July 21, 2025 • 42 mins
Today, we’re heading back to Glacier National Park to pick up where we left off in our Glacier National Park episode. We discuss our time at the park, how to access the park, and work through a Junior Ranger activity together.
Junior Rangers are explorers, learning all about the park’s ecosystems, plants and animals, and how to protect nature. The Junior Ranger program is not just for kids; it's for the young, and the young at heart!
Email: NPJRPodcast@gmail.com
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A Special Thanks to Glacier National Park!
Source: https://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm
Trail Trivia Sound Effect by Justin & Robin
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
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Where we explore the great outdoors one National Park unit
at a time. I'm Justin.
And I'm Robin, we encourage you to pause the podcast at any time
and discuss some of our talking points or try answering our
trail trivias. Today we are heading back to
Glacier National Park to pick upwhere we left off in our Glacier
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National Park episode. In these Trail Lovers episodes,
we typically cover fun and interesting facts about the area
like we do in our regular episodes.
We also share more about our travels to these destinations,
offering first hand accounts andfocusing on tips and activities
we believe will enhance your experience at the park.
These episodes are by trail lovers for trail lovers.
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When we visit parks, we try to do as many of the hikes as we
can and pair the trail time withsome of the other highlights of
the park. Nature A growing body of
research highlights the many health benefits of spending time
in nature, reducing stress, promoting healing, and enhancing
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overall well-being. Studies show that people who
feel more connected to the natural world tend to be happier
and more likely to describe their lives as meaningful.
Nature fosters positive emotionslike calm, joy, and creativity,
and it can even improve focus and concentration.
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Of course, it's important to take precautions.
Protect yourself from UV rays, ticks, and other outdoor
hazards, but make the effort to connect with nature.
Encouraging and inspiring peopleto spend more time in the great
outdoors is one of the core reasons we started this podcast.
During our adventures in our camper, affectionately named
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Stargazer, we used to regularly average hiking about 6 miles a
day, often choosing trails with scenic vistas and elevation
gains between 800 and 1400 feet.We were in great hiking shape,
and some days, like when we explored the Sawtooths in Idaho
or tackled Colorado, fourteenersconveniently in our backyard,
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we'd stretch those hikes to over10 miles.
But those days are feeling further behind us now, nearly
two years since returning home to prepare for our now 18 month
old daughter's due date. While we still strive to hike
regularly and keep trail time a priority, our hikes look
different these days. We let our daughter walk as much
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as she wants, taking in the world at her own pace.
As a result, logging high mileage has become more
challenging and even with our fantastic backpack carrier I
tote to haul the little one, we're a bit behind where we
thought we'd be in our Nature Miles Challenge.
Still, we're on track to reach our goal of 100 self-propelled
miles by either walking, running, hiking, biking,
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swimming, or paddling. If you haven't heard, we go into
full detail about the challenge in our Hot Springs National Park
episode. This slower pace has shifted our
perspective. A friend of mine who lives in
Chicagoland participates in the 1000 Hours Outside Challenge
with her kids every year, and it's inspired us to embrace the
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value of simply being outdoors, no matter the pace or distance.
We'll complete our 100 miles. It just won't be in a few short
weeks like it once was. It'll likely take the rest of
the year, and that's OK. So if you love the outdoors but
find a mileage goal out of reachright now, we invite you to join
us in celebrating the simple joyof being outside.
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Whether it's for miles or for moments, every bit of time spent
in nature counts. Here at NPJR, we truly believe
there's no better place to experience the great outdoors in
July and August then Glacier National Park.
Exploring Glacier Within the contiguous US, Glacier comes in
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as the 5th largest National Parkby acreage.
Only the Grand Canyon, Everglades, Yellowstone, and
Death Valley are larger with over 700 miles of trails and
countless unique experiences. We had so much to share that
this Trail Lovers episode becamea natural extension of our
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Glacier National Park episode. We recommend listening to that
episode first, then coming back to this one.
They're really two parts of the same story.
But if you're here mainly for the hiking and trail adventures,
you're in the right place. Just keep listening.
Access to Glacier is convenient from several regional airports,
including Glacier Park International Airport in
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Kalispell, Mt Visitors can also arrive by train via Amtrak's
Empire Builder, which stops at the historic E Glacier Park
station. For those exploring nearby
regions, shuttle services withinthe park and private tours
provide eco friendly options to navigate its vast landscapes
without personal vehicles. Since we were traveling with our
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camper and have a very fuel efficient car for day trips, I
opted to plan our routes in detail and drive ourselves
throughout the park. While some areas have congested
traffic and limited parking, which comes with its own set of
challenges, we value the flexibility to explore at our
own pace without being tied to shuttle schedules.
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For us, that freedom was worth the trade off.
Be sure to acquire your timed entry ticket to be able to
access the park. Glacier is a hikers paradise.
Popular routes include the Highline Trail, offering
panoramic views of the Continental Divide, and the
Grinnell Glacier Trail, which leads to one of the park's most
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iconic glaciers. For those seeking solitude,
Backcountry permits allow treks through the park's most remote
areas. There are three visitor centers
conveniently located throughout the park, none of which are open
year round. On the east side, Saint Mary
Visitor Center is adjacent to the Saint Mary entrance on going
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to the Sun Road near the town ofSaint Mary on US Hwy. 89 on the
Black Feet Reservation. This visitor center is open
daily from late May through early October.
The Apgar Visitor Center is at the four way stop intersection
of Camas Road and going to the Sun Rd. approximately 2 miles
north of the West entrance near the town of West Glacier Mt Open
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daily mid-May to mid-october andweekends and fall, spring and
winter as staffing allows. This location sits right next to
the park's largest lake, Lake McDonald.
In the middle of the park at thehighest point along going to the
Sun Rd. sits Logan Pass Visitor Center, approximately 32 miles
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from the West entrance and 18 miles from the Saint Mary
entrance and is open daily during peak season.
Each visitor center offers unique wildlife and wildflower
viewing opportunities, Ranger LED programs, bookstores and
gift shops, and many other amenities like astronomy
programs and shuttle services. One animal highlight before we
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discuss some of our time at Glacier Ptarmigan, Masters of
seasonal camouflage in the Alpine wilderness, Ptarmigan are
remarkable birds that live in some of the harshest, most
remote Alpine environments across North America, Europe and
Asia. In Glacier, the white tailed
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ptarmigan is the only bird species that can spend its
entire life above tree line, thriving in high elevation
habitats even in the dead of winter.
These elusive birds are part of the grouse family and are known
not only for their ability to withstand cold, but also for
their incredible camouflage, which changes with the seasons.
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Trail Trivia How many times per year does a ptarmigan moult?
Twice. One of the most fascinating
adaptations of ptarmigan is their seasonal plumage.
To survive in an environment where snow blankets the ground
for much of the year, ptarmigan molt their feathers twice
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annually. In the winter.
They are cloaked in pure white feathers that allow them to
blend almost invisibly into snowcovered terrain, helping them
avoid predators like Golden Eagles, foxes and other
carnivores. As the snow melts in the spring
and summer, ptarmigan undergo a second molt.
Their feathers shift to mottled brown and Gray tones which match
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the rocky Alpine tundra and vegetation.
This seasonal transformation is crucial to their survival and is
one of the most striking examples of natural camouflage
in the bird world. In addition to their changing
plumage, Ptarmigan have other cold weather adaptations.
They grow feathered feet in the winter, which act like
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snowshoes, helping them to walk across snow without sinking.
These foot feathers also provideinsulation against the cold.
