Day 4
Friday September 18, 2020
After two heavy days, today was always going to be a “light” day. I had three trails to choose from. Avalanche Lake I had done the last time. Hidden Lake gets great reviews, but the Park Service has closed the lower part of the trail due to frequent bear activity. My third option was St. Mary’s and Virginia Falls.
Unlike the previous two days, I chose to sleep in. It was still dark when I left the motel, but the sun was already coming up when I arrived at Logan Pass.
For kicks, I continued east on the Going to the Sun Road towards the road closure barricades. Traffic thinned as I continued on. No complaints.
The morning sun over St. Mary Lake…
In all honesty, I only drove down to the Sun Point parking lot out of curiosity. Only there did I see the sign for Baring Falls. Five and a half miles round trip for Baring, St. Mary's and Virginia Falls? Yeah, an easy decision.
Unlike the last two days, the up portion of the trail really wasn’t too bad. The trail was mostly rolling hills out to Baring Falls.
Just over a half mile from the parking lot, the trail brings you to Baring Falls.
I saw that ledge along the rock wall and contemplated for a bit. In the end, I left my pack(smart decision) and trekking poles behind and shimmied my way to the tip. Considering the rock outcrop, it was perhaps a foot wide. But, worth it.
Back on the trail, overlooking the smoky St. Mary Lake.
The trail started getting a bit crowded at the juncture with the regular St. Mary’s trail. It’s a popular hike for good reason. Eventually, I did make it down to St. Mary’s Falls.
The trail continues upwards from there, passing numerous small waterfalls.
After a seemingly long 0.4 miles, you finally arrive at a trail juncture. The sign says 0.2 miles to the falls. This is the steepest section of the trail, yet still pretty easy. It ends at Virginia Falls.
Back at the trail juncture, the left hand trail brings you to a bridge. On the other side, a restroom and more trails. There’s also a different view of the falls, from below.
On the way back…
At one lake overlook, there were two groups staring intently into the distance. They were watching a moose swim across the lake. Eventually, he made it to the more shallow water. He stood there for a moment, shook off the water and casually walked away. That's the moose swimming, just left of center frame.
From the hike back to the car…
I did make a quick stop back at Baring Falls. I stared intently towards the bottom of the falls. There was a slight prism forming and going away just as quickly.
Not a bad day at all. I left the parking area at 3P, thinking perhaps an afternoon trail, too. But, it’s a long drive across the park, especially with the construction delays. It was almost 4P when I drove past the Avalanche Lake trailhead. It was a little late to commit to another hike. No worries. My tired legs and back were thankful.
The restaurant at the McDonald Lodge is quite good. But, due to Covid-19, it's closed. It's all take out with a limited menu. Walk to the window, place your order and wait by the second window. A sandwich, salad and beer overlooking the lake, no problem.
Coming Up,
A Remedial Life Lesson...learned the hard way
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