chandlerwest
Member
- Joined
- Feb 7, 2015
- Messages
- 533
The idea for this trip arose in early 2015. @Jeffrey Chandler piled these off trail trek ideas on me. I did everything not to say yes. "There are 734 miles of trail", blah blah, "I have a 30 year contract with the bears. I stay on the trails and I holler and they leave me alone", blah blah, "a coworker got eaten by a bear because he went off trail". In other words he was taking me out of my comfort zone. I pacified him in 2015 by climbing Mt. Oberlin.
Jump ahead to early 2016. Jeff starts hounding me to backpack in Glacier. Personally I do not have enough desire to do that to put out the financial costs. He had the desire to solo backpack. 15 years old with next to no experience......in Glacier.....with grizzlies. I could have said no but that would have been too easy. In June we dropped into the backcountry office so that they would tell him that they would not give him a permit because of his age. On the advance reservation site you need to be 18 so I felt that this was a done deal for me. They drug out a supervisor and he said that as long as a parent was with him in the office they would issue him a permit. Shit!
In July I turned to Jeff and said "remember all that angst and anxiety you gave me last year with your off trail stuff? Now you are giving me a new level of angst and anxiety and we have not even experienced last years crap yet." With all the Zion Nat'l Park adventures I have had the past 2 years I had gotten a lot more comfortable with the off trail idea. So as a compromise the backpacking was tabled for 2016 and we focused on off trail! What a wonderful idea. Sure beat....saying no to him repeatedly.
Our adventures took us on goat, social, mountaineering and abandoned trails.
Day One took us Snow Moon Basin. This route is used by those who choose to climb Mt. Allen. This picture shows everything but the initial trudge thru the forest and up "Dread Scree Stroll". We went across the slope/cliffs right to left, up to the basin, then up to the ridgeline on the left. Stopping below the start of the Class 4 cliff climb.![IMG_7449.JPG IMG_7449.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46719-ce5784d9440a9c2c942201c73f456645.jpg)
View up towards Mt. Gould and Grinnell Point![IMG_7452.JPG IMG_7452.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46720-0654db05992c0a1ad5f6a10d8390e2d0.jpg)
@Jeffrey Chandler with our starting point, Many Glacier Hotel, in the background. Jumping ahead a bit. See the valley in the middle? The bench on the left side? That is Shangri-La where we go on Day 2![IMG_7479.JPG IMG_7479.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46721-9579adb2eed933d30124740dd807a46f.jpg)
There was a bit of exposure getting across this face. But nothing sucking you down into it.![IMG_7484.JPG IMG_7484.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46722-6f489775e25019581c5d5485fb91c64a.jpg)
We make a 180 turn at the shoulder and head up to the basin. The "trail" hugs the base of the cliffs with a great scree drop on the left. Schwab Falls![IMG_7489.JPG IMG_7489.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46723-9236caded4925f16192beb7e3e8d0efd.jpg)
Falling Leaf Lake
![IMG_7505.JPG IMG_7505.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46725-f827020a4bfb507bcd05f103593b7ebb.jpg)
Nature's Infinity Pool![IMG_7513.JPG IMG_7513.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46726-f5c6540e68e478d2f1a178dbc158989e.jpg)
Snow Moon Lake
![IMG_7516.JPG IMG_7516.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46727-c1b681b2187ddc64dfa96a1536096510.jpg)
Short stream/falls between Falling Leaf and Snow Moon Lakes
![IMG_7518.JPG IMG_7518.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46728-84c9bd61105236ded6f478928e2f14e0.jpg)
We cross the stream and have to make our way up the far slope. Avoiding the gnarly krumholz and brush as best we could. Unbeknownst to us, what we see is maybe half of what there was.
![IMG_7520.JPG IMG_7520.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46729-9b26e81855d7a2ab2b36e96c1a67f000.jpg)
![IMG_7528.JPG IMG_7528.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46730-708b98c7fd0fd2a28d9a44d87429851e.jpg)
Just a lonnnng trudge. One step at a time.