Ptarmigan tend to conserve energy during extreme weather by
burrowing into snow drifts, which serve as natural shelters.
Ptarmigan are relatively small, round birds with short tails and
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stocky bodies. They feed mostly on buds, twigs,
berries and Alpine vegetation, foraging low to the ground.
Their diet shifts slightly with the seasons, and during winter
they rely heavily on Willow and dwarf Birch twigs when other
food sources are buried under snow.
While ptarmigan are not commonlyseen due to their remote
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habitats and effective camouflage, hikers in places
like Glacier might be lucky enough to spot one like we were
along high elevation trails suchas the Hidden Lake Overlook or
near Ptarmigan Tunnel, a place named fittingly after this
iconic Alpine species. A quick note about the Ptarmigan
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Tunnel. This 250 foot long passage was
completed in 1930 to provide a route for guides and tourist
horses between the Belly River region in the Mini Glacier area.
The crew accomplished the excavation using just two
jackhammers and a series of 10 whole rounds of dynamite, an
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impressive feat given the challenging Alpine terrain.
The Ptarmigan's ability to adaptso thoroughly to its environment
through feather color, insulation, and behavior is a
perfect example of how wildlife evolves to survive in extreme
conditions. These birds remind us of the
fragile yet resilient nature of Alpine ecosystems and the
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importance of protecting the high mountain habitats where
they live. One of the many reasons Glacier
National Park tops our list of favorite places is its vast,
pristine wilderness in the hundreds of miles of trails that
offer access to remote, untouched landscapes in a world
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more crowded than ever before. With a global population
approaching 8.3 billion as of this recording, the value of
wild protected spaces continues to grow.
According to worldometers.info, today the world will experience
approximately 150,000 human deaths but over 385,000 births,
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resulting in a daily net increase of nearly 235,000
people. Trail Trivia How many people
will be added to the total world's population this year?
About 70 million. By the end of 2025, an estimated
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65 million people will have passed away in the calendar
year, while about 135 million will be born, a net gain of
roughly 70 million new inhabitants on Earth this year
alone. During the 20th century alone,
the global population grew from 1.65 billion to 6 billion.
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In 1970, the world had roughly half as many people as it does
today. However, due to declining growth
rates, it is now projected to take over 200 years for the
population to double again. World population reached 8
billion people in the first halfof 2022.
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According to the United Nations.World population is expected to
hit 9 billion in the year 2037 and the United Nations projects
the world population will reach 10 billion in the year 2060.
It's remote places like Glacier and many of our National Park
units that give people from densely populated cities the
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chance to experience nature in away that has remained unchanged
for centuries, even millennia. That's why we believe it's so
important to keep as much of ourprotected lands truly protected,
wild, undeveloped, and preservedfor future generations.
Only by safeguarding these natural spaces can we offer the
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rare opportunity to reconnect with their ancestral roots, to
experience what it might have felt like thousands of years
ago, to walk through a landscapeuntouched by noise, pollution,
litter or the constant bustle ofurban life.
I'll be posting a video to our Instagram of a truly
unforgettable moment. While quietly sitting and taking
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in the peaceful view of Hidden Lake and Bear Hat Mountain From
the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail, a 2.4 mile round trip with 770
feet elevation gain, a nanny mountain goat and her kid
unexpectedly approached. To be clear, we did not approach
them. They came from what was
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initially a safe distance. This serves as an important
reminder to always give wildlifeplenty of space and to check the
park's website for species specific distance guidelines.
That said, being approached by such iconic animals in such a
breathtaking setting was an awe inspiring moment, one that
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perfectly captures the beauty, wonder and wild magic of Glacier
National Park. That wasn't our only unexpected
wildlife encounter during our visit to Glacier, which was
actually my second time there. On one hike, a bighorn sheep
rounded a corner and briefly approached us.
Unbothered by our presence, she confidently used the trail until
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she decided to take a different path, even though it seemed we
were on the one she initially wanted.
A more intense moment happened at the start of the Grinnell
Lake trail when we came face to face with a large grizzly bear,
also around a bend. The surprise seemed mutual.
Justin calmly readied the bear spray as we were uncomfortably
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close, but we stayed composed and slowly backed away.
After a tense pause, the bear suddenly turned and jumped into
Swift Current Lake. Swimming off Glacier offered us
so many unforgettable experiences, and these close
encounters with wildlife are memories we'll never forget.
I'll be posting videos and photos of both the bighorn sheep
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and grizzly encounters. These moments are powerful
reminders that no matter how prepared or cautious we are, we
are guests in these animals homes.
It's essential to stay aware, respectful and be responsible
stewards of the wild places we are privileged to explore.
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The Going to the Sun Rd. is a must see for anyone visiting the
park. This engineering marvel
traverses 50 miles of stunning mountain landscapes crossing the
Continental Divide at Logan Pass.
Along the way, visitors can stopat overlooks, hike short trails,
and marvel at cascading waterfalls and glacial vistas.
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Going to the Sun Rd. was a majorhighlight of our visit.
Not only were we able to reach the top by timing our trip with
the seasonal opening of the road, but we also had the rare
opportunity to bike nearly 8 miles up the steep, iconic route
before it fully opened to motor vehicles.
Riding without the concern of cars or trucks made for an
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unforgettable experience. Our full suspension mountain
bikes were just not the best equipment for this specific
ride. Ultimately, the best bike type
for you will depend on your fitness level and preferences.
E bikes provide the most accessibility, while gravel
bikes offer a more challenging and rewarding experience for
those who enjoy a strenuous climb.
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Next time we will look into renting E bikes for this one and
ideally make it all the way to the top.
If you're planning a visit, definitely look into biking this
road. While the exact opening date of
going to the Sun Rd. varies eachyear due to weather and
snowpack, it's well worth the effort to try and experience
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both the biking and driving perspectives of this spectacular
route. The highest point along the road
is Logan Pass, located on the Continental Divide.
This is also where you'll find the trailhead just outside of
the Logan Pass Visitor Center tothe Hidden Lake Overlook, a must
see destination offering stunning views of Bear Hat
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Mountain if you're able to make the hike.
When I planned the Glacier National Park portion of our
Stargazer Adventures, I allotted3 weeks in the area during the
month of July, 1 on the east side and two on the West.
As I've mentioned in previous episodes, having a fully remote
job has been the key to allow for these types of extended
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trips. Spending three weeks in and
around Glacier only made us wantto spend more time there.
We plan to go back in either 2026 or 2027 and are already
excited to tell you all about our adventures.
Glacier is a park that requires advanced planning as campsites
and lodging fill up quickly. We stayed at Saint Mary
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Campground, site C111 in Loop, CA, spot that stands out in our
memories, not just for its central location on the east
side of the park, right at the start of going to the Sun Road,
30 minutes from Many Glacier andabout an hour from 2 Medicine,
but further friendships we made there.
It was at this campsite that we met two people that would become
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good friends, Adam and Ashley from Plymouth, MA.
Back then, our dogs, a Beagle named Christian and a boxer
named Athena, were still with us.
While I was walking Athena around the campground.
Her friendly nature and Ashley'slove of dogs sparked an instant
connection. Robin and I spent much of the
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rest of our glacier adventure hiking and exploring with Ashley
and Adam, and we still look backfondly on those shared
experiences playing Rummy Cube by the campfire.
Learning about fire lookout towers together, gathering at
their yurt rental and quorum to share stories, common interests,
and the day's adventures, and hiking many, many miles side by
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side. These moments made our time
together truly special. It's also a reminder that one
friendly moment, like someone showing interest in your dog or
some small talk on a trail or inthe campground, can lead to a
lasting friendship. National parks are special
places filled with like minded people who share a love for the
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outdoors and a desire to protectwild spaces.
