We couldn’t get enough of Glacier… so after the kids left we took another hike. This one to a far less crowded area on the west side of the park. A five mile dirt road took us to the trailhead, and then another couple of miles to Howe Lake. This area is regrowing after dramatic fire years ago. It’s interesting to see how green and pretty the new growth is, surrounded by spires of burned trunks.
There was beauty to be seen even through the still standing charred trees.
We saw a total of 6 people on our little hike… as compared with a few million on the more popular trails. Part of the reason is that the lake wasn’t near as pretty as some elsewhere… and then one could be depressed by all the dead trees.
The next day we put our kayak on the main lake in Glacier National Park – Lake McDonald. Before you launch, you need your craft inspected for invasive species that could harm the pristine lake. Our boat passed the test, and we got a one day pass.
Later we drove back to Redrock for more fun jumping off the high rock. There were a few twenty-somethings that were surprised that we “old folks” would jump! One gal took a video of us, and promised to send it, but hasn’t yet. If I get it I may post it later.
The rushing water is always beautiful!
Lake McDonald Lodge is a beautiful building with an awesome view over the lake. Thanks to the Covid stuff we weren’t allowed in if we weren’t staying there. But we enjoyed the outside!
Hungry Horse Reservoir
They should call this the Huge Hungry Horse Reservoir! The drive around it is something like 150+ miles! We decided that at the 20 mph needed on the curvy road, it would take far longer than we had energy. But we did find a nice place to get the kayak wet again. Once more, a lunch on a private beach with a view!
Turns out we weren’t the only ones on the lake. We saw a few power boats, and even some sort of a teepee. Or was it set up for a huge bonfire?
Savenac Nursery
On our way to Washington, we stopped again at the gorgeous Savenac Nursery. They have a hike up to a small pond, that passes many of the test beds where they grew different strains of trees. A trail map pointed out the different types of trees, and the types of testing done in each area. They also had a paragraph about this outhouse! Built in 1936 when the nursery was working, about 14 years ago it was “restored to its former glory.”
Way up at the top of a ridge is a tree dedicated to Vern Valach, a Forestry employee from the Superior Ranger district. An interesting metal marker identifies the tree.
I’m fascinated with old roads and bridges, so this one gets in the blog twice. Called the Yellowstone Bridge, it was on the Yellowstone Trail, and still sports its mile marker. I’m not sure what is 390 miles from here.
Camp Mivoden
This SDA Summer Camp / Retreat Center fronts Hayden lake in Idaho. It boasts very nice buildings, but the real beauty is in over 500 acres of forest and a very large waterfront. They gave us a nice tour of this awesome camp. While they host varied groups all year, as a Christian institution, their main focus is leading kids to Christ in a wonderful Summer Camp environment. We’d love to attend one of their Family Camps sometime!
A quite twisty road around the lake! 
Campfire Bowl
We naturally had to put the kayak in and explore this end of the lake. Many beautiful homes line the shore.
Beautiful pics! We’ve never been to Mivoden, but have heard many good things about the camp. The trails, homes, flowers, forest and lakes all look beautiful. Did you notice the home for sale…? Have fun!
As always, it’s fun to hear your beautiful comments! We tried (a little) to find the price of that gorgeous home, but with no address visible from the water, we failed. I’m guessing it was some multiple of our net worth!