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.

Lake MacDonald

7/24/08: Lake MacDonald Village Inn in Apgar (http://www.glacierparkinc.com/Lodging/PropertyDetails.asp?id=6&prop=V). We had a two bedroom second floor room overlooking the lake with a view for a spectacular sunrise. This is the place to stay on the west side of the park - great views, walking distance to the village, easy hikes, etc. The Inn is definitely dated, but if you are looking for The Ritz, you are in the wrong place - this provides a comfortable room after a long day in the outdoors and all the necessities.

The kids enjoyed the water (for a brief time) as it was COLD! The Inn is very close to the Going to the Sun Road http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/goingtothesunroad.htm (the central artery for this park!) There are a lot of great short (family friendly) hikes on this side of the park like the Apgar lookout trail and Avalanche Lake.

The kids were able to look past the 50 degree water and wade in. They were the only ones I saw in the water the whole visit.