On July 10, 2016, our last full day in Glacier National Park, we decided to explore the Two Medicine Area. We drove to the Boat Landing on the Southern Shore of Two Medicine Lake where the Trailhead for Cobalt Lake is located. It was a glorious day if a little cool for my southern blood. At 48 degrees on this fine July day I sported extra layers for this hike to the alpine lake.
The hike begins with a walk through a forest above which tower magestic peaks. We passed beaver ponds and saw a Moose in the distance. At 1.1 miles we took the side trail to check out Aster Falls. I rarely miss a chance to check out waterfalls. The sight and sound of water falling is mesmerizing and peaceful. The pretty little falls were worth the side trip.
At a little past 2 miles we crossed a suspension bridge that was an adventure all by itself. Who needs amusement park rides when swinging bridges in the back of nowhere await. We made a left turn and hiked to Rockwell Falls. The Falls were larger than Aster Falls. After enjoying the sight we began the serious section of the Hike.
We began a series of steep switchbacks. It was an intense climb and the layers had to go after a while. I had to stop and take a break and drop a layer of clothes. This hike was a challenge for me. I tired as I climbed. The switchbacks were relentless as we wound upward.
We topped out of the switchbacks and began to follow the creek to the Lake. It was a beautiful lake with snow patches like exclamations on the far shore and we explored the shores locating a back country campsite. Resting, we made friends with some chipmunks. They were bold little creatures attempting to raid our backpacks for food.
The views from the trail were stunning in places with Cobalt Lake the jewel at the terminus. Sometimes one has to just stop and breath in the clean air and allow the eyes to feast on sights not available close to home. The realization that we were leaving Montana gave the hike significance the rest of our hikes lacked.
The return to the vehicle down the steep switch backs took its toll on my joints. I was gassed when we reached the Lake, the round trip on this hike complete with the side trip was over 12 miles. It was a bit further than our other hikes and fatigue became an added challenge going down. I eventually found myself in that one foot in front of the other zone. At the trail head my fatigue released into exhaustion and I shuffled to our ride.
We only touched on points around this beautiful park. The options for back country adventures are seemingly endless. Having driven across the country to spend a week here, we tried to experience different areas of the park.
The damp, cold air had taken a toll on my sweet, adventure loving Mother. She had developed a bit of a cough over the past few days and even though we hated to leave, it was time to go. Next stop…The Badlands National Park in South Dakota!
MrsSmithsLifeUnexpected 