Jul 10, 2013

Once we got our free KOA showers, we drove up to Two Medicine Lake, where we were able to buy a canister of bear spray for a tidy sum, then we started our hike. After a short trudge through the campground we realized we could park much closer to the trailhead and moved the car. We packed up our new backpacks for the first time and tried to distribute the weight well. Once we got it situated we crossed the river and headed up the heavily wooded trail along Two Medicine Lake. The trail followed the edge of the lake for a long while, rolling over hills.

When the trail turns to the right up the Dawson Pass trail, it ascends quickly. The steep trail had us slowing down dramatically and stopping for rests when we could. There was a series of switchbacks that was very exposed and hot so even more than usual I felt like I had to rush up them. After strenuous stepping, we reached the tree line and began to get some amazing views of the jagged, snowy mountains that surrounded us.

Of course, there were a ton of beautiful wildflowers along the way. One thing that's nice about this park is that even though you're always watching your footing there's still always a really nice view.

We got great views of the valley below with No Name Lake in the distance. The glacier-carved mountains popped up all around us as we took the exposed trail along the ridge below Dawson Pass.

We stopped in what seemed like the last bit of shade for a rest and a snack. We kept hearing a sound in the small patch of trees behind us, letting our imaginations wander after the bear encounter yesterday. We never saw what it was. Some hikers coming down from this area told us we were almost there, a statement I always hate to hear.

We got to Dawson Pass on an open and rocky section with whipping winds. It was definitely chilly up there, but the views on either side of the saddle were amazing. We stayed up there for a few minutes taking pictures and considering taking other trails, but we ultimately decided to go back the way we came. We were not prepared to continue to loop. The trail back was downhill, but not necessarily easier. Steep downhills are not fun. The hike back seemed long, long, long. My feet had had enough and my shoulders were tired of my new pack.

As soon as we got back to the car I dropped my stuff, peeled off my shoes and socks and walked directly to the bank of the lake to put my feet in. It felt amazing. The water was so cold, but it was perfect.

Joanna came to join me soon after, seeing the brilliance of my idea. After spending some time in the cold waters, we reluctantly left to go eat real food instead of our trail snacks.

We got back on Going to the Sun road and headed back through the park. At the Logan Pass visitor center there were big horn sheep all over the parking lot and on the hills. We stopped to fill up our water but ended up watching the sheep wander around and interact with the people while they were just trying to forage.

The drive out of the park was really nice as the sun was going down and the sky lit up around us. As we drove along the river we watched the colors reflecting in the water through each opening in the trees. The Black Star Draught House was recommended by the folks I met at the lodge so I definitely wanted to stop there on our way through Whitefish.

The naming of the places were a bit confusing since the place actually serves Great Northern Brewing beer. The list I read online had two or three beers that looked totally amazing. I ordered the sampler only to find out that none of the beers I was hoping for were on the tray. Dismayed, I sipped on the beers I did have. None of them really thrilled me. I don't know how much of that had to do with my fallen hopes, but only a few of them were pretty decent. I left a good amount of beer on the bar when we left.

We looked around the area for a campground and came upon a state park that seemed inviting. We went in and found what appeared to be an empty space and set up our tent next to the RVs in a nice open space.