![IMG_7534a.JPG IMG_7534a.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46731-9ef1529ae03cb2e520350c16be830b73.jpg)
A pretty nice lunch spot. Hunkering down in the wind and looking at the mountains in the North.
![IMG_7537.JPG IMG_7537.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46733-4e7abe5cdba519356999db2e84b272ed.jpg)
See that basin? That is where we go on Day Three
![IMG_7540.JPG IMG_7540.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46734-6bf7897454bb66f554d0c101006534ab.jpg)
After a 3,000 foot climb from the parking lot we finally hit the ridge. Looking down onto the Cracker Lake Trail
![IMG_7549.JPG IMG_7549.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46735-74006475d2cbaf6bb738d2927ba74ce0.jpg)
Hoping to see as much of Cracker Lake as possible I asked Jeff, "can we go just a little bit higher?"
![IMG_7553.JPG IMG_7553.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46736-46d2937d79f2c24bd449252eb9c54f58.jpg)
Cracker Lake and 10,010 Mt. Siyeh towering 4,000 over the lake. Cracker Lake owes it unique color to Siyeh Glacier
![IMG_7557.JPG IMG_7557.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46738-0e4c571ce1e0a4dfb8e10ed5edac3b09.jpg)
I literally shouted "look where my son got me!!!!" We decided to take a more direct route down. We found that we could walk across the top of a mat of brush easily and benignly. Shortly after leaving the ridge I here an exclamation from behind me. Jeff had been blown over by the wind and had cut his hand on the rocks.
![IMG_7565.JPG IMG_7565.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46739-005d79c93a278dd39dab3d1c8e310f49.jpg)
Snow Moon and Falling Leaf Lakes
![IMG_7587.JPG IMG_7587.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46742-dfcee85642404ec46036d07eb45f5bfe.jpg)
Upon arriving back at the slope/cliffs we reminded each other that we REALLY needed to be careful. Rubbery legs were going to make this trip more interesting.
![IMG_7603.JPG IMG_7603.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46743-352064a5a48b899b3683af7d05ad65ff.jpg)
Lake Sherbourne
![IMG_7607.JPG IMG_7607.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46745-78b76c924cc6729b6231aef2069b6c34.jpg)
To some this controlled fall down to the forest could probably be done in a couple minutes. It took us quite a bit longer. I swear that downhiller phobia is a true mental state. We sat down for dinner at the cabin at 10:00PM. We know how to fill a day.
![IMG_7613.JPG IMG_7613.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46746-9d0db1d9b11e11880b842d1e70d29f95.jpg)
Day Two - The social trail takes off for Shangri-La
![IMG_7623.JPG IMG_7623.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46747-2682674245b53e405ac6453c40b7dca9.jpg)
We have quite the elevation gain getting to the cliff face. THEN we need to get up the thing!
Initial crease to enter the climb.
![IMG_7643a.JPG IMG_7643a.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46749-84c0d6e10efc78a2ec6c4e86e8e7ce7e.jpg)
Guess where we go?
![IMG_7648.JPG IMG_7648.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46750-6343e38a1591fb2970ecb38d60738c95.jpg)
A bit of exposure. Enough people do this so if you are paying attention the route is nice to follow.
![IMG_7657b.JPG IMG_7657b.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46752-17bed8a8de0c422b9b57e3096d3baafc.jpg)
This could have been more dramatic if I had only followed thru on the thought to motion Jeff out to the point.
![IMG_7672.JPG IMG_7672.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46753-5c522f33c245fce3406bfdccc3073db9.jpg)
At the top of the cliffs we found a massive area plowed by a grizzly evidently going after a rodent. (Didn't get the shot.) The trip to the lake was INCREDIBLE with waterfalls and wildflowers. I was in Heaven.
Shangri-La Lake
![IMG_7746.JPG IMG_7746.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46763-d1210e0234f1563f5fb6320aee1a30db.jpg)
As Ptarmingan Wall came into view my stomach started tightening out of anticipation of what was coming.
![IMG_7749.JPG IMG_7749.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46764-2897a11e6d1934fd925cbeb7c7199592.jpg)
Holy Sheeit.
