the creek bed
The rocks were a wonderful assortment of colors
Brilliant red berries
The old original lodges of our National Parks are each unique and magnificent. Many of them were built by the railroads. We decided to stop by and check out Glacier Park Lodge with its huge log beams.
Interior of Glacier Park Lodge
Touring car and totem pole
We have combined and shared our evening meals which have included roasting brats over a campfire, steaks and hamburgers grilled to perfection, fruit salad, tossed green salad, chips with homemade hummus and of course plenty of watermelon.
We are certainly living the good life!
Sunset on Lake McDonald
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful that some of the hikes are made accessible for the handicapped. Everyone should have the opportunity to see and enjoy our National Parks. I hope that more sites will become available in the future.
A Note From Abroad 
WOnderful, those older lodges were and still are great architecture. Interesting falls, it goes on my list for next year. Thanks for sharing.
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I would love to take a train trip and go from one old log lodge to the next one. How fun! Especially back in the day when people dressed up for traveling and for dinner. Now I’m feeling pretty proud of myself if my clothes are even clean 🙂
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And match somewhat. HAHA
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Having lived in Canada for a short while years ago, we recall the huge outdoor spaces, which seem and are…so much larger than the imagination can cope with! What natural treasures are the waterfalls and scenery everywhere. And the old lodges look fascinating. Quality of photographs still spot on! Continue to enjoy you lucky people.
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Thank you Joy. We try to step inside the major lodges at each of the National Parks. They are pretty impressive, and each one has it’s own flair. My two favorites are Yellowstone Lodge and the one at Yosemite.
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That is an interesting waterfall, coming right out of the middle of the rocks. Is there a cave system there that is accessible? All of you photos are amazing. The old lodges have a lot more character than the modern ones, don’t they? Another wonderful day! (In case you haven’t notice, which you probably haven’t, I am way behind on keeping up with reading and commenting on the blogs I follow. I’m working on it though. Hope to get to the ones I have missed of yours soon.)
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That type of waterfall was a first for us as well. I don’t think there is a cave there, but I’m not positive. And yes, we think the old lodges are pretty special as well. We are so honored that you are taking the time to read our blogs and really appreciate your continuing to follow along. Thank you!
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Trail of the Cedars in Glacier National Park is also accessible. A loop trail mostly on a boardwalk about 4 miles north of Lake McDonald. Undergrowth of ferns, moss covered granite cliffs, and shady trees make this one of the prettiest short hikes.
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