I am heading back to Glacier NP next week and was hoping for a few pointers. I visited several years ago when I was first getting started in photography and I am anxious to return to this awesome park.
Anyone know how long (in time) the hike is to the grinnel lake/valley overlooks?
I also read about a trail leading down to St. Mary's lake just below the wild goose island overlook. Can someone clue me in on where to find it? On my previous trip I bushwhacked down to this location and would sure like to find this trail if it exists.
Any other cool spots you might suggest would also be appreciated.
Ed,
I can help you out with the trail below the Goose Island overlook -- when I was there it appeared that the trail literally went straight down the hill from the overlook. I watched a photog heading down that way last summer and that looked like the way to go.
Posted by Brett Deacon on July 8, 2009 at 11:53 AM
Hi Ed. I was there last summer and found the trail exactly as Paul described it. Make sure you have bug spray handy as the mosquitoes were pretty bad down there. Also, check out the very colorful rocks in the shallow water at the edge of the shoreline. My memory is that the hike to Grinnell Glacier takes about 3 hours, assuming you take the boat to start the trip. The hard part is making it all the way to the glacier, as the amazing views start well before you reach it (it was about an hour to this spot) and it's hard not to spend a lot of time photographing along the way. Have fun!
Brett, Both your images of Grinnell lake are incredible. The last time I was at Glacier I found those wonderful rocks. I have been anxious to get back and take another shot at that spot ever since.
I was pretty green the first time I was there (still am but not quite as bad).
Hi Ed,
You have several choices for Grinnell Lake. You can hike from Many Glacier the 2 miles or so to Lake Josephine, or you can take the boat. If you want to catch first light, you will have to hike it, because the boats leave too late. From Lake Josephine, you can take the easy, level trail to Grinnell Lake (only about 1 mile from the boat landing), or, better yet take the high trail above Grinnell Lake. You will have incredible views after the first 0.5 mile up that trail and can spend hours over the next mile or two.
You needn't go all the way to Grinell Glacier, which is about a 4-5 mile or so hike from Lake Josephine.
Hi Ed, I don't know anything about the area, but I sure like your posts. The second one is very unique and love the color the rocks add to the image....just stunning!
Thanks for the great information and compliments on these images. Glacier is such a beautiful park I can hardly wait to head that direction the end of next week.
Discussion
8 repliesAnyone know how long (in time) the hike is to the grinnel lake/valley overlooks?
I also read about a trail leading down to St. Mary's lake just below the wild goose island overlook. Can someone clue me in on where to find it? On my previous trip I bushwhacked down to this location and would sure like to find this trail if it exists.
Any other cool spots you might suggest would also be appreciated.
I can help you out with the trail below the Goose Island overlook -- when I was there it appeared that the trail literally went straight down the hill from the overlook. I watched a photog heading down that way last summer and that looked like the way to go.
Brett, Both your images of Grinnell lake are incredible. The last time I was at Glacier I found those wonderful rocks. I have been anxious to get back and take another shot at that spot ever since.
I was pretty green the first time I was there (still am but not quite as bad).
You have several choices for Grinnell Lake. You can hike from Many Glacier the 2 miles or so to Lake Josephine, or you can take the boat. If you want to catch first light, you will have to hike it, because the boats leave too late. From Lake Josephine, you can take the easy, level trail to Grinnell Lake (only about 1 mile from the boat landing), or, better yet take the high trail above Grinnell Lake. You will have incredible views after the first 0.5 mile up that trail and can spend hours over the next mile or two.
You needn't go all the way to Grinell Glacier, which is about a 4-5 mile or so hike from Lake Josephine.
Uh, you too Brett. Stunning view.