We had an easy drive from Libby to Columbia Falls, MT this morning, about 100 miles. There were times we felt we were back on the Al-Can Highway when in fact we were on US Highway 2 heading east. There was little traffic and construction! The scenery was so pretty with a very large lake, Thompson Lake, which is divided into three sections (lower, middle, and upper)! We stopped for breakfast at a turnout at the Upper Thompson River!
Our campground in Columbia Falls, Columbia Falls RV Park, is really nice with gravel lots, paver patios, grass, and a very nice picnic area. We are going to plan on including at least one day where we simply relax outside. There is also a fresh meat market next door that we have already perused and we will be bringing back some great meat, as well as many sauces, all made in Columbia Falls!
At around 4:30 p.m. we decided to take a drive to West Glacier to Glacier National Park, to go to the Visitor's Center just to pick up some literature for when we make the drive on the Going-To-The-Sun Road. Well, we actually decided to keep driving and made it to Logan's Pass, a 32 mile fabulous and crazy drive! We will finish the drive to St. Mary in a day or two. I have to say, this has been one of my "bucket list" places to see and I am so blessed, thankful, and excited to be able to do so!
Breakfast along US Highway 2 East - Upper Thompson Lake
Upper Thompson Lake - our morning view
Columbia Falls RV Park
Just as we finished setting up the motorhome, up above an eagle soared!
Welcome to Lake McDonald!
Lake McDonald - we will be taking a boat trip here on Friday. This is a glacial lake.
Avalanche Chutes - Repeat avalanches have flattened forests and marked the slops of Mt. Cannon, creating a distinctive habitat on the steep mountainside.
At a certain point on the Going-To-The-Sun Road, there is a warning that no vehicle over 21' is permitted. Well, we know why! This road has narrow roads that hug the ragged rocky mountainside with winding roads and gradually climbs and then turns into a 6% grade for a couple of miles!
Marmot; a different species of the Hoary Marmot found in Alaska and on Pike's Peak.
There are fires in Canada, Washington, and Idaho, which are all filtering smoke into the park. It was quite hazy from the smoke. We are sure hoping it clears up before we leave!
Just before we got to Logan's Pass, we came across this mountain goat and her baby in a parking area!
In the Visitor Center parking lot, we came across these bighorn sheep! They were licking the asphalt and when we asked the Park Ranger why, he told us they were licking the antifreeze! This is so sad because they can get sick and/or die from doing so! They try to treat the antifreeze drips but they can't do so all the time.
Photo courtesy of Thom Coste!
Photo courtesy of Thom Coste!
We looked at the Visitor Center and this guy has taken over the roof! This was truly too much; quite comical!
Marmot
This bighorn sheep posed on the side of the road at the exit from the Visitor Center!
And, this mountain goat was still on the roof when we left! We were told by the Park Ranger that he would eventually jump down once the crowd was gone!
As we exited the Visitor Center at Logan Pass, we came across a few more mountain goats laying down on rocks!
McDonald Lake at 8:00 p.m.
McDonald Lake at 9:00 p.m.
Until next blog ...
So petty. I am glad that you are sharing with me!
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