Winds Howling

While we were driving Going to the Sun Road during our recent trip to Glacier National Park, we stopped for a 2.27-mile hike at the Johns Lake Loop. It took us about an hour. We figured it would be a nice way to stretch our legs with an easy hike, but I’m not sure I’d choose to do it again. I think it sort of zapped my energy for the rest of driving Going-to-the-Sun Road, and I spent much of the remainder of the drive with the end in mind. I’m not sure the hike was so good that it made up for that, but it was still a pretty good amble through the forest. Here it is, photographed and timestamped.

10:51

Looking to the right from the bridge, you can see a waterfall, McDonald Falls, as a speck of rushing white water at the end of the corridor of trees.

To the left, Lake McDonald.

10:56

10:58

11:00

11:02

11:03: A closer view of McDonald Falls.

11:04

11:06

11:11

11:12

11:13

11:14

11:16

11:17

11:19

11:20

11:21

11:22

11:23

11:24

11:25

11:28

11:29

11:31: Here’s the trail’s namesake, Johns Lake. Not much to see, seemingly. We moved right along after getting a photo of the deer.

11:32

11:33

11:34

11:35

11:36

11:39

11:46: These are my last photos of the hike. Very shortly after these curvy boardwalks, the loop was over and we were back at the car.

12:11: We moved the car a little closer to Lake McDonald Lodge, which is just down the road from the trailhead, and got lunch. I wish I could tell you what I got, but all I have is a receipt for a $19.95 “Sandwich Special.”