Take the opportunity to connect with others in these settings.
You never know when a simple interaction might spark a
meaningful bond that stands the test of time.
Some excerpts from my travel journal.
On our first day, we hiked the Sea A Pass trail, a challenging
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9 mile route. Due to lingering snowpack, we
completed only a portion of it, but we had the entire trail to
ourselves. The air was filled with the
incredible scent of Douglas fir and the path was completely
shaded by trees. On our way back to the
campground, we took the short half mile hike to Bering Falls
in the gorge, then stopped at one of our favorite viewpoints
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on the east side of the park, Wild Goose Island Overlook.
It's a stunning spot, especiallyfor catching a great sunset.
Numerous lakes, including Lake McDonald, St.
Mary Lake, and Two Medicine Lake, offer opportunities for
boat tours, kayaking and canoeing.
Guided boat tours provide insight into the park's geology,
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history, and wildlife. Continuing from the Travel
journal, the next day we took the Two Medicine boat tour and
hiked to Upper 2 Medicine Lake, a 4.4 mile round trip hike.
We took the 10:00 AM boat ride across 2 Medicine Lake, which
lasted about 30 minutes and included a short, informative
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tour of the area. We learned from a Ranger that
bear grass blooms for just abouta week and 1/2 every five to
seven years, so we felt lucky tosee so many in full bloom.
From the boat drop off we hiked to Twin Falls, a short .1 mile
spur off the main trail to upperto Medicine Lake.
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At one point we reached a small lake and even spotted a moose.
Thinking we had made it to our destination, we stopped a little
farther along at a large rock tohave lunch and soak in the views
before starting our return. About 20 minutes down the trail,
I checked the map and realized we had just missed the actual
lake. We ended up trail running back
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up to see it properly, then hurried back to the boat dock.
Of course the return boat was full, our luck, so we cooled off
in the water and relaxed in the sun until the next one arrived.
On our way back to the campground we hiked Apostokie
Falls Trail, which is 1.2 miles,260 feet elevation gain.
It offered a small waterfall view at the top and on the way
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down we saw mountain goats. At the time of year we visited,
the Grinnell Glacier Trail was still closed due to snow, which
is why we have to go back to hike this one.
Instead, we opted for the Grinnell Lake hike, a beautiful
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7 mile round trip. We stopped to admire the
stunning Mini Glacier Hotel, which made us feel like we had
been transported to Switzerland.As we began the hike past Swift
Current Lake, this was where we had our first encounter with a
grizzly bear, which we mentioned, and an unforgettable
adrenaline rush. We continued on past Lake
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Josephine and eventually reachedGrinnell Lake, a breathtaking
crystal Blue Lake framed by mountains and cascading
waterfalls. We had lunch perched on a large
fallen tree and took in the view.
On the way back, we plan to looparound the other side of the
lake, but that trail had been closed due to that same bear we
had encountered earlier that morning.
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Instead, we detoured onto the horse trail and made our way
back to the hotel. This was definitely one of our
favorite hikes in the park. The Red Rock Falls hike is
another must, a 3.6 mile round trip, only 100 feet elevation
gain and starts at the Swift Current trailhead.
This day was a particularly rainy 1, so we got a later
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start. With rain gear in tow, we headed
back to the Mini Glacier area, navigating a few miles of gravel
and dirt. Rd.
We parked at the Swift Current Motor Inn and took the Swift
Current Pass trail to reach Red Rock Falls, a spectacular
waterfall that tumbles over striking red rock known as
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Grinnell arjalite. Found only in this part of
Montana and British Columbia. This ended up being our favorite
waterfall in the area. A picture of this is highlighted
on our Patreon page as our background picture.
Our Patreon page is still a workin progress, but you can find
the link in the show notes www.patreon.com/NPJR Podcast.
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If you choose to support us at the Junior Ranger level,
currently our only tier, we'll send you an official NPJR
sticker as a thank you. We plan to add more support
levels in the future, along withthat bonus content for our
amazing supporters. Any support is deeply
appreciated and helps offset thecost of subscriptions and tools
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we use to keep the podcast running.
Thank you in advance for considering a contribution.
It helps us continue our missionto educate about nature,
advocate for the protection of wild spaces, and inspire people
of all ages to explore the greatoutdoors.
Back to our time at Glacier. The Apokuni Falls Trail, A2 mile
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round trip hike starting from the Apokuni parking area, is
located 1.1 miles east of the Many Glacier Hotel.
With an elevation gain of about 650 feet and just under a mile,
it's definitely a workout, but well worth it for the impressive
waterfall and the scenic lake views.
Aster Falls is a 2.4 mile round trip hike with about 100 feet
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elevation gain starting from theSouth Shore trailhead.
After checking out of the campsite, we parked the camper
along our route and drove the car back to the two Medicine
area for a longer day of hiking,about 8 miles total, combining
Paradise Point, Aster Falls, andRockwell Falls.
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The spur to the Paradise Point adds .8 miles, but both
waterfalls are absolutely worth it.
As we finished the hike, the skies opened up and it started
pouring. Our mileage that day was modest
compared to Ashley and Adams biggest hiking day when they
logged over 22 miles on the trails.
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It wasn't a competition, just animpressive reflection of their
eagerness to experience as much of the park as possible.
Since we had more time in the area, we were able to spread our
mileage out over more Days Later, we made a quick stop at
Running Eagle Falls, just a short .5 mile round trip on a
paved, accessible path. After that, we picked up the
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camper and began the drive toward the West side of the
park, half of it in a steady downpour.
In the Lake McDonald area we hiked the Apgar Lookout 7 miles
round trip, 1850 feet elevation gain near West entrance Lake
McDonald trailhead. We say this a lot, but this is
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one of our favorite hikes. It's a pretty good workout with
a few switchbacks that are in total sun and it was very buggy
along the way. We only saw two other groups on
the trail. At the top is a fire lookout and
amazing views of the surroundingmountains and Lake McDonald.
Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake. 4.6 miles round
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trip and an absolute favorite hike of Glacier.
So much so that this was my second time doing it.
We hiked this with Adam and Ashley.
The avalanche campground was closed so we were able to park
in the campground and there werea ton of spots.
This is probably one of the busiest hikes in the park.
Follows A rushing Creek through the forest along lots of lush
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green Moss into the gorgeous avalanche lake with huge
waterfalls pouring down Fish Lake. 5.8 miles, 1300 feet gain.
We hiked this with a lone gentleman but other than that we
were the only ones on the trail.Completely forested trail
carpeted with lush green Moss and tons of mushrooms.
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Mainly found large coral mushrooms.
There were some buggy spots and lots of mosquitoes at the lake.
The lake was small but full of flowering Lily pads.
The Cyclone Lookout hike in the Flathead National Forest is 2.2
miles each way with an 1100 feetelevation gain.
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It was Robin's second time doingthis one, but for Ashley, Adam
and myself it was our first. This trail has a stunning pay
off at the end but lies outside the park boundaries.
It is worth the extra effort to get there.
Beautiful views of the North Fork Valley, Bowman Lake and
mountains all the way to Canada.It is above tree line and at the
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top lies an active fire lookout.We met Inez, a volunteer that
stays in there for two weeks at a time.
The sweetest woman and the cutest little place.
