2016-04-11

14:00: Apgar Lookout (Glacier National Park). 11.5 mi; 2,200 ft gain; max el: 5,243.

Since the park isn’t fully open, the access road to the trail was closed. That added another 4 mi. roundtrip to this trail. It was still worth it. I was so focused on getting to the top (and hoping not to see any bears) that I didn’t really stop to take photos on the way up. As a result, I made it to the top in a little less than 2 hours.

I had watched a video on youtube someone had made of this trail the night before that showed bears near the trail and read this. Also, I read all the warnings posted on the trailhead signs. I think it’s best to not do this in the future…I know they’re there, no need to amplify that thought in my head.

On the second switchback, I came across a young doe that was not particularly concerned with moving. I got really close and probably could have taken a good photo of her, but it didn’t occur to me. I was more concerned about her getting spooked and hurting herself. Also, I was wondering if the animals here are too used to humans. That made me think of bears again.

I noticed my thoughts about bears changed quite a bit as the hike progressed. Towards the beginning, it was proably closer to fear. As I got closer to the summit, it became apprehensive annoyance…imagine if I hiked all that way and had to turn around because a bear was in the middle of the trail. Some nerve.

Anyway.

Hit packed snow at switchback #3 and the remainder of the trip was mostly packed snow / slush. When I finally reached the top, the view was surreal (in all directions).

I didn’t pack my logbook…getting a bit lackadaisical about packing, at least the experential things. There were probably some things I would have written while at the top that I’ve since forgotten.

Coming back down, I was able to pay a bit more attention to the surroundings (had ceased to give a shit about bears at this point). About 13 years ago, there was a major forest fire in this area. As a result, all of the trees were under 6’. They were dense (looked like a nursery) and had taller bare and charred trunks scattered throughout. It had a strange visual effect, like something from a Tim Burton film.