Grinnell Lake and Glacier (Glacier NP, MT)

Grinnell Lake and Glacier        25 km        817 m

This hike was actually not on the plan for the weekend but the weather forecast was looking fairly awful so there was some pivoting.  It was supposed to rain on and off all day.  I was dressed for the forecast.  It didn't rain.

We stayed at our absolute favourite, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, so of course we chose something with no driving or parking involved.  At 9 am when we started out there were still plenty spaces in the overflow.

The cloud was so low you could feel moisture in the air.  I was surprised to find the trail was basically a conveyor belt of people so we detoured to Grinnell Lake.  On the way we saw some of a moose.  

The lake was so beautiful in the fog.  Twin Peaks vibes.

At this point we decided to do Piegan Pass as it would be quiet, however about 200m up the trail there was rustling followed by a deep grunt, followed by NOPE and a swift reversal down the trail.  We couldn't see the bear which was somehow worse.

We went back to the trail branch and rejoined the conveyor belt.  The sun came out almost right away and we saw Grinnell from above.  I took about 50000 pictures of this lake which was absolutely sending me.

Little guy was up on a plant stalk nibbling something.  

The clouds were in and out but most of the climb was far too warm for my attire.  This lake though.

This gentleman was giving Iconic Glacier.  We had to follow him for a short distance until he moved off the trail.  

About halfway up you can see the top of the waterfall and the basin containing our objective - a glacial lake.  Cloud is coming over the Continental Divide behind it.  I learned on Saturday sometimes Chinook winds come down over it as well in the winter, causing trees to react to the warm temps and then die when the cold comes back in.  Is this why my trees hate me in Calgary?

All the lakes become visible, Grinnell, Josephine and Sherburne.  Swiftcurrent is hiding round the bend.

After you come around the cliff bands (in spring/summer there is a waterfall to pass under), there is a final horrifying climb up a rockpile.  You must do this because the glacial lake awaits.  

Most of the little icebergs were to the right of the lake.  It was extremely difficult to get a picture without people in it, I have never seen a busier trail in my life.

We last did this hike in 2019 on a gorgeous blue sky summer day, it looked quite different today in early September.  I love the clouds sitting on the mountains.

Since we were still expecting the rain to set in, we descended fairly rapidly.  It didn't really start until late that night.  It was an unexpected but gorgeous and interesting adventure.

Then we had ice cream.  I highly recommend popping into the shop at Swiftcurrent if you’re in the area.