July 21st ~ Glacier National Park
Tim, Joanne, Karen, Dick at Avalanche Gorge – Trail of the Cedars
We are still camped at Apgar Campground and venturing out from there. Two more hikes were selected with variety, photo opportunities and not being too strenuous in mind: Trail of the Cedars and Johns Lake Loop.
Trail of the Cedars
Map of the Trail of the Cedars
Hike #1 took us on a shaded, cool walk through a forest of cedars, cottonwoods and hemlock. Really it was more of a stroll than a hike. This 1.5 mile hike starts at the Avalanche picnic area, so plan on an early arrival to ensure getting a parking space at this very popular spot. The free park shuttle also stops close by.
The trail was a combination of boardwalk and groomed dirt pathways, but wheel chair accessible. With the informative signage, we kept a slow pace, and took the time to study our surroundings.
We caught a quick peek of two of these tiny Voles
It is amazing how much more you notice when you slow down…
Heart knot on the side of a tree or a sleeping bear cub
What do you see????
Entangled roots from two trees that had toppled
Bark was deep and well patterned
Flat boardwalk made for comfortable walking
Rocks covered with ferns and moss
Avalanche Gorge
Johns Lake Loop
Johns Lake Loop
Our second hike was a little longer and had a bit more diversity. This three-mile loop took us past Johns Lake, over the road, across a bridge, past small falls, and along the river.
Johns Lake
Joanne and Gus on Horse Bridge over McDonald Creek
Tim and Dick
McDonald Falls?
Then it got confusing. Tim had taken a picture of the trail map on his phone, but his phone died mid hike.
Perhaps some signage got removed, but we finally had to ask someone for directions to make sure we were headed in the correct direction back toward the car. It turns out you actually walk alongside the roadway for the last half mile or so.
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful that most of the paths are well-marked and that we have been able to negotiate a variety of trails. The rangers did a fabulous job of recommending hikes for us that allowed us to see new and different scenery on each outing.
A Note From Abroad 
The different textures in nature never fail to impress. Photographs excellent as usual. Tranquil walks. It will all make some book! (What to put in /leave out..) A dllemma.
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I think that is a great concept for a book, “what to put in/leave out”. From supplies to itinerary…
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A gothic apple is in that tree. BTW, you’ll have to talk to Bob Seger about, “what to leave in and what to leave out,” since that’s the heart of his song, “Against the Wind.” 🙂
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I like the gothic apple description. Great song!
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Stopping and smelling the roses is the only way to explore, you will miss so much rushing through. Great photos and 2 lovely couples. ENJOY.
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Thanks Terry. Hoping to introduce you some day as they live in HB.
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He looks very familiar to me, but can not place where I might know him.
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My kind of place. I particularly liked the heart knot. –Curt
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❤ ❤
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Beautiful pictures and it does pay to slow down and examine your surroundings on hikes. What did I see? A scary jack-o-lantern. I could see a sleeping bear cub too, but not my first thoughts. Your pictures are beautiful and that water looks so clear and perfect.
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Scary jack-o-lantern – I now can see that one.
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The tangled tree roots? … Ents! 😀
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Ents??
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Ents! … living walking trees from JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. 🙂
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Glad to see you made it trail of the cedars. A great accessible trail and very pretty.
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Certainly a gentle and relaxing walk.
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You’re right. We are surprised at what we see when we slow down. Thank you for showing the detail photos of the surprises. All the photos are gorgeous. I think our next trip should be Glacier National Park.
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Miriam, I’m so glad you are considering a trip to Glacier NP. We are in love with the natural beauty here.
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We love watching nature videos every night before bedtime. Glacier is one amazing thing!!
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Watching nature videos before bedtime sounds like a wonderful way to unwind and relax.
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