Glacier National Park from Apgar Lookout
What's NewMapsbuttons-01-03a.gif (321 bytes)ServicesNatural ResourcesPark HistoryLink to USGS Biological Resources Division Glacier Field Station
Park PhotographsLink to the Glacier Natural History AssociationPark Partners and Friends GroupsMontana NPS areas and State Travel AgenciesFrequently Asked Questions .... and Answers
Trail of the Cedars & Avalanche Lake eHike
     

Avalanche Lake Trailhead
Avalanche Lake Trail - 16/22

 

John Muir once said, "I am well again, I came to life in the cool winds and crystal waters of the mountains..."

Traveling up the trail to Avalanche Lake, one can only wonder if John Muir was speaking of this majestic place. The coolness of the forest and the purity of the water rushing by fills visitors with thoughts and feelings not necessarily considered everyday. Here, life's distractions that may weigh us down are washed away downstream, and replaced with a fresh breezes of new perspectives. It is a place where we may feel completely alive and find contentment. How will you feel traveling this trail?

Glacial Erratic
Glacial Erratic - 17/22

 

  

What is a large boulder doing in the middle of a thick, old growth forest? How did it get there?

Millions of years ago before this forest was created, huge slabs of snow and ice known as glaciers, covered what is now Glacier National Park. Over thousands of years these glaciers moved across the land sculpting and shaping the mountains. As the glacier that sculpted this valley retreated, this large rock melted out of the ice and was left stranded. Geologists call these glacial erratics. They are one of many classic features of a glaciated landscape that can be seen throughout the park.

Fawn
Fawn - 18/22

   The distinctive brown fur and white spots immediately identify a fawn. If we approach too closely, it may scamper off deep into the protective cover of the cedar forest. If however it notices us first, it is likely to curl up on the ground and remain still to avoid detection. Instinctively it knows that its best protection is the camouflage afforded it by its mottled appearance. The alternating pattern of light and dark spots helps it to blend in with the dappled lighting of the forest floor. For predators that do not see in color the camouflage effect is even more pronounced. Mouse over the expanded image of the deer to see like a mountain lion.
Continue hiking to page 7   Walk back to page - 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
     
bluearrow.gif (78 bytes)Back to eHikes
bluearrow.gif (78 bytes)Website Visitor Center