![]() ![]() Taking the trail between Josephine and Swiftcurrent Lakes, brought us back to the south shore. ![]() Later, we passed a research assistant collecting the hair to take back for testing. Yes, there were small strands of grizzly fur on the ends of the wire. Stephanie stopped at a tree to point out one of the barbed wire collection sites. This helps determine the family relationships and movement patterns of grizzlies in the area. Researchers have placed patches of barbed wire on trees so that when grizzlies scratch against the wire, fur is collected to use for DNA testing. This more open terrain offered sunlight and good views of the lakes although we were walking with the sun shining into our faces-the wrong direction for good photography.įor better photography, and to avoid hiking with the sun in your eyes, start this hike in the morning on the north side of the lake and return on the south side.Īs we moved down the trail, one of the Road Scholar lectures from earlier in the trip came to life for us. On the return hike, our group crossed a bridge at the end of Josephine Lake to hike on the north side of both lakes. Many Glacier Hotel as seen from the trail. Our tour guides both had canisters, just in case. ![]() ![]() Park guidelines recommend keeping at least 100 yards away from large wildlife for your safety and theirs. The Grinnell Lake trail is known for its wildlife sightings, including grizzly bears, moose and bighorn sheep. What did those ahead of us see? Two moose eating a breakfast of shrubs and tree leaves.īy the time it was my turn to observe, the moose had moved deeper into the forest and were only slightly visible, but I could hear them chomping away. On one portion of the trail, as we walked single-file along a slightly muddy path enclosed by trees, a “shh-shh” passed down the line of hikers. The trail follows the south shores of two subalpine lakes-Swiftcurrent and Josephine-with several opportunities to step off-trail for taking photos of glacier-fed waters. Once the horse trail veered away from our path, the hike to Grinnell Lake became an enjoyable, mostly level, walk in the woods. Salamander Glacier reflects into Swiftcurrent Lake. Next time, I’d choose an alternative to this portion of the trail (and there are several). Accompanied by guides, Lori and Stephanie, we left Many Glacier Hotel (read our Many Glacier Hotel review here) on a morning hike that accessed the trail to Grinnell Lake on the south shore of Swiftcurrent Lake.įor the first mile or so of the hike, we shared the trail with horses, which meant watching closely where we stepped. Of course Alan and I chose the hard way to reach Grinnell Lake as part of a Glacier National Park Hiking Program with Road Scholar. Hiking the south shore trail to Grinnell Lake And there are two options for getting there-the easy way via the Glacier Park Boat Company-or the hard way hiking the entire journey (6.8 miles) on your own two feet. You’ll still catch a glimpse of a glacier, although it’s Salamander rather than Grinnell. After all, Many Glacier has access to some of the best hikes in Glacier National Park (in my opinion).īut the Grinnell Lake hike offers a beautiful experience, too, especially if you’re looking for a less strenuous Glacier National Park hike. Most hikers visiting the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park in Montana come to experience the Grinnell Glacier Trail or trek to Iceberg Lake. The Grinnell Lake hike is one of the most beautiful trails in Glacier National Park. ![]()
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