Glacier Park's Iceberg Lake - The Hike of my Dreams

Glacier Park, Wild, Challenging, Drop-dead Gorgeous, land of my dreams.   Since I have been to Glacier before, I had a list of uncompleted hikes and unfulfilled destinations.  My first trip was marred by poor weather as it rained steadily every day.  Years later, I came with young children so hikes were limited by hikes accommodating short legs and views from visitor centers.   I could feel the anticipation build as we drove to the Many Glaciers Campground to set up a base camp which contained several possible hikes and adventures...

The nearby Swift Current lake also provided a sheltered pristine kayak destination with a nearby boat launch for exploring by kayak.

 Yes, we would love it here!!

 

Room with a view

After a visit with  ranger I selected Iceberg Lake as the hike I most wanted to complete. A challenging 10 mile round trip hike with an elevation gain of 1,100.  Though much longer than any previous hike this year (prior distance a mere 3 mile round trip hike), the reward of seeing a lake with icebergs floating was tantalizing and provided the incentive to push my comfort zones to view new horizons. 

I still had serious doubts about my ability to complete the hike but knew it was a worthy destination.  As my desired hike leaves from the visitor center parking lot, we were positioned to hike directly from camp and had developed a strategic plan,  turning in early for the hike.

       Ready for the hike - Bring it on!!     

I was fully prepared to take all day for the hike with as many breaks as needed for the hike as well as a few other tricks to complete this hike.  I was told that the most difficult part of the hike was the first 3/4 mile as it has steps and continued gain in elevation....yep it was hard but after that it was mostly a steady gain with beautiful views which provided much needed distraction.  

 I prefer the gentle incline...

While I have not been known for bird photos....once in a while I am privileged to snap a treasured photo.

An elusive Ptarmigan Grouse

Everywhere I look is a canvas ready for painting, or a bouquet waiting to be picked.

I stop countless times hoping to capture the brilliance of each wildflower, that photos can not repeat.

 

At moments I feel like we are all alone in God's great wonderland.  At other times, I feel transported to a busy intersection where I am the geriatric crossing guard with swarms of hikers passing by.

I am grateful for the moments of rest then pressing steadily toward my goal.

Our arrival at Iceberg Lake brought congratulations from those who passed us along the trail.  

  We Made It!  

We were now 2 miles farther than my longest hike this year and half way as far as we would need to go today.

In planning for this hike, I attached a inflatable backpacking pad to my day pack.  I spent nearly an hour resting before the hike back down the mountains.  I can't imagine a more beautiful view!

My fascination with the colors and variety of the Montana rocks is present everywhere I look.  And it is surely is evident here on the face of the mountains and also where the glaciers have carved out the glacier bowls and the piles of displaced rocks.

With each cloud that goes overhead casting variations of light, the colors change.  The above picture was taken with my phone and does not have any edits.   It was mesmerizing.... 

Tiny but Mighty

Iceberg surfing

One last look, and it is time to head back down.

From glacier, to lake, to creek, to waterfall 

 I have always preferred to hike a looped trail, but I am amazed that my perspective of the return is so different.  Same path,  but my sights are set on in a different direction. 

Oh my God....we have to go all that way DOWN. 

Finally we are down.

When I had the MRI done this last winter the Doctors told me the the spinal injury would continue to

progress and  limit the activity that I could engage in.  It has resulted in a change in my attitude.  

Each challenge I face I look at the demands that will be required , and ask myself, 

If not now, when.....

This day, I am elated....

Six and a half hours, 10 miles, 1,100 feet elevation gain.

Memories to last a lifetime.