Glacier National Park: Biking at Whitefish and Hidden Lake Goats

Glacier National Park: Biking at Whitefish and Hidden Lake Goats

• 7.24.2014

^^Hidden Lake via iPhone panorama^^

Friday was a "rest day".  Hahahaha!  Bron and I really don't know what it means to relax on vacation.  We're on a mission to see and do as much as possible in the short time we have at our disposal.

We stayed at an old ski lodge in Whitefish, MT.  Our sleeping arrangements might possibly be described as ghetto, but it was clean and the continental breakfasts were the most delicious I've ever eaten, so I was a happy camper.  We recovered from our arduous hikes from the previous day by sleeping in Friday morning.  Then we hopped right onto our bikes for a little downhill fun on the ski hill. 

A ski lift up + a 2500 vertical elevation drop + an abundance of groomed trails to choose from = a heart pounding adrenaline rush I wish to experience over and over again!  It was sooo much fun letting gravity do all the work for me.  After a warm-up run on an intermediate trail, Bron and I hit the berms and tackled some "advanced" routes.  My arms might have been sore from gripping my brakes (really, in my defense my bike was not made to be ridden so ruggedly), but I sure am proud of myself!  I've come a long way in just a couple of years, nearly conquering my fear of downhill speed.  It was an absolute blast!  Plus those huckleberry milkshakes we had at the top?  Lick your fingers kind of heavenly.

After our morning on the hill, Bron and I decided to head into Glacier park to conquer another short hike and get me my photo shots along Going to the Sun Road.  Come to find out, we had blue skies in Whitefish, but Glacier was hazy with clouds and smoke!

 ^^Glimpses of Going to the Sun Road^^

 ^^We saw a bear cub walk across the road!  We hurried along and thankfully didn't see Mama Bear.^^

Of course, we weren't going to let a little weather deter us... or snow either.  Half of the short three mile round trip Hidden Lake trail we hiked was still covered in snow!  It just makes for a better story, right?  You bet.  Plus, what we encountered at the top was totally worth our efforts.

 ^^Views on our blustery hike^^

 ^^Bron admiring Hidden Lake^^

Not only were we greeted with an incredibly stunning view of an icy mountain lake, but there were families of wild goats wandering around as if they didn't notice us at all.  Bron and I stood quietly.  They came so close we could reach out and touch them!  I'm not exaggerating one bit.  It was the coolest and most fascinating thing to be a part of.

 ^^The experience made me want to work for National Geographic... just a little bit.  :)^^

 ^^Babies!^^

 ^^Proof, just to give you a little perspective on how close these animals really were!^^

 ^^A man went down the trail a ways and sat down.  Soon the goats practically made him a part of the scenery.^^

 ^^Seriously?!  Seriously, she just stood there like she was asking to have her picture taken.^^

 ^^The crazy juxtaposition of flowers and snow^^

And back down at the beginning of the trail, we encountered some big horned sheep.  I'm happy and amazed we saw so much wildlife!

 ^^Just wandering through the parking lot, right past our truck.^^

By this time I was anxious to get home and see my baby boys again.  (I missed them!)  We were lucky to have arrived before the smoke set in and to see so many animals.  Though we barely scratched the surface of Glacier, I think we came away with a good feel for the true majesty of the park.  I'd love to go back again someday with our boys when they're a little bit older to share this extraordinary beauty with them and explore some more.  Thanks for a phenomenal vacation, Montana!

 That's all folks!

(Note: All pictures were taken with my old trusty Canon Rebel Xsi and Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 lens.  All editing done solely in Lightroom 5.)