June 13 – June 19
We arrived at Glacier National Park KOA on Saturday and got situated. The Glacier KOA was pretty amazing with two pools, an on-site cafe and ice cream shop. They also had a Gaga ball court next to the playground. But the most amazing part was the views- we sat in the belly of the mountains that surrounded us on all sides. We couldn’t believe how vacant the RV park was considering the time of year and summer being upon us. That is, until we learned that Glacier National Park was still closed down with limited access because of the virus closures. Luckily for us, the park was opening back up with limited access on June 15th.
On Sunday, we headed up to Glacier National Park. Going-to-the-Sun Rd had passenger car limits because of congestion, but we got lucky and right before we were going to call it a day, they sent us through. We headed up to Lake McDonald Lodge and walked all around camp. Later that afternoon, we hiked John’s Lake Trail to the McDonald Creek Trail, about 6 miles roundtrip. Despite the rain, hail and cool temperatures, the hike was soul food; crisp and damp forest smells, breathtaking waterfalls and serenades from the birds in the tree canopy.
On Monday morning, the kiddos finished up their workout and headed over to the cafe to do their summer bridge work. I had promised them that we could go to activity center, Amazing Fun Center, just up the street where they had seen go carts, boats, mini golf and a large maze. We spent about 3 hours here before heading to the grocery store and back to camp.
On Tuesday, the kiddos and I decided to head back up to Glacier again and to do the pull outs to take pictures. The weather was much more cooperative and the views were humbling. We didn’t have much of an agenda and wanted to take it all in. We first headed over Apgar Visitor Center so we could get stamps for the kids’ NP passports. Things were still closed, so we made do with the pre-stamped pieces of paper they had out. We also picked up a park map and decided to walk the paved pathway to the amphitheater and other Apgar campsites along Lake McDonald. We had an easy sack lunch along the lake. After heading back to the truck, we decided to continue up the road to Trail of the Cedars to see the trees. This was a flat hike with a few water falls, bridges and a boardwalk throughout the cedar forest. We came upon the access point for Avalanche Lake. We decided to do that on Wednesday. That evening at the KOA, we enjoyed some live country music outdoors.
On our way up to Avalanche Trail on Wednesday, we saw plenty of bikers- both pedal and e-bikes. However, about 2 miles out from the trailhead, we saw a woman running on the road and she looked a little distressed; she was holding her phone and looking over her shoulder back up at us coming down the hill. We pulled over and asked her if everything was ok. It turns out, she was lost. She said she had been running along Avalanche Trail and must have taken a wrong turn. She’d just clocked 6 miles and the Avalanche Trail is only 4 miles roundtrip. When she heard the road, she bushwhacked her way over and then tried to use her compass to head back to the trailhead since she didn’t have any cell service. I asked her if she wanted a ride and she hopped on in. She was visibly shaken and said she had been praying that someone would be along to help. She looked in the back of the truck and saw Ben and Izzy smiling right back at her and said her prayers had been answered. We took Stephanie from Spokane to her car and wished her well! The hike to Avalanche Lake was outstanding. 500 ft incline over 2 miles. Plenty of wildlife and hikers along the way. The canopy was so crowded, that the lower branches were all without leaves. It had a dead forest feel until you looked up. The kiddos loved walking around the felled trees in Avalanche Lake and the water was crystal clear.
On Thursday the kiddos wanted to do another activity so we made our way over to Glacier Highline to do some zip lining, the tree top ropes course and bounce house. Ben and Izzy are fearless when it comes to heights.
Next stop, Stevensville MT to hang with our Friends Family- Jay, Mel, Aspen and Ella Goeltz. ❤️
The Enchiladas 
I love this journey you are all on!!!! Just amazing!!!! We love and miss you all!!!Barb, Marc and CHANCE!!Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
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Thanks! Great blog!! Love the photos!! Especially if kids zip lining. What a memorable experience for all of you💞 and glacier park is one park that is on my bucket list. My brother & his wife visited & raved about it! Safe travels! Love Ruth
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