I was fortunate enough to secure a reservation to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road for my second day in Glacier. Without it, I never would have been able to hike to Avalanche Lake. But I was also looking forward to just stopping at all the scenic views along its route and taking in the sights.
I got an early start to avoid traffic and congestion as long as possible. Stopping first at Lake McDonald Lodge, I savored the peace and tranquility of this time before the shore would undoubtedly be teeming with tourists, and appreciated having the moment all to myself.
There was no obvious trail down to the falls themselves, but a little poking around revealed a dirt path that ended right were I hoped it would.
Next up came the Sacred Dancing Cascade, with its glacial blue waters and red rocks.
The road begins to rise shortly after the Avalanche Lake trailhead, and before long I found myself looking back down at McDonald Creek. Mt. Cannon towered to the left, while the summit of Heavens Peak was obscured by clouds to the right.
The road is a rush at this elevation, as the exposure on the downhill side definitely gets your heart racing! This pull-off provides a view of Mt. Oberlin and a peek at the Hanging Valley.
The clouds weren't thick on the east side of Logan Pass, and I got a nice look at Going-to-the-Sun Mountain.
Even though conditions were drier to the east there seemed to be more blooming wildflowers, like this Lyall's Beardtongue.
Sunrift Gorge is a neat geological feature -- 800 feet long and 80 feet deep, carved through the bedrock by water melting down from Sexton Glacier.
I now know why Going-to-the-Sun Road is regarded as one of the most beautiful scenic drives in any national park!
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