![IMG_7756.JPG IMG_7756.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46765-9d2400bca5063246959ac5235ad626b9.jpg)
It took us 1 hour and 10 minutes to get down to Iceberg Lake. We hugged the brush as much as possible so that we could have something to arrest our fall, if need be. Had to take some flower shots to keep inner peace.
![IMG_7777.JPG IMG_7777.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46770-ec1dd69d8ceb20abb50665bb5bc7ac55.jpg)
A couple times during the day Jeff had mentioned "Power Walking" out the Iceberg Lake trail. I would say "can't we just walk." After the terrain of these two days it really did feel like Power Walking out to the car. This picture looks back to the ridgeline where we were on Day One. The middle sliver of ridge (not foreground). The foreground left was the slope/cliff we traversed.
![IMG_7804.JPG IMG_7804.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46772-6c58cd1bd11a5f06808bb9146d2a064f.jpg)
Day Three comes with a story. In 1987 I was the Relief Night Auditor at the lodges. The "Rover". I gave the location Night Auditors their day off. The lodge managers looked at me as the Controller's spy. Which I guess I was. On July 27th I received a phone call from the manage of Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. Their Night Auditor Gary Groeden had not come into work. After my shift was over I got over to Swiftcurrent to take care of the business end of things while the young Pakistani manager dealt with the missing Gary. Having talked to Gary many times about hiking in Glacier I was part of the whirlwind of "where is Gary?" He never talked about going off trail so I was holding out for him getting pissed at something and simply taking off back to Wisconsin. Six weeks later what was left of Gary was found cached in the brush near Natahki Lake in the Apikuny Basin. I struggled with Gary's death for close to 20 years. Why......and how did he get up there? You just don't walk into that Basin. Well, Jeff and I followed in the footsteps of my coworker and friend Gary. We follow the mile trail to Apikuny Falls then up the abandoned mountain trail to the basin.
![IMG_7808.JPG IMG_7808.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46773-b32c54c31ae5b82da0cd906d7dd121e1.jpg)
Looking back towards Day One terrain.
![IMG_7818.JPG IMG_7818.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46774-a318118ccf6e303b0435a977db00c0db.jpg)
It was a beautiful open basin with short trees and red rock. Waterfalls come down from the Upper Basin where Natahki Lake is situated.
![IMG_7828.JPG IMG_7828.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46777-810b22b85fe389850eed6421141e19c3.jpg)
We saw a couple large families of Grouse.
![IMG_7839.JPG IMG_7839.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46778-d33c7c58183f74ad444e80fe410881e4.jpg)
We studied the slope up to Natahki Lake for quite awhile. Maybe we could see how to get thru the rocks/cliffs. Maybe we could get up the "path" that looked like a white line painted on a wall. Maybe we could get to Natahki Lake. BUT we would then have to get back down. What we came to realize was that Gary having a horrible bear encounter was the most pleasant experience he could have had. To have injured himself in a fall and laying until the bear came along was much more likely to have happened. As Jeff mentioned as we were deciding to turn around. The is "a lot of Spirit Energy here". Salute Gary!
![IMG_7866.JPG IMG_7866.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46781-90f65f686ac6ae2a12ce34406ef5f888.jpg)
See the abandon trail going up this cliff? Neither do I. Coming down was only slightly a controlled fall. Apikuni Falls
![IMG_7886.JPG IMG_7886.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46783-f026c3d1bb45bda8f6276ea67522b374.jpg)
Day Four was affected by the accumulation of three days of hiking and time constraints.
Lake McDonald.
![IMG_7899.JPG IMG_7899.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46784-03098eccff89e01a97faf6adcfc68d11.jpg)
The initial plan was to go up Lunch Creek. A 2,000 ft. climb/trudge up this face to the saddle above. Then down to Piegan Pass, then over to Siyeh Pass and out to the road to take a Shuttle back to Logan Pass. The last shuttle comes thru at 6:30. It would have taken us a long time to get up to the saddle so we would have stressed about the shuttle most of the day. So we took a step back and did the Siyeh Pass trail.
![IMG_7907.JPG IMG_7907.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46786-9a4dbbceb6aa2a41036224b6b552ca47.jpg)
This trail is renown for its wildflowers. We hit the season pretty well.