She showed us how they coordinate and report smoke when
they see it. Huckleberries are a major
highlight in this part of the country, and we love foraging
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for them on hikes. If you're not comfortable
identifying wild edibles on yourown, we have a delicious
recommendation. Try the huckleberry pie from the
Huckleberry Patch in Hungry Horse, Montana.
Of all the places we sampled pie, this one stood out.
It was absolutely loaded with fruit and hands down our
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favorite. Next we will discuss more of
Glacier and learn some things wedidn't have time to cover in the
previous Glacier episode. Dark Knight Skies at Glacier
Dark Knight skies, free from light and air pollution, are
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essential to natural ecosystems,cultural heritage, and scenic
beauty. Many animals rely on darkness to
hunt, navigate, and reproduce, while artificial light disrupts
both animal behavior and plant cycles.
Culturally, night skies have guided human understanding for
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millennia. Montana tribes, for example,
observed the stars to inform their seasonal movements and
land use. The sky remains a powerful
source of Indigenous knowledge. Today, 80% of Americans can't
see the Milky Way from home. If light pollution continues to
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grow, few truly dark skies will remain in the US Glacier and
Waterton Lakes National Parks, recognized as International Dark
Sky Parks, are committed to preserving this rare resource.
The designation reflects effortsto protect nocturnal habitats,
restore night skies and educate the public about their value.
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To help visitors experience thiswonder, the park offers night
sky programs in partnership withthe Glacier Conservancy, the NPS
Night Sky Program, the International Dark Sky
Association, and the Big Sky Astronomy Club.
Events are held throughout the summer at Saint Mary and Apgar,
with occasional star parties at Logan Pass Check the Ranger LED
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activity schedule for dates. Can't stay up late?
Visit the Dusty Star ObservatorySky Cam or browse glaciers,
stunning night sky photos and telescope images on Flickr.
Half the park happens after dark.
Don't miss it. Wilderness in Glacier Guard,
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protect and cherish your land, for there is no afterlife for a
place that started out as heaven.
A quote from Charlie Russell Wallace Stegner once wrote, If
the National Park idea is, as Lord Bryce suggested, the best
idea America ever had, wilderness preservation is the
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highest refinement of that idea.Instead of a Junior Ranger
activity, today we want to highlight the Wilderness Act of
1964, which established the National Wilderness Preservation
System to protect designated federal lands in their natural
state. It defines wilderness as
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undeveloped land that retains its primeval character, free
from permanent structures or human habitation, and managed to
preserve its natural conditions.The ACT emphasizes the
importance of solitude and opportunities for primitive
recreation, ensuring that these wild places are protected for
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the enjoyment and benefit of both current and future
generations. In 1973, at Glacier National
Park completed a study and environmental impact statement
in accordance with the Wilderness Act.
The result was a recommendation that over 90% of the park be
formally designated as wilderness.
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On June 13th, 1974, President Richard Nixon submitted this
proposal to Congress, recommending that over 927,000
acres within the park receive official wilderness designation.
Although a bill was introduced to enact the designation, it was
never passed. However, the National Park
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Service continues to manage these recommended wilderness
areas as if they were officiallydesignated in line with the NPS
policy until Congress makes a final decision.
The Wilderness Act defines wilderness as those lands where
the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man,
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where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.
A trammel is a shackle or net used to restrain and restrict
movement. Land that is untrammeled, as
described by the ACT, is unhindered, free from the
manipulation of humankind. Wilderness is natural.
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The park Wilderness is managed to maintain its natural ecology.
The vast, glacially carved valleys and peaks you see today,
with the lush variety of vegetation and the amazing array
of native wildlife species, are much the same as they were
hundreds, if not thousands of years ago.
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Wilderness has outstanding opportunities for solitude or a
primitive and unconfined type ofrecreation.
There are many ways to experience the park's wilderness
from hiking, horseback riding, climbing, backpacking, or
watching the diverse array of wildlife that called glaciers
wilderness home. The Wilderness Act does more
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than establish protected lands in what is perhaps the acts most
vital accomplishment. It articulates a philosophy of
wilderness that emphasizes not only responsibility for
environmental preservation, but also the importance of
wilderness to the well-being of our nation's citizens.
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Human influence has created a wide range of cultural resources
found in Glacier. These include archaeological
sites, modern Native American ceremonial sites and
ethnographic places of importance, and historic park
administration structures. Glacier encompasses over 200
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known prehistoric sites. The Chief Mountain and two
medicine areas continue to be important ceremonial and
religious focal points for members of the Black Feet
Nation. The Kootenai perceive
significant meanings along the Trail of the Cedars, among other
areas near Lake McDonald and within the park.
These features add to the rich tapestry of glaciers wilderness
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character. Park stewards face a complex
challenge in managing wildernessareas.
They must consider all 5 qualities of wilderness
character when making decisions,understanding that enhancing one
quality may unintentionally impact another.
For example, a project aimed at restoring the natural quality,
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such as removing invasive plant species, may compromise the
untrammeled quality since it involves direct human
intervention. While the goal is to preserve or
restore ecological integrity, italso manipulates the existing
environment. Humility and restraint are
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essential guiding principles in wilderness management.
Ultimately, the stewardship of Glaciers Wilderness focuses on
maintaining and improving the overall wilderness character.
It's important to note that wilderness lands are managed
differently than general Backcountry areas, with greater
emphasis on preservation and minimal human impact.
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Even though we chose to skip theJunior Ranger activity today, we
highly encourage you to visit the Glacier National Park NPS
website. It's full of engaging activities
and resources to help you learn about this incredible park.
Despite dedicating the entire month of July to Glacier here on
the podcast, we've only just scratched the surface.
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To explore more, go to the NPS website, navigate to the Learn
about the Park drop down menu, find Kids and Youth, and then
click on Park Fun. There you'll find a variety of
fun and educational materials. Be sure to check out the
Wildlife Superpowers PDF. You'll be amazed at what you can
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learn. Which wildlife superpower would
you choose? Glacier National Park is more
than just a breathtaking landscape, It's a living,
evolving testament to the power of nature, time, and
preservation. From its towering peaks carved
by ancient ice to its iconic turquoise lakes fed by glacial
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melt, the park stands as one of the last truly wild and pristine
ecosystems in the Lower 48 states.
Glacier offers unparalleled access to Alpine meadows,
roaring waterfalls and remote Backcountry that invites
exploration and reflection. What makes Glacier truly special
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isn't just its scenery, it's thesense of timelessness and
solitude it offers in a rapidly changing world.
It is a place where the rhythms of nature still dictate life and
where conservation efforts. Continue to protect its fragile
ecosystems for future generations.
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Whether it's the haunting beautyof a retreating glacier, the awe
of a dark night sky undisturbed by city lights, or the joy of
sharing the trail with new friends and wildlife alike,
Glacier leaves an impression that endures.
It is not just a destination, itis an experience, a reminder of
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what wild places mean to us all and why they are worth
protecting. If you haven't visited Glacier
yet, we hope this inspired you to add it to your bucket list.
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, share, and
follow us for more outdoor adventures.
And to all you Junior Rangers out there, good luck and earning
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your badge. And hey, if you've earned the
Junior Ranger Badge recently, send us a picture.
We'd love to see it. And if you want, feel free to
share your latest story from your time in a National Park
unit. Who knows, maybe we will mention
it in one of our upcoming episodes.
Be sure to include in the e-mailthat you grant us permission to
Share your story. I will include our e-mail
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address npjrpodcast@gmail.com and our show notes.
And feel free to follow us on our adventures on Instagram at
NPJR Podcast. Until next time, happy trails
and remember the Earth is ours to explore and protect, so let's
get out there and do. It explore, learn and protect.
