The area of Glacier National Park that runs along the North Fork of the Flathead is stunningly beautiful country any time of year, but the stark cold and short days of winter lend a wild edge that isn’t always there in the summer. The road inside the park that runs along the North Fork is closed in the winter, but you can travel up the county road on the west side of the river, stop at the bridge over the river and ski into the park along the unplowed road. One of these days I hope to ski the fifteen mile round trip from the park entrance to Bowman Lake. It would take an early start, and the weather would have to be just right….but I think I could do it. Didn’t do it this trip, though. But there’s no need for extra long trips when the scenery is incredible the minute you step out of the car.
The area of the park around Lake McDonald feels softer, with more of a human presence all year long. The lake creates its own weather, and snowshoeing through the trees along the lake and McDonald Creek feels like you’ve entered the forest primeval.
We snowshoed a mile or so up the Sperry Glacier Trail, then headed back down and followed the lakeshore to the head of Lake MacDonald. It was a long day, but so worth every moment.
Off the Beaten Path: Hikes, Backpacks, and Travels 
Simple wonderful.
Thanks!
Love your photos. Makes me miss Montana even more!
Thanks for checking them out.
Sublime. I would love to see Glacier country in the winter with all the snow. And I would absolutely love to snow ski that 15 mile route! I tried cross country skiing for the first time a few winters ago in the Tetons and fell in love. It’s like trail running on skis!
Just a little harder to get up when you fall. But it is really fun.
We love Montana. This looks so inviting. 🙂
Thanks. I’ve been enjoying following your adventures.
Thanks!
Breathtaking photos! The ice, snow, and barren beauty…you captured it so well.
I am, however, finding it harder and harder to enjoy the ice and snow. But I’ll keep trying!
The photos are stunning!!
Nice. Thanks.
Thanks for a view of the amazing winters of the Pacific Northwest …
Glad you stopped by the check them out.
Beautiful winter shots!
Thank you.
Wonderful winter shots! Congratulations!
Thanks.
Beautiful! Makes me want to get back in the car and head straight up the North Fork! (Only a twenty four hour drive from here… Ugh…)
Well, if anyone could do it, you could. You are definitely a hardy traveler.
Wow these are amazing photos……and what a beautiful place. I had no idea Montana was so beautiful . Stunning 🙂
Thanks so much. Yes, Montana is pretty amazing – definitely worth a visit!
Wow! Amazing pictures!!!
Thanks!
Those photos are gorgeous. Makes me want to rethink my philosophy of always traveling somewhere tropical in the winter months!
Well, I don’t know that I’d rethink that – it sounds like a good philosophy to me!
Reblogged this on Simon and commented:
Love this place!
Wow, so beautiful
Thanks!