![IMG_7926.JPG IMG_7926.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46791-81dd615b4fddc3d946a0af1b9bd1e0f9.jpg)
These next two shots were found 3 feet from each other.
![IMG_7951.JPG IMG_7951.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46797-de707ac139bed15ee1d420d291e756f4.jpg)
I want to point out the little ground squirrel in the bottom of the shot. Mt. Reynold's in the background.
![IMG_7953.JPG IMG_7953.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46798-c8cf8f34b1c308db1f4e88d78ef72de4.jpg)
Piegan Mountain and Glacier
![IMG_7961.JPG IMG_7961.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46800-f1f3328d6233df298b491587278fc82e.jpg)
Jeff approaching Siyeh Pass
![IMG_7965.JPG IMG_7965.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46801-8cbd8e6d7874a869e2001205a53736a3.jpg)
Boulder Creek. There is no official access to this area.
![IMG_7977.JPG IMG_7977.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46803-9a62f84aaa045f553c6c50ddf3141e24.jpg)
Sexton Glacier
![IMG_7994.JPG IMG_7994.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46805-f49e49f3e1c3883655732b7a2e64b8fa.jpg)
I could have cried when I saw what the 2015 Reynold's Creek fire did to the trees up here in Baring Creek. You can see from the stumps that these were not boring tall straight trees. They were the low to the ground, windswept kind. Tragic loss.
Day Five weather came in. We drove up to Logan Pass and sat in the car for a couple hours. Watching people and the weather.
![IMG_8028.JPG IMG_8028.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46808-9040202f8cd0f06296aada7b7c3bdf4c.jpg)
Sixth and final day. I discovered this route in 2012 while on a trip alone. In 2014 I took @Scott Chandler and my friend Kurt (Glacier co-worker from 1985) and @Jeffrey Chandler out to the nameless ridge. But two years ago Jeff refused to go across the cliff line so we had left him on the Dragon's Tail Saddle. He wanted to redeem himself and go all the way in 2016. We had a great inversion/fog in the drive up to Logan Pass.
![IMG_8037.JPG IMG_8037.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46809-cd1259c909113d0035ee53477abe9f0f.jpg)
The initial goal is yonder saddle.
![IMG_8047.JPG IMG_8047.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46811-91e699b029eb5492773f24a68ec906e3.jpg)
Looking down to Hidden Lake.
![IMG_8056.JPG IMG_8056.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46812-312266237b4f6c76804dfaade617c475.jpg)
West of the saddle that stopped Jeff two years ago.
We walked the ridge until it cliffed out.
![img_8068a.JPG img_8068a.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46816-a19520dab12c1856b7170dad2b805a55.jpg)
Blackfoot and Jackson Glacier Basin
![IMG_8084.JPG IMG_8084.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46818-77a4904d3079a95b70e8f2218aa89685.jpg)
Huge cornice on Gunsight Mtn.
![IMG_8089.JPG IMG_8089.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46819-ee0e6740d2083e093c3fc372ce4d2c8e.jpg)
Looking north. Mt. Cleveland on the far left. Probably 20 miles away.
![IMG_8092.JPG IMG_8092.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46820-9451262ff8a9880b172d5cec14dc98a2.jpg)
Garden Wall
![IMG_8093.JPG IMG_8093.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46821-8ed48872f89187a20cd885a545ed0744.jpg)
A nasty perspective of the Lunch Creek climb that we did not do on Day Four.
![IMG_8094.JPG IMG_8094.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46822-1d3f84be901851e6bcc66e6911b28287.jpg)
A look over towards Siyeh Pass and Going to the Sun Mtn.
![IMG_8107.JPG IMG_8107.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46823-b77458d29738be9d6c83b687da4fc403.jpg)
Mt. Reynold's
![IMG_8113.JPG IMG_8113.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46824-50781bc9b7e63f7c7031df4a8416361f.jpg)
Twin Lakes. This basin is the source of Florence Falls which you saw in my June trip report.
![IMG_8120.JPG IMG_8120.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46826-e418db60e7c060bfc28f1cc661b718e2.jpg)
We start the long trek back.
