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

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.

Comments for Discovering Glacier National Park’s Magic: My First Hike in Glacier

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Jul 14, 2012

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Sticker

by: Lorien

I saw that sticker on a car in West Glacier a week or two ago, but cannot find it anywhere! Where did you get it? Glacier is definitely my happy place, too!!


Jun 19, 2011

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great

by: Lou


As a Montana native and my mother born and raised in white fish I love Glacier But it took a new pair od eyes and hands to see and write how I feel about one of my favorite places on earth. 5 stars indeed thank you.


Jun 19, 2011

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Glacial peaks

by: Jenn


Thank you for sharing your happy place with us!


Jun 17, 2011

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Thank You All

by: Author, BJ Jones

Thank you all for taking the time to read my story. It has been one of the best experiences in my life. I even bought a bumper-sticker for my car that states: “Glacier is my Happy Place”.
The wonders of that park never cease to amaze me with every visit I make. It’s never boring, never gets old, always something amazing to discover, photograph or just stand in awe.


Jun 17, 2011

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Nice!

by: A. Becky


Nice story, thanks for sharing that experience, haven’t been to Glacier yet…..sorry to say, but enjoy the majesty of Rocky Mountain National Park a lot.


Jun 17, 2011

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Happy Place 🙂

by: Traci

Thank you for the beautiful story. I feel like I can almost see the awesome views from your story


Jun 17, 2011

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MY FIRST HIKE

by: Anonymous


Good story. Thanks for writing.


Jun 17, 2011

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To See Is To Wonder

by: Claudsy


Like you I have ventured into the Park many times. My overriding question is always “I wonder when it was really like before it became a park?”
The drive demands that the visitor ask that question about how the early nountain and and Native tribes saw this awe-inspiring place.Thank you for expressing what so many feel and never voice.


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