Montana- Day 4 Glacier NP (Avalanche Creek & Lake)

We learned a few lessons the day before that we didn't want to repeat, especially on a Saturday. 

One: Don't arrive at 8am. 

Two: Don't have kayaks inspected until we are ready to take them out on the water.

Three: Don't believe full parking lot signs (they were still up on our way out the night before and the lots were NOT full...)

Consequently we arrived a bit after 7am, drove straight to Avalanche Lake trailhead and right into the nearly empty parking lot. (The street parking, on the other hand, was already completely filled by people who, like us, believed the full sign.)

The trail was surprisingly full for so early in the morning but at nearly 3 miles in length, it wasn't too bad.

It was just the kind of trail I love wandering through the woods along a pretty little creek, not too steep or too rugged. It was lovely!

 

Avalanche Lake is surrounded by hills dotted with waterfalls. We got there so early, the sun hadn't yet peeked out onto the lake...

And there wasn't a breath of wind making the surface of the water as smooth as glass...

The sun popped up as we were hiking to the far side bringing out the spectacular turquoise color of the water...

I'm so glad I was able to capture a picture of this big old blue jay that was hopping along in front of us on the trail... :) 

The view from the end of the lake was so pretty but unfortunately too close to get any view of the waterfalls but we could hear them...

We could already see the crowds rapidly increasing and decided it was time to head back...

Then we finished the Trail of the Cedars loop and went to the car...

We had such a nice parking spot next to a picnic table right along McDonald Creek. It was really early but we hated to waste such a great eating spot, so we went ahead and eat lunch anyway. Then to waste a little more time, we went to take some pictures of the creek...

Going back to the van just made us feel guilty watching all of the late-comers circling the parking lot waiting for someone to leave. So we packed up and made some family very happy...