![IMG_8147.JPG IMG_8147.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46831-ecc012acd73407ffabd88bca8ab7013f.jpg)
Almost back to the Hidden Lake Trail and horde of tourist we literally stumbled on to this fellow.
![IMG_8155.JPG IMG_8155.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46833-6c879361951be11256d3b2fc229c9f22.jpg)
Our day took us up and over the saddles on the high left and middle.
![IMG_8156.JPG IMG_8156.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46834-7cfd4cba8f2d4918710bf45596264090.jpg)
We didn't have huge miles for the week but we had massive elevation gain over varied terrain. I am very grateful that Jeff got me out of my comfort zone. I suppose what I need to do now is try to find some backpacking gear for $100.
Jump ahead to early 2016. Jeff starts hounding me to backpack in Glacier. Personally I do not have enough desire to do that to put out the financial costs. He had the desire to solo backpack. 15 years old with next to no experience......in Glacier.....with grizzlies. I could have said no but that would have been too easy. In June we dropped into the backcountry office so that they would tell him that they would not give him a permit because of his age. On the advance reservation site you need to be 18 so I felt that this was a done deal for me. They drug out a supervisor and he said that as long as a parent was with him in the office they would issue him a permit. Shit!
In July I turned to Jeff and said "remember all that angst and anxiety you gave me last year with your off trail stuff? Now you are giving me a new level of angst and anxiety and we have not even experienced last years crap yet." With all the Zion Nat'l Park adventures I have had the past 2 years I had gotten a lot more comfortable with the off trail idea. So as a compromise the backpacking was tabled for 2016 and we focused on off trail! What a wonderful idea. Sure beat....saying no to him repeatedly.
Our adventures took us on goat, social, mountaineering and abandoned trails.
Day One took us Snow Moon Basin. This route is used by those who choose to climb Mt. Allen. This picture shows everything but the initial trudge thru the forest and up "Dread Scree Stroll". We went across the slope/cliffs right to left, up to the basin, then up to the ridgeline on the left. Stopping below the start of the Class 4 cliff climb.
![IMG_7449.JPG IMG_7449.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46719-ce5784d9440a9c2c942201c73f456645.jpg)
View up towards Mt. Gould and Grinnell Point
![IMG_7452.JPG IMG_7452.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46720-0654db05992c0a1ad5f6a10d8390e2d0.jpg)
@Jeffrey Chandler with our starting point, Many Glacier Hotel, in the background. Jumping ahead a bit. See the valley in the middle? The bench on the left side? That is Shangri-La where we go on Day 2
![IMG_7479.JPG IMG_7479.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46721-9579adb2eed933d30124740dd807a46f.jpg)
There was a bit of exposure getting across this face. But nothing sucking you down into it.
![IMG_7484.JPG IMG_7484.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46722-6f489775e25019581c5d5485fb91c64a.jpg)
We make a 180 turn at the shoulder and head up to the basin. The "trail" hugs the base of the cliffs with a great scree drop on the left. Schwab Falls
![IMG_7489.JPG IMG_7489.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46723-9236caded4925f16192beb7e3e8d0efd.jpg)
Falling Leaf Lake
![IMG_7498.JPG IMG_7498.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46724-5129b4339b749b385c16f8e288f0669f.jpg)
![IMG_7505.JPG IMG_7505.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46725-f827020a4bfb507bcd05f103593b7ebb.jpg)
Nature's Infinity Pool
![IMG_7513.JPG IMG_7513.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46726-f5c6540e68e478d2f1a178dbc158989e.jpg)
Snow Moon Lake
![IMG_7516.JPG IMG_7516.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46727-c1b681b2187ddc64dfa96a1536096510.jpg)
Short stream/falls between Falling Leaf and Snow Moon Lakes
![IMG_7518.JPG IMG_7518.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46728-84c9bd61105236ded6f478928e2f14e0.jpg)
We cross the stream and have to make our way up the far slope. Avoiding the gnarly krumholz and brush as best we could. Unbeknownst to us, what we see is maybe half of what there was.