Where we explore the great outdoors one National Park unit
at a time. I'm Justin.
And I'm Robin, we encourage you to pause the podcast at any time
and discuss some of our talking points or try answering our
trail trivias. Today we are heading back to
Glacier National Park to pick upwhere we left off in our Glacier
(00:35):
National Park episode. In these Trail Lovers episodes,
we typically cover fun and interesting facts about the area
like we do in our regular episodes.
We also share more about our travels to these destinations,
offering first hand accounts andfocusing on tips and activities
we believe will enhance your experience at the park.
These episodes are by trail lovers for trail lovers.
(00:59):
When we visit parks, we try to do as many of the hikes as we
can and pair the trail time withsome of the other highlights of
the park. Nature A growing body of
research highlights the many health benefits of spending time
in nature, reducing stress, promoting healing, and enhancing
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overall well-being. Studies show that people who
feel more connected to the natural world tend to be happier
and more likely to describe their lives as meaningful.
Nature fosters positive emotionslike calm, joy, and creativity,
and it can even improve focus and concentration.
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Of course, it's important to take precautions.
Protect yourself from UV rays, ticks, and other outdoor
hazards, but make the effort to connect with nature.
Encouraging and inspiring peopleto spend more time in the great
outdoors is one of the core reasons we started this podcast.
During our adventures in our camper, affectionately named
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Stargazer, we used to regularly average hiking about 6 miles a
day, often choosing trails with scenic vistas and elevation
gains between 800 and 1400 feet.We were in great hiking shape,
and some days, like when we explored the Sawtooths in Idaho
or tackled Colorado, fourteenersconveniently in our backyard,
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we'd stretch those hikes to over10 miles.
But those days are feeling further behind us now, nearly
two years since returning home to prepare for our now 18 month
old daughter's due date. While we still strive to hike
regularly and keep trail time a priority, our hikes look
different these days. We let our daughter walk as much
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as she wants, taking in the world at her own pace.
As a result, logging high mileage has become more
challenging and even with our fantastic backpack carrier I
tote to haul the little one, we're a bit behind where we
thought we'd be in our Nature Miles Challenge.
Still, we're on track to reach our goal of 100 self-propelled
miles by either walking, running, hiking, biking,
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swimming, or paddling. If you haven't heard, we go into
full detail about the challenge in our Hot Springs National Park
episode. This slower pace has shifted our
perspective. A friend of mine who lives in
Chicagoland participates in the 1000 Hours Outside Challenge
with her kids every year, and it's inspired us to embrace the
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value of simply being outdoors, no matter the pace or distance.
We'll complete our 100 miles. It just won't be in a few short
weeks like it once was. It'll likely take the rest of
the year, and that's OK. So if you love the outdoors but
find a mileage goal out of reachright now, we invite you to join
us in celebrating the simple joyof being outside.
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Whether it's for miles or for moments, every bit of time spent
in nature counts. Here at NPJR, we truly believe
there's no better place to experience the great outdoors in
July and August then Glacier National Park.
Exploring Glacier Within the contiguous US, Glacier comes in
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as the 5th largest National Parkby acreage.
Only the Grand Canyon, Everglades, Yellowstone, and
Death Valley are larger with over 700 miles of trails and
countless unique experiences. We had so much to share that
this Trail Lovers episode becamea natural extension of our
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Glacier National Park episode. We recommend listening to that
episode first, then coming back to this one.
They're really two parts of the same story.
But if you're here mainly for the hiking and trail adventures,
you're in the right place. Just keep listening.
Access to Glacier is convenient from several regional airports,
including Glacier Park International Airport in
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Kalispell, Mt Visitors can also arrive by train via Amtrak's
Empire Builder, which stops at the historic E Glacier Park
station. For those exploring nearby
regions, shuttle services withinthe park and private tours
provide eco friendly options to navigate its vast landscapes
without personal vehicles. Since we were traveling with our
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camper and have a very fuel efficient car for day trips, I
opted to plan our routes in detail and drive ourselves
throughout the park. While some areas have congested
traffic and limited parking, which comes with its own set of
challenges, we value the flexibility to explore at our
own pace without being tied to shuttle schedules.
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For us, that freedom was worth the trade off.
Be sure to acquire your timed entry ticket to be able to
access the park. Glacier is a hikers paradise.
Popular routes include the Highline Trail, offering
panoramic views of the Continental Divide, and the
Grinnell Glacier Trail, which leads to one of the park's most
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iconic glaciers. For those seeking solitude,
Backcountry permits allow treks through the park's most remote
areas. There are three visitor centers
conveniently located throughout the park, none of which are open
year round. On the east side, Saint Mary
Visitor Center is adjacent to the Saint Mary entrance on going
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to the Sun Road near the town ofSaint Mary on US Hwy. 89 on the
Black Feet Reservation. This visitor center is open
daily from late May through early October.
The Apgar Visitor Center is at the four way stop intersection
of Camas Road and going to the Sun Rd. approximately 2 miles
north of the West entrance near the town of West Glacier Mt Open
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daily mid-May to mid-october andweekends and fall, spring and
winter as staffing allows. This location sits right next to
the park's largest lake, Lake McDonald.
In the middle of the park at thehighest point along going to the
Sun Rd. sits Logan Pass Visitor Center, approximately 32 miles
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from the West entrance and 18 miles from the Saint Mary
entrance and is open daily during peak season.
Each visitor center offers unique wildlife and wildflower
viewing opportunities, Ranger LED programs, bookstores and
gift shops, and many other amenities like astronomy
programs and shuttle services. One animal highlight before we
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discuss some of our time at Glacier Ptarmigan, Masters of
seasonal camouflage in the Alpine wilderness, Ptarmigan are
remarkable birds that live in some of the harshest, most
remote Alpine environments across North America, Europe and
Asia. In Glacier, the white tailed
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ptarmigan is the only bird species that can spend its
entire life above tree line, thriving in high elevation
habitats even in the dead of winter.
These elusive birds are part of the grouse family and are known
not only for their ability to withstand cold, but also for
their incredible camouflage, which changes with the seasons.
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Trail Trivia How many times per year does a ptarmigan moult?
Twice. One of the most fascinating
adaptations of ptarmigan is their seasonal plumage.
To survive in an environment where snow blankets the ground
for much of the year, ptarmigan molt their feathers twice
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annually. In the winter.
They are cloaked in pure white feathers that allow them to
blend almost invisibly into snowcovered terrain, helping them
avoid predators like Golden Eagles, foxes and other
carnivores. As the snow melts in the spring
and summer, ptarmigan undergo a second molt.
Their feathers shift to mottled brown and Gray tones which match
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the rocky Alpine tundra and vegetation.
This seasonal transformation is crucial to their survival and is
one of the most striking examples of natural camouflage
in the bird world. In addition to their changing
plumage, Ptarmigan have other cold weather adaptations.
They grow feathered feet in the winter, which act like
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snowshoes, helping them to walk across snow without sinking.
These foot feathers also provideinsulation against the cold.
Ptarmigan tend to conserve energy during extreme weather by
burrowing into snow drifts, which serve as natural shelters.
Ptarmigan are relatively small, round birds with short tails and
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stocky bodies. They feed mostly on buds, twigs,
berries and Alpine vegetation, foraging low to the ground.
Their diet shifts slightly with the seasons, and during winter
they rely heavily on Willow and dwarf Birch twigs when other
food sources are buried under snow.
