Logan Pass
June 30, 2009

I wanted to post a few quick photos of Logan Pass from Saturday, June 27. I drove the Going-to-the-Sun Road with my family and stopped off at Logan Pass before taking our hike to Baring Falls on the east side of the park.

Logan Pass was busy with people as you might imagine on the second day of its opening. Snow still blankets the trail to Hidden Lake Overlook and much of the meadows in-between. Snowboarders and Skiers were all over the place doing some turns in the snow between Clements Mtn. and Mt. Oberlin. Flip-flops and sandals were seen, and a lot of slipping. If you're heading up the Logan Pass soon, expect to traverse some snow. Have fun! Be safe.

The First Time on the Going-to-the-Sun Road
June 26, 2009

Today the entire Going-to-the-Sun Road (Sun Road) opened. Hearing the news each year that the Sun Road opens makes me smile. It reminds me of the first time I drove it.

Do you remember your first time on the Going-to-the-Sun Road? What was it like?

I didn't drive the Sun Road until my second trip to the park. My first time here included time in the Middle Fork region. When I came back, it was August, and we (3 other friends) were traversing the Sun Road to reach Many Glacier for a big backpacking trip. I was absolutely blown away by the scenery. I remember driving by the Weeping Wall, which at the time was just a trickle, and making a big sweeping turn and a "big bend" in the road. We pulled over, got out, and I said, "this is it, this is the scene I have been looking at for years!" We were at Big Bend, and the view of Mt. Oberlin, Mt. Cannon, Heavens Peak, and the Weeping Wall was a reality, and not just another picture I had seen in calendars, postcards, and magazines. As we continued the drive east, more postcard images came into view - Logan Pass, Lunch Creek, and Wild Goose Island.

Even though I have been up and down the Sun Road plenty of times, I never grow tired of it. There is always something new to see and experience. And, there is always something that I remember from previous drives.

If you haven't been on the Sun Road before, I guarantee your first time will be memorable. For all of you who have driven the Sun Road before, what stands out in your mind? What is your favorite part?

David Restivo, NPS

Beargrass (Xerophyllum tenax)

Beargrass
June 19, 2008

If you have ever been to Glacier, you have probably seen Beargrass. Beargrass Xerophyllum tenax, a member of the lily family, has become known as the iconic flower of Glacier National Park. This beautiful leafy perennial can bee seen in open slopes in the subalpine zone, open forests, avalanche chutes, and meadows from montane to subalpine. Beargrass blooms from June to August, and right now, in lower elevations of the park, it is in full bloom.

Once Beargrass blooms, the plant may not bloom again for another 5-7 years. Some years the display is simply amazing, while other years may be sparse. The stems may grow anywhere from 1 foot to 4 feet, with grass-like leaves at the base. Tiny flower clusters bloom to form a globe-like appearance. Each little flower is just under an inch wide with 6 petal-like tepals.

One might assume given its name, that bears eat this flower. The origin of the name has been thought to be linked to Lewis and Clark, who witnessed bears hanging out in a meadow of Beargrass. Beargrass is consumed, however, by elk, deer, and bighorn sheep.

Symphony of the Forest
June 17, 2009

One of the sure signs summer has arrived in Glacier is hearing the Swainson's Thrush (Catharuc ustulatus). The Swainson's Thrush is one of my favorite birds. It isn't an overly attractive bird, but the song it sings is simply beautiful. When more than one of these birds sings at the same time, the forest is a majestic symphony of song.

This year I have been especially dialed into the choruses of these birds. I fall asleep to them late at night, and awake to them early in the morning. This may sound a tad corny, but in addition to the sounds of water, wind, and thunder, I can think of no other natural sound that soothes my soul as much as the Swainson's Thrush. There is a certain peace that comes with natural sounds.

The National Park Service is committed to protecting natural sounds. If we really think about it, how many natural sounds do we hear a day compared to man-made sounds? How do respond to the two when we hear them? Take a moment today and count how many natural sounds you hear compared to man-made sounds. What did those sounds do for you?