![IMG_7520.JPG IMG_7520.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46729-9b26e81855d7a2ab2b36e96c1a67f000.jpg)
![IMG_7528.JPG IMG_7528.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46730-708b98c7fd0fd2a28d9a44d87429851e.jpg)
Just a lonnnng trudge. One step at a time.
![IMG_7534a.JPG IMG_7534a.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46731-9ef1529ae03cb2e520350c16be830b73.jpg)
A pretty nice lunch spot. Hunkering down in the wind and looking at the mountains in the North.
![IMG_7536.JPG IMG_7536.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46732-03b7102e3d799ef6fd586b87d3ebb27a.jpg)
![IMG_7537.JPG IMG_7537.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46733-4e7abe5cdba519356999db2e84b272ed.jpg)
See that basin? That is where we go on Day Three
![IMG_7540.JPG IMG_7540.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46734-6bf7897454bb66f554d0c101006534ab.jpg)
After a 3,000 foot climb from the parking lot we finally hit the ridge. Looking down onto the Cracker Lake Trail
![IMG_7549.JPG IMG_7549.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46735-74006475d2cbaf6bb738d2927ba74ce0.jpg)
Hoping to see as much of Cracker Lake as possible I asked Jeff, "can we go just a little bit higher?"
![IMG_7553.JPG IMG_7553.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46736-46d2937d79f2c24bd449252eb9c54f58.jpg)
Cracker Lake and 10,010 Mt. Siyeh towering 4,000 over the lake. Cracker Lake owes it unique color to Siyeh Glacier
![IMG_7556.JPG IMG_7556.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46737-db9825d14e4225f8c608c73b30e25007.jpg)
![IMG_7557.JPG IMG_7557.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46738-0e4c571ce1e0a4dfb8e10ed5edac3b09.jpg)
I literally shouted "look where my son got me!!!!" We decided to take a more direct route down. We found that we could walk across the top of a mat of brush easily and benignly. Shortly after leaving the ridge I here an exclamation from behind me. Jeff had been blown over by the wind and had cut his hand on the rocks.
![IMG_7565.JPG IMG_7565.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46739-005d79c93a278dd39dab3d1c8e310f49.jpg)
Snow Moon and Falling Leaf Lakes
![IMG_7573.JPG IMG_7573.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46740-b6c5bc84be1bbf4fa3748bb14210f29b.jpg)
![IMG_7580.JPG IMG_7580.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46741-827a163e86852b676376d450c6490931.jpg)
![IMG_7587.JPG IMG_7587.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46742-dfcee85642404ec46036d07eb45f5bfe.jpg)
Upon arriving back at the slope/cliffs we reminded each other that we REALLY needed to be careful. Rubbery legs were going to make this trip more interesting.
![IMG_7603.JPG IMG_7603.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46743-352064a5a48b899b3683af7d05ad65ff.jpg)
Lake Sherbourne
![IMG_7606.JPG IMG_7606.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46744-407cd0365455c364c3c645901288845f.jpg)
![IMG_7607.JPG IMG_7607.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46745-78b76c924cc6729b6231aef2069b6c34.jpg)
To some this controlled fall down to the forest could probably be done in a couple minutes. It took us quite a bit longer. I swear that downhiller phobia is a true mental state. We sat down for dinner at the cabin at 10:00PM. We know how to fill a day.
![IMG_7613.JPG IMG_7613.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46746-9d0db1d9b11e11880b842d1e70d29f95.jpg)
Day Two - The social trail takes off for Shangri-La
![IMG_7623.JPG IMG_7623.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46747-2682674245b53e405ac6453c40b7dca9.jpg)
We have quite the elevation gain getting to the cliff face. THEN we need to get up the thing!
![IMG_7633.JPG IMG_7633.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46748-75d9c9b81f9d9386b8d73513065a9c6e.jpg)
Initial crease to enter the climb.
![IMG_7643a.JPG IMG_7643a.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46749-84c0d6e10efc78a2ec6c4e86e8e7ce7e.jpg)
Guess where we go?
![IMG_7648.JPG IMG_7648.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46750-6343e38a1591fb2970ecb38d60738c95.jpg)
A bit of exposure. Enough people do this so if you are paying attention the route is nice to follow.