While ptarmigan are not commonlyseen due to their remote
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habitats and effective camouflage, hikers in places
like Glacier might be lucky enough to spot one like we were
along high elevation trails suchas the Hidden Lake Overlook or
near Ptarmigan Tunnel, a place named fittingly after this
iconic Alpine species. A quick note about the Ptarmigan
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Tunnel. This 250 foot long passage was
completed in 1930 to provide a route for guides and tourist
horses between the Belly River region in the Mini Glacier area.
The crew accomplished the excavation using just two
jackhammers and a series of 10 whole rounds of dynamite, an
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impressive feat given the challenging Alpine terrain.
The Ptarmigan's ability to adaptso thoroughly to its environment
through feather color, insulation, and behavior is a
perfect example of how wildlife evolves to survive in extreme
conditions. These birds remind us of the
fragile yet resilient nature of Alpine ecosystems and the
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importance of protecting the high mountain habitats where
they live. One of the many reasons Glacier
National Park tops our list of favorite places is its vast,
pristine wilderness in the hundreds of miles of trails that
offer access to remote, untouched landscapes in a world
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more crowded than ever before. With a global population
approaching 8.3 billion as of this recording, the value of
wild protected spaces continues to grow.
According to worldometers.info, today the world will experience
approximately 150,000 human deaths but over 385,000 births,
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resulting in a daily net increase of nearly 235,000
people. Trail Trivia How many people
will be added to the total world's population this year?
About 70 million. By the end of 2025, an estimated
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65 million people will have passed away in the calendar
year, while about 135 million will be born, a net gain of
roughly 70 million new inhabitants on Earth this year
alone. During the 20th century alone,
the global population grew from 1.65 billion to 6 billion.
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In 1970, the world had roughly half as many people as it does
today. However, due to declining growth
rates, it is now projected to take over 200 years for the
population to double again. World population reached 8
billion people in the first halfof 2022.
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According to the United Nations.World population is expected to
hit 9 billion in the year 2037 and the United Nations projects
the world population will reach 10 billion in the year 2060.
It's remote places like Glacier and many of our National Park
units that give people from densely populated cities the
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chance to experience nature in away that has remained unchanged
for centuries, even millennia. That's why we believe it's so
important to keep as much of ourprotected lands truly protected,
wild, undeveloped, and preservedfor future generations.
Only by safeguarding these natural spaces can we offer the
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rare opportunity to reconnect with their ancestral roots, to
experience what it might have felt like thousands of years
ago, to walk through a landscapeuntouched by noise, pollution,
litter or the constant bustle ofurban life.
I'll be posting a video to our Instagram of a truly
unforgettable moment. While quietly sitting and taking
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in the peaceful view of Hidden Lake and Bear Hat Mountain From
the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail, a 2.4 mile round trip with 770
feet elevation gain, a nanny mountain goat and her kid
unexpectedly approached. To be clear, we did not approach
them. They came from what was
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initially a safe distance. This serves as an important
reminder to always give wildlifeplenty of space and to check the
park's website for species specific distance guidelines.
That said, being approached by such iconic animals in such a
breathtaking setting was an awe inspiring moment, one that
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perfectly captures the beauty, wonder and wild magic of Glacier
National Park. That wasn't our only unexpected
wildlife encounter during our visit to Glacier, which was
actually my second time there. On one hike, a bighorn sheep
rounded a corner and briefly approached us.
Unbothered by our presence, she confidently used the trail until
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she decided to take a different path, even though it seemed we
were on the one she initially wanted.
A more intense moment happened at the start of the Grinnell
Lake trail when we came face to face with a large grizzly bear,
also around a bend. The surprise seemed mutual.
Justin calmly readied the bear spray as we were uncomfortably
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close, but we stayed composed and slowly backed away.
After a tense pause, the bear suddenly turned and jumped into
Swift Current Lake. Swimming off Glacier offered us
so many unforgettable experiences, and these close
encounters with wildlife are memories we'll never forget.
I'll be posting videos and photos of both the bighorn sheep
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and grizzly encounters. These moments are powerful
reminders that no matter how prepared or cautious we are, we
are guests in these animals homes.
It's essential to stay aware, respectful and be responsible
stewards of the wild places we are privileged to explore.
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The Going to the Sun Rd. is a must see for anyone visiting the
park. This engineering marvel
traverses 50 miles of stunning mountain landscapes crossing the
Continental Divide at Logan Pass.
Along the way, visitors can stopat overlooks, hike short trails,
and marvel at cascading waterfalls and glacial vistas.
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Going to the Sun Rd. was a majorhighlight of our visit.
Not only were we able to reach the top by timing our trip with
the seasonal opening of the road, but we also had the rare
opportunity to bike nearly 8 miles up the steep, iconic route
before it fully opened to motor vehicles.
Riding without the concern of cars or trucks made for an
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unforgettable experience. Our full suspension mountain
bikes were just not the best equipment for this specific
ride. Ultimately, the best bike type
for you will depend on your fitness level and preferences.
E bikes provide the most accessibility, while gravel
bikes offer a more challenging and rewarding experience for
those who enjoy a strenuous climb.
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Next time we will look into renting E bikes for this one and
ideally make it all the way to the top.
If you're planning a visit, definitely look into biking this
road. While the exact opening date of
going to the Sun Rd. varies eachyear due to weather and
snowpack, it's well worth the effort to try and experience
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both the biking and driving perspectives of this spectacular
route. The highest point along the road
is Logan Pass, located on the Continental Divide.
This is also where you'll find the trailhead just outside of
the Logan Pass Visitor Center tothe Hidden Lake Overlook, a must
see destination offering stunning views of Bear Hat
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Mountain if you're able to make the hike.
When I planned the Glacier National Park portion of our
Stargazer Adventures, I allotted3 weeks in the area during the
month of July, 1 on the east side and two on the West.
As I've mentioned in previous episodes, having a fully remote
job has been the key to allow for these types of extended
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trips. Spending three weeks in and
around Glacier only made us wantto spend more time there.
We plan to go back in either 2026 or 2027 and are already
excited to tell you all about our adventures.
Glacier is a park that requires advanced planning as campsites
and lodging fill up quickly. We stayed at Saint Mary
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Campground, site C111 in Loop, CA, spot that stands out in our
memories, not just for its central location on the east
side of the park, right at the start of going to the Sun Road,
30 minutes from Many Glacier andabout an hour from 2 Medicine,
but further friendships we made there.
It was at this campsite that we met two people that would become
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good friends, Adam and Ashley from Plymouth, MA.
Back then, our dogs, a Beagle named Christian and a boxer
named Athena, were still with us.
While I was walking Athena around the campground.
Her friendly nature and Ashley'slove of dogs sparked an instant
connection. Robin and I spent much of the
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rest of our glacier adventure hiking and exploring with Ashley
and Adam, and we still look backfondly on those shared
experiences playing Rummy Cube by the campfire.
Learning about fire lookout towers together, gathering at
their yurt rental and quorum to share stories, common interests,
and the day's adventures, and hiking many, many miles side by
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side. These moments made our time
together truly special. It's also a reminder that one
friendly moment, like someone showing interest in your dog or
some small talk on a trail or inthe campground, can lead to a
lasting friendship. National parks are special
places filled with like minded people who share a love for the
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outdoors and a desire to protectwild spaces.
Take the opportunity to connect with others in these settings.
You never know when a simple interaction might spark a
meaningful bond that stands the test of time.
Some excerpts from my travel journal.
