Gunsight Pass to Lake McDonald

Glacier National Park, Montana

Up before the sun so I could try and get high up on Gunsight Mountain for the sunrise. Should have just gone the last of the way to the summit but wasn't planning on the attempt and didn't have the right stuff with me. But the view was pretty good anyhow. The lake below was nice to watch as it changed with the suns movement higher in the sky.

Of course the surrounding ridges showed wonderful color as well. Next year I will have to plan 3 days just to explore all the ridges surrounding this wonderful valley. Lots of summits to be climbed up, and not all of them are named.

Dropped about 2,000 feet back down to lake Ellen Wilson before the sun could get to all of the lake. It looked like an edge pool where it dropped again towards Lincoln Lake.

Climbing out of the valley for the final pass of the day the sky didn't have a cloud that I could see. It was a magnificent hike across the tree line shoulders of these peaks.

Eventually the wide open alpine trail and views turned back to mature forest lands. No sweeping vistas here, but nice shade and lots of green.

Once at the trailhead we went to the Apgar Campground and got a spot for the night, then out of the park for dinner at a wonderful cafe that has been there for over 30 years. I always eat at it if I get a chance. Besides a burger and pie tastes so good after 4 days in the backcountry.