SWIFTCURRENT Lake & Lake JOSEPHINE

July 26, 2008: We hopped the small cruise boat behind the Many Glacier Hotel across Swift Current Lake followed by a short 1/4mile hike and another cruise across Lake Josephine . We then hiked roughly a mile to the lake formed below Grinnell Glacier. This is an easy family-friendly hike for our small children. There is time to wade in the greenish water formed at the base of the melting glaciers. It is a great day hike. Bring your own food, water, and bug spray. We were in front of the rest of the boat passengers (and therefore the noise that goes with them), but probably not a bad idea to carry bear spray.

Without the kids, I would definitely have hiked up to Grinnell Glacier. Looks like a fairly steep climb, but on a well worn trail. Worth the trip though.

HIDDEN LAKE OVERLOOK HIKE

July 25th, 2007: We had a great day today - absolutely a highlight of the trip. We took another trip up the GTTS road with sunshine. We stopped at Logan's Pass and hiked to Hidden Lake. Even in late July, most of the trail is snow covered (deep but packed snow) and slippery. It is amazing the number of morons in flip flops up here - dragging kids that don't want to go. And, don't get me started on the people that can't walk the length of the mall but think they are going to tackle this hike. It is moderately difficult for an average person. The wildlife is everywhere. The goats are the most likely to come within VERY close proximity to you, but always give them their space. The big horn sheep are also likely to come close, but their forboding looks are likely to keep you at bay. One strike of the horns and its over! The scenery on this hike is spectacular. Make sure you bring a camera!

The one we wished we did is the Highline trail, but the kids voted down the first 1/4 mile where you cross a small ledge just above the GTTS road. This short beginning narrow ledge is not as frightening as people might say, but the cable on the mountain side to hold on does seem to give you a bit of concern. I didn't see too many of the people who ride around Walmart on their shopping scooters on the trails.