On our first day, we hiked the Sea A Pass trail, a challenging
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9 mile route. Due to lingering snowpack, we
completed only a portion of it, but we had the entire trail to
ourselves. The air was filled with the
incredible scent of Douglas fir and the path was completely
shaded by trees. On our way back to the
campground, we took the short half mile hike to Bering Falls
in the gorge, then stopped at one of our favorite viewpoints
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on the east side of the park, Wild Goose Island Overlook.
It's a stunning spot, especiallyfor catching a great sunset.
Numerous lakes, including Lake McDonald, St.
Mary Lake, and Two Medicine Lake, offer opportunities for
boat tours, kayaking and canoeing.
Guided boat tours provide insight into the park's geology,
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history, and wildlife. Continuing from the Travel
journal, the next day we took the Two Medicine boat tour and
hiked to Upper 2 Medicine Lake, a 4.4 mile round trip hike.
We took the 10:00 AM boat ride across 2 Medicine Lake, which
lasted about 30 minutes and included a short, informative
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tour of the area. We learned from a Ranger that
bear grass blooms for just abouta week and 1/2 every five to
seven years, so we felt lucky tosee so many in full bloom.
From the boat drop off we hiked to Twin Falls, a short .1 mile
spur off the main trail to upperto Medicine Lake.
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At one point we reached a small lake and even spotted a moose.
Thinking we had made it to our destination, we stopped a little
farther along at a large rock tohave lunch and soak in the views
before starting our return. About 20 minutes down the trail,
I checked the map and realized we had just missed the actual
lake. We ended up trail running back
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up to see it properly, then hurried back to the boat dock.
Of course the return boat was full, our luck, so we cooled off
in the water and relaxed in the sun until the next one arrived.
On our way back to the campground we hiked Apostokie
Falls Trail, which is 1.2 miles,260 feet elevation gain.
It offered a small waterfall view at the top and on the way
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down we saw mountain goats. At the time of year we visited,
the Grinnell Glacier Trail was still closed due to snow, which
is why we have to go back to hike this one.
Instead, we opted for the Grinnell Lake hike, a beautiful
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7 mile round trip. We stopped to admire the
stunning Mini Glacier Hotel, which made us feel like we had
been transported to Switzerland.As we began the hike past Swift
Current Lake, this was where we had our first encounter with a
grizzly bear, which we mentioned, and an unforgettable
adrenaline rush. We continued on past Lake
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Josephine and eventually reachedGrinnell Lake, a breathtaking
crystal Blue Lake framed by mountains and cascading
waterfalls. We had lunch perched on a large
fallen tree and took in the view.
On the way back, we plan to looparound the other side of the
lake, but that trail had been closed due to that same bear we
had encountered earlier that morning.
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Instead, we detoured onto the horse trail and made our way
back to the hotel. This was definitely one of our
favorite hikes in the park. The Red Rock Falls hike is
another must, a 3.6 mile round trip, only 100 feet elevation
gain and starts at the Swift Current trailhead.
This day was a particularly rainy 1, so we got a later
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start. With rain gear in tow, we headed
back to the Mini Glacier area, navigating a few miles of gravel
and dirt. Rd.
We parked at the Swift Current Motor Inn and took the Swift
Current Pass trail to reach Red Rock Falls, a spectacular
waterfall that tumbles over striking red rock known as
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Grinnell arjalite. Found only in this part of
Montana and British Columbia. This ended up being our favorite
waterfall in the area. A picture of this is highlighted
on our Patreon page as our background picture.
Our Patreon page is still a workin progress, but you can find
the link in the show notes www.patreon.com/NPJR Podcast.
(25:32):
If you choose to support us at the Junior Ranger level,
currently our only tier, we'll send you an official NPJR
sticker as a thank you. We plan to add more support
levels in the future, along withthat bonus content for our
amazing supporters. Any support is deeply
appreciated and helps offset thecost of subscriptions and tools
(25:55):
we use to keep the podcast running.
Thank you in advance for considering a contribution.
It helps us continue our missionto educate about nature,
advocate for the protection of wild spaces, and inspire people
of all ages to explore the greatoutdoors.
Back to our time at Glacier. The Apokuni Falls Trail, A2 mile
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round trip hike starting from the Apokuni parking area, is
located 1.1 miles east of the Many Glacier Hotel.
With an elevation gain of about 650 feet and just under a mile,
it's definitely a workout, but well worth it for the impressive
waterfall and the scenic lake views.
Aster Falls is a 2.4 mile round trip hike with about 100 feet
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elevation gain starting from theSouth Shore trailhead.
After checking out of the campsite, we parked the camper
along our route and drove the car back to the two Medicine
area for a longer day of hiking,about 8 miles total, combining
Paradise Point, Aster Falls, andRockwell Falls.
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The spur to the Paradise Point adds .8 miles, but both
waterfalls are absolutely worth it.
As we finished the hike, the skies opened up and it started
pouring. Our mileage that day was modest
compared to Ashley and Adams biggest hiking day when they
logged over 22 miles on the trails.
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It wasn't a competition, just animpressive reflection of their
eagerness to experience as much of the park as possible.
Since we had more time in the area, we were able to spread our
mileage out over more Days Later, we made a quick stop at
Running Eagle Falls, just a short .5 mile round trip on a
paved, accessible path. After that, we picked up the
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camper and began the drive toward the West side of the
park, half of it in a steady downpour.
In the Lake McDonald area we hiked the Apgar Lookout 7 miles
round trip, 1850 feet elevation gain near West entrance Lake
McDonald trailhead. We say this a lot, but this is
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one of our favorite hikes. It's a pretty good workout with
a few switchbacks that are in total sun and it was very buggy
along the way. We only saw two other groups on
the trail. At the top is a fire lookout and
amazing views of the surroundingmountains and Lake McDonald.
Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake. 4.6 miles round
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trip and an absolute favorite hike of Glacier.
So much so that this was my second time doing it.
We hiked this with Adam and Ashley.
The avalanche campground was closed so we were able to park
in the campground and there werea ton of spots.
This is probably one of the busiest hikes in the park.
Follows A rushing Creek through the forest along lots of lush
(28:56):
green Moss into the gorgeous avalanche lake with huge
waterfalls pouring down Fish Lake. 5.8 miles, 1300 feet gain.
We hiked this with a lone gentleman but other than that we
were the only ones on the trail.Completely forested trail
carpeted with lush green Moss and tons of mushrooms.
(29:19):
Mainly found large coral mushrooms.
There were some buggy spots and lots of mosquitoes at the lake.
The lake was small but full of flowering Lily pads.
The Cyclone Lookout hike in the Flathead National Forest is 2.2
miles each way with an 1100 feetelevation gain.
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It was Robin's second time doingthis one, but for Ashley, Adam
and myself it was our first. This trail has a stunning pay
off at the end but lies outside the park boundaries.
It is worth the extra effort to get there.
Beautiful views of the North Fork Valley, Bowman Lake and
mountains all the way to Canada.It is above tree line and at the
(30:05):
top lies an active fire lookout.We met Inez, a volunteer that
stays in there for two weeks at a time.
The sweetest woman and the cutest little place.
She showed us how they coordinate and report smoke when
they see it. Huckleberries are a major
highlight in this part of the country, and we love foraging
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for them on hikes. If you're not comfortable
identifying wild edibles on yourown, we have a delicious
recommendation. Try the huckleberry pie from the
Huckleberry Patch in Hungry Horse, Montana.
Of all the places we sampled pie, this one stood out.
