I woke up just in time to catch the Western half of the park before stepping into the cool morning air in East Glacier.
Like most national parks, Glacier NP requires a backcountry permit that is almost impossible to secure without “walking up” to see what’s available for the next day. Due to my arrival after the ideal window of 7 am, I decided to take a day to slack pack (get dropped off at another trailhead and walk back without all of my gear) from the hostel so I have a better shot at a permit tomorrow.
Thanks to hostel owner Will, I walked 15 miles north from Madrias Pass back to town…but not without spending an hour waiting for and eventually walking around a train parked in front of the trailhead. Bonus miles!
I have a lot of feelings surrounding this hike—sadness that I don’t have Gusha (my dear friend who parted ways last summer), a healthy bit of anxiety about being out in Grizz country (even though I am far more likely to be injured driving), and plenty of hope for a restorative hike.
Thankfully, my feet and my heart know what to do. Happy trails!
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