On the west side of the park, in the McDonald Lake area of the park, there were a few hikes on our wish list. Johns Lake Loop, which also goes along the McDonald Falls, is a beauty of a hike...short and scenic. Very nice! The views were awesome, and the walk was pretty easy. Just love the color of that glacial water!
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| McDonald Falls |
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| beautiful clear water |
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| the trail rises above the creek |
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| its so pretty...with the flat rocks..not sure if you can see that in the photo |
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| isn't that enticing? I'm not a fan of hot tubs, but cold.....looks very inviting to me (hahaha) |
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| a bit of rapids |
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| what a great spot in Glacier! |
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| heading along the trail |
There are benches along the trail near the falls and the rapids, and we made a note that it would make a great lunch spot. Eventually, we walked through the forest, before the trail crossed the road and headed up to Johns Lake.
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| this would be a great lunch spot (or just to sit and contemplate) |
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| lots of moss on the forest floor here |
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| great walk next to McDonald Creek |
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| more |
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| McDonald Falls |
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| McDonald Creek |
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| McDonald Creek running into McDonald Lake |
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| another view of the falls |
Once back on the other side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the environment changed and we were walking uphill through old growth forest. It was cool and refreshing, with the shade and the cooler temperatures in the woods. Once we got to the lake, we saw a beautiful duck and watched it for a few minutes before heading onward.
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| now the trail goes up into the woods |
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| nice and cool here! |
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| very refreshing hike...I like that~ |
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| oh look .. a bridge...must be near the lake |
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| Johns Lake...with a resident duck |
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| beautiful |
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| great view |
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| love the reflection on the flat water |
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| one more view before we leave |
The forest had lots of trees! I know that sounds crazy, but just take a look. Anyway, we had such a nice time with the beautiful views near McDonald Falls and the creek, we continued walking until we were back there again, and then enjoyed our lunch in the shade with that great view. Heavenly!
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| heading back out of the forest |
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| so many trees! |
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| just about at the Going-to-the-Sun road...to cross over to the creek |
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| aahh...lunch at that great spot we noticed earlier |
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| very enjoyable hike |
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| nice colors of nature |
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| beautiful green glacial water...oh....and horses on the trail! |
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| horses headed over the bridge and will be heading past us |
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| nice! |
This was the day that the Reynolds Creek Forest Fire near St. Mary's started later in the afternoon on the other side of the park, and we had no idea until the next morning when we checked for trail conditions and closures (which I always check just in case a trail is closed for bear activity)!
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