It was absolutely loaded with fruit and hands down our
(30:45):
favorite. Next we will discuss more of
Glacier and learn some things wedidn't have time to cover in the
previous Glacier episode. Dark Knight Skies at Glacier
Dark Knight skies, free from light and air pollution, are
(31:06):
essential to natural ecosystems,cultural heritage, and scenic
beauty. Many animals rely on darkness to
hunt, navigate, and reproduce, while artificial light disrupts
both animal behavior and plant cycles.
Culturally, night skies have guided human understanding for
(31:27):
millennia. Montana tribes, for example,
observed the stars to inform their seasonal movements and
land use. The sky remains a powerful
source of Indigenous knowledge. Today, 80% of Americans can't
see the Milky Way from home. If light pollution continues to
(31:48):
grow, few truly dark skies will remain in the US Glacier and
Waterton Lakes National Parks, recognized as International Dark
Sky Parks, are committed to preserving this rare resource.
The designation reflects effortsto protect nocturnal habitats,
restore night skies and educate the public about their value.
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To help visitors experience thiswonder, the park offers night
sky programs in partnership withthe Glacier Conservancy, the NPS
Night Sky Program, the International Dark Sky
Association, and the Big Sky Astronomy Club.
Events are held throughout the summer at Saint Mary and Apgar,
with occasional star parties at Logan Pass Check the Ranger LED
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activity schedule for dates. Can't stay up late?
Visit the Dusty Star ObservatorySky Cam or browse glaciers,
stunning night sky photos and telescope images on Flickr.
Half the park happens after dark.
Don't miss it. Wilderness in Glacier Guard,
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protect and cherish your land, for there is no afterlife for a
place that started out as heaven.
A quote from Charlie Russell Wallace Stegner once wrote, If
the National Park idea is, as Lord Bryce suggested, the best
idea America ever had, wilderness preservation is the
(33:20):
highest refinement of that idea.Instead of a Junior Ranger
activity, today we want to highlight the Wilderness Act of
1964, which established the National Wilderness Preservation
System to protect designated federal lands in their natural
state. It defines wilderness as
(33:41):
undeveloped land that retains its primeval character, free
from permanent structures or human habitation, and managed to
preserve its natural conditions.The ACT emphasizes the
importance of solitude and opportunities for primitive
recreation, ensuring that these wild places are protected for
(34:02):
the enjoyment and benefit of both current and future
generations. In 1973, at Glacier National
Park completed a study and environmental impact statement
in accordance with the Wilderness Act.
The result was a recommendation that over 90% of the park be
formally designated as wilderness.
(34:24):
On June 13th, 1974, President Richard Nixon submitted this
proposal to Congress, recommending that over 927,000
acres within the park receive official wilderness designation.
Although a bill was introduced to enact the designation, it was
never passed. However, the National Park
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Service continues to manage these recommended wilderness
areas as if they were officiallydesignated in line with the NPS
policy until Congress makes a final decision.
The Wilderness Act defines wilderness as those lands where
the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man,
(35:08):
where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.
A trammel is a shackle or net used to restrain and restrict
movement. Land that is untrammeled, as
described by the ACT, is unhindered, free from the
manipulation of humankind. Wilderness is natural.
(35:30):
The park Wilderness is managed to maintain its natural ecology.
The vast, glacially carved valleys and peaks you see today,
with the lush variety of vegetation and the amazing array
of native wildlife species, are much the same as they were
hundreds, if not thousands of years ago.
(35:51):
Wilderness has outstanding opportunities for solitude or a
primitive and unconfined type ofrecreation.
There are many ways to experience the park's wilderness
from hiking, horseback riding, climbing, backpacking, or
watching the diverse array of wildlife that called glaciers
wilderness home. The Wilderness Act does more
(36:15):
than establish protected lands in what is perhaps the acts most
vital accomplishment. It articulates a philosophy of
wilderness that emphasizes not only responsibility for
environmental preservation, but also the importance of
wilderness to the well-being of our nation's citizens.
(36:37):
Human influence has created a wide range of cultural resources
found in Glacier. These include archaeological
sites, modern Native American ceremonial sites and
ethnographic places of importance, and historic park
administration structures. Glacier encompasses over 200
(36:58):
known prehistoric sites. The Chief Mountain and two
medicine areas continue to be important ceremonial and
religious focal points for members of the Black Feet
Nation. The Kootenai perceive
significant meanings along the Trail of the Cedars, among other
areas near Lake McDonald and within the park.
These features add to the rich tapestry of glaciers wilderness
(37:21):
character. Park stewards face a complex
challenge in managing wildernessareas.
They must consider all 5 qualities of wilderness
character when making decisions,understanding that enhancing one
quality may unintentionally impact another.
For example, a project aimed at restoring the natural quality,
(37:43):
such as removing invasive plant species, may compromise the
untrammeled quality since it involves direct human
intervention. While the goal is to preserve or
restore ecological integrity, italso manipulates the existing
environment. Humility and restraint are
(38:04):
essential guiding principles in wilderness management.
Ultimately, the stewardship of Glaciers Wilderness focuses on
maintaining and improving the overall wilderness character.
It's important to note that wilderness lands are managed
differently than general Backcountry areas, with greater
emphasis on preservation and minimal human impact.
(38:26):
Even though we chose to skip theJunior Ranger activity today, we
highly encourage you to visit the Glacier National Park NPS
website. It's full of engaging activities
and resources to help you learn about this incredible park.
Despite dedicating the entire month of July to Glacier here on
the podcast, we've only just scratched the surface.
(38:49):
To explore more, go to the NPS website, navigate to the Learn
about the Park drop down menu, find Kids and Youth, and then
click on Park Fun. There you'll find a variety of
fun and educational materials. Be sure to check out the
Wildlife Superpowers PDF. You'll be amazed at what you can
(39:10):
learn. Which wildlife superpower would
you choose? Glacier National Park is more
than just a breathtaking landscape, It's a living,
evolving testament to the power of nature, time, and
preservation. From its towering peaks carved
by ancient ice to its iconic turquoise lakes fed by glacial
(39:31):
melt, the park stands as one of the last truly wild and pristine
ecosystems in the Lower 48 states.
Glacier offers unparalleled access to Alpine meadows,
roaring waterfalls and remote Backcountry that invites
exploration and reflection. What makes Glacier truly special
(39:52):
isn't just its scenery, it's thesense of timelessness and
solitude it offers in a rapidly changing world.
It is a place where the rhythms of nature still dictate life and
where conservation efforts. Continue to protect its fragile
ecosystems for future generations.
(40:12):
Whether it's the haunting beautyof a retreating glacier, the awe
of a dark night sky undisturbed by city lights, or the joy of
sharing the trail with new friends and wildlife alike,
Glacier leaves an impression that endures.
It is not just a destination, itis an experience, a reminder of
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what wild places mean to us all and why they are worth
protecting. If you haven't visited Glacier
yet, we hope this inspired you to add it to your bucket list.
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, share, and
follow us for more outdoor adventures.
And to all you Junior Rangers out there, good luck and earning
(40:55):
your badge. And hey, if you've earned the
Junior Ranger Badge recently, send us a picture.
We'd love to see it. And if you want, feel free to
share your latest story from your time in a National Park
unit. Who knows, maybe we will mention
it in one of our upcoming episodes.
Be sure to include in the e-mailthat you grant us permission to
Share your story. I will include our e-mail
(41:18):
address npjrpodcast@gmail.com and our show notes.
And feel free to follow us on our adventures on Instagram at
NPJR Podcast. Until next time, happy trails
and remember the Earth is ours to explore and protect, so let's
get out there and do. It explore, learn and protect.
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