Discovering Glacier National Park's Magic: My First Hike in Glacier

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I had just recently moved from Oklahoma to Kalispell, MT. It was a glorious spring and I decided that I just had to go explore Glacier National Park.

I had never been there before but had seen a few pictures – I guess the pristine glacial peaks called to me.

I took my friend and we drove toward West Glacier on Highway 2 from Kalispell. The closer I got to those beautiful peaks, the more my heart raced with excited anticipation.

The sun was shining, and I could hear the sounds of the wild calling to me. I’ve always been drawn to the great outdoors, especially mountains and water.

We arrived at the entry gate, paid for entry (1 year) and was given a map of the park – WOW! I pulled over to study this map and just knew I had discovered a new love.

There were so many areas to discover and explore!

I just knew I had found my new Happy Place on earth. There were wonders of amazement at every turn, deer, birds, people, big red touring cars.

I felt like a kid again, giddy and mesmerized.

My very first walk in the park was at Trail of the Cedars to see Avalanche Lake. I grabbed my camera and started trying to capture all the beauty surrounding me.

I photographed the trail, the glistening peaks, a cedar tree with a huge gall near the base, a chipmunk, some birds, the creek tripping over stones and logs.

I was awe struck by everything I saw along that trail.

When I reached the bridge at Avalanche Falls; my heart melted.

I nearly cried when I witnessed such splendor!

The sounds, taste, smells and enchantment of those falls will remain etched in my memory forever. I felt actual peace and serenity, I had discovered what had been missing in my soul.

I have since that time been back to Glacier Park many, many times. I?ve hiked several trails, spent many days discovering new places, photographed its–wonders but nothing can compare to the exhilaration of that first experience at Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Falls.

Glacier National Park must be experienced through every sense: sight, smell, taste, touch – it is magical to young and old alike.

I look forward to every visit, always anticipating a new discovery among its never-ending mysteries.

It will always be my Happy Place.