So the Great Plains were great. Impressive in their size, and I enjoyed watching the wind create waves of green in the prairie grass; but seeing those mountains rising from the horizon nearly brought tears to my eyes. That last ride to East Glacier Park was brutal: 7.5 hours in my saddle to go 70 miles with 15 mph head winds and a 1500 ft elevation change, but man was it worth it.
Leaving the plains for the mountains.
About 3 miles from East Glacier Park, MT
Two words can be used to describe Glacier National Park: breathtakingly beautiful. Do not miss this park. I spent one day on the east side, one traveling across it, and one on the west.
On the east side I biked into Two Medicine and hiked around. The Scenic Point hike is only 3.1 miles each way and you get to climb 2400 ft and the name does not lie. Pictures should tell it better than I could.
Biking into two medicine.
Running eagle falls, on the way into two medicine
View on the hike.
Snack at the top.
Mountain goat doing his thing
On the ride across I was forced to take the southern route on 2, the Going to the Sun Rd is still closed. It's gorgeous, but not as scenic as the other route.
Crossing the continental divide.
The west entrance was quite different, much more touristy and built up. But there was definitely a reason as the combination of gorgeous forests, lakes, and mountains make it pretty idyllic.
Bike path into the park.
What's up black bear.
McDonald lake from Apgar village (where I camped)
Riding what I could of the Going to the Sun Rd.
That's as far as I go. 17 miles from Apgar village, still ~13 miles to the pass.
It rained on me as I hiked to Avalanche lake, but it was worth it.
So this has gotten a bit long, but I will just say that North Western
MT is almost as beautiful as glacier. Mountains covered in cedar, hemlock, cottonwood, and some Douglas firs. Creeks, lakes, and rivers. I ride through valleys along these rivers with mountains on either side. It is amazing. I'm sad to leave but excited to continue the journey. One last pic and I'm out.
Enjoying my break along Lake Koocanusa in NW Montana.
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Location:Blue Jay Dr,Noxon,United States
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