Recharging in Nature: My Summer Trip to Glacier National Park
Fairy Falls Trail, Fernie, Canada
Exploring Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes: A Journey through Nature and Adventure
Welcome to this month's blog, where I'll take you on a journey through Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park, Canada. July brings a special energy to the landscape—lakes shimmering with life, trails bustling with adventurers, and the sun painting the skies well into the evening.
Starting the Adventure
Our trip began with meticulous planning due to Glacier's reservation system. Emily and I flew into Spokane and embarked on a road trip filled with scenic stops. Our first oasis was Quinn’s Hot Springs, a tranquil retreat boasting seven pools, including rejuvenating hot tubs and a bracing cold plunge—a perfect start before heading towards West Glacier.
Embracing Glacier National Park
Settling into our rental in Columbia Falls, we stocked up on supplies, anticipating the arrival of our kids. Glacier National Park greeted us with expansive vistas and an abundance of wildlife. Evenings stretched on, with sunset well after 9:00pm, promising no early nights during our stay.
Our kids joined us buzzing with stories of their adventures—hiking to Grinnell Glacier, camping in Many Glacier, and the exhilarating trek to Iceberg Lake, where they stood in awe atop a floating iceberg.
Exploring Going-to-the-Sun Road
A highlight was our drive along the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, hiking to Hidden Lake and enjoying lunch on the shores of St. Mary Lake. However, life does not simply stop and we found ourselves also able to find cell service to secure Kendal’s dorm selection for the fall on her assigned date. A reminder of the times, we believe that the next time we are in Glacier, cell service will be everywhere not just in the pockets.
Trekking and Photography
Days were spent hiking diverse trails—Piegan Pass Trail and the Pitamakan-Dawson Loop for the younger generation, while Emily and I explored the serene Two Medicine and Many Glacier areas, capturing the dramatic landscapes and while also enjoying an evening (the best time!) drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, stopping at Logan Pass and for sunset over Lake McDonald.
Crossing the Border to Waterton Lakes
Leaving Glacier behind, we ventured into Canada, greeted by the picturesque townsite of Waterton Lakes. Nestled amidst mountains, the town exuded charm, offering us serene lake views and the opportunity to bike through scenic trails and explore the historic Prince of Wales Hotel.
Discovering Fernie and Sandpoint
Returning southward, our journey took us through southern Alberta and British Columbia, where we stumbled upon the Fairy Falls Hike in Fernie—a gem in the Canadian Rockies that sparked ideas for future adventures.
Our final leg brought us through Sandpoint, Idaho, where we walked the river trail and enjoyed a delightful lunch at "Spuds" by the river. An evening in Spokane on the river near the falls and downtown proved the perfect cap to our journey.
Conclusion: Bringing Glacier Home
As I return from this trip with my creativity ready to roll, I’m excited to continue sharing my new collections of landscape prints inspired by our National Parks. Each print is a testament to each park's beauty. I invite you to explore this collection on my website and bring a piece of serenity into your home.