Let’s say that you are a bit older, overweight, out of shape, and making your only visit to Glacier National Park. Now this is a National Park filled with hiking trails and lots of young, energetic, athletic hikers enthusiastically enjoying the great scenery away from the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Don’t despair: Glacier has a trail for those of us who are no longer young and fit. And furthermore, it has some great scenery. More below the stylized glacier.
The Trail of the Cedars is a loop trail, a bit less than a mile in length, located across from the Avalanche picnic area on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Avalanche is just a few miles north of the Lake McDonald Lodge. The trail follows Avalanche Creek through some old-growth forest filled with Red Cedar and other trees. The Western Red Cedar, by the way, can grow up to 230 feet tall and 13 feet in diameter. Some trees are over a thousand years old.
While the Trail of the Cedars can be walked in about 20 minutes if you are in a hurry, one the day these photos were taken we spent about an hour looking, smelling, and listening.
For those wanting a more vigorous hike, the Trail of the Cedars connects with the Avalanche Lake trail. It’s about 5 miles up and back to the lake with about a 500’ climb in elevation. It can be done in two hours if you don’t take pictures or enjoy the scenery. I usually allow 3-4 hours for this hike.
Meet-Up:
Thursday, June 25— Welcome BBQ. Starting from 4 or 5pm--or whenever the first kossack arrives at the Sundance Campground. Hosted by Thinking Fella
Friday, June 26, Daytime: Explore the park on your own or a hike in the Park with Ojibwa leading us-there are many hikes to choose from.
Friday, June 26, about 5 PM: Gather at the Apgar Picnic Area for a BBQ and picnic. If there is any interest, Ojibwa will present his program on Montana’s Indian History which looks at Native American Prehistory, buffalo hunting, and the horse. This program has been presented at campgrounds throughout the state.
Saturday, June 27, Morning: Tentative schedule includes Red Bus tour up Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Saturday, June 27, Afternoon: Continue to explore the Park or possible Ojibwa-led hikes (Johns Lake Loop or Avalanche Lake).
Saturday, June 27, Evening: A group dinner at McDonald Lodge, in the Park. Great setting, decent food.
Sunday, June 28, Daytime: Ojibwa-led car caravan to Polebridge and Bowman Lake.
Sunday, June 28, Evening: 5:00 PM, BBQ potluck with Jen Hayden at the lower picnic area at the Historic Tamarack Lodge, 9549 U.S. 2, Hungry Horse, MT 59919. Entertainment at 6:00 PM by Truckstop Honeymoon