![IMG_7655.JPG IMG_7655.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46751-5956c3f0a5d2b27a9c6841b677406bd0.jpg)
![IMG_7657b.JPG IMG_7657b.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46752-17bed8a8de0c422b9b57e3096d3baafc.jpg)
This could have been more dramatic if I had only followed thru on the thought to motion Jeff out to the point.
![IMG_7672.JPG IMG_7672.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46753-5c522f33c245fce3406bfdccc3073db9.jpg)
At the top of the cliffs we found a massive area plowed by a grizzly evidently going after a rodent. (Didn't get the shot.) The trip to the lake was INCREDIBLE with waterfalls and wildflowers. I was in Heaven.
![IMG_7688.JPG IMG_7688.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46754-a6e64e9fe8a184fc656b01e0f4d5cf6e.jpg)
![IMG_7693.JPG IMG_7693.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46755-ca33d9314dd608b1174a2a2e52a5fec1.jpg)
![IMG_7697.JPG IMG_7697.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46756-972f35281b56e52fcd195e1fcaba5f27.jpg)
![IMG_7701.JPG IMG_7701.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46757-12c06e1304633388d226a87b266ded26.jpg)
![IMG_7706.JPG IMG_7706.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46758-e984bcd928cae0e43baa35ba114aacc4.jpg)
![IMG_7710.JPG IMG_7710.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46759-4f04c66333691986a059bfb834f5b32a.jpg)
Shangri-La Lake
![IMG_7716.JPG IMG_7716.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46760-98a1ad929cb6ccd9f2a0d40e5fc9320d.jpg)
![IMG_7721.JPG IMG_7721.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46761-6a9aa03acd7d6861a9f2409cbe1371bf.jpg)
![IMG_7743.JPG IMG_7743.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46762-401a26b027452586f08ac05d15b9eed2.jpg)
![IMG_7746.JPG IMG_7746.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46763-d1210e0234f1563f5fb6320aee1a30db.jpg)
As Ptarmingan Wall came into view my stomach started tightening out of anticipation of what was coming.
![IMG_7749.JPG IMG_7749.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46764-2897a11e6d1934fd925cbeb7c7199592.jpg)
Holy Sheeit.
![IMG_7756.JPG IMG_7756.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46765-9d2400bca5063246959ac5235ad626b9.jpg)
It took us 1 hour and 10 minutes to get down to Iceberg Lake. We hugged the brush as much as possible so that we could have something to arrest our fall, if need be. Had to take some flower shots to keep inner peace.
![img_7758a.JPG img_7758a.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46766-cc393f41f5ce6adf9639664f7996b34a.jpg)
![IMG_7764.JPG IMG_7764.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46767-b004d9f1e5a69131abb8dd90cd012a04.jpg)
![IMG_7765.JPG IMG_7765.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46768-ba36f06238b5b116354cc8b0e6658648.jpg)
![IMG_7769.JPG IMG_7769.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46769-1ec0ed1e0d1650e77bbb585dd267f9fa.jpg)
![IMG_7777.JPG IMG_7777.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46770-ec1dd69d8ceb20abb50665bb5bc7ac55.jpg)
A couple times during the day Jeff had mentioned "Power Walking" out the Iceberg Lake trail. I would say "can't we just walk." After the terrain of these two days it really did feel like Power Walking out to the car. This picture looks back to the ridgeline where we were on Day One. The middle sliver of ridge (not foreground). The foreground left was the slope/cliff we traversed.
![IMG_7794.JPG IMG_7794.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46771-56253342cac2d9a30d686bd01b013912.jpg)
![IMG_7804.JPG IMG_7804.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46772-6c58cd1bd11a5f06808bb9146d2a064f.jpg)
Day Three comes with a story. In 1987 I was the Relief Night Auditor at the lodges. The "Rover". I gave the location Night Auditors their day off. The lodge managers looked at me as the Controller's spy. Which I guess I was. On July 27th I received a phone call from the manage of Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. Their Night Auditor Gary Groeden had not come into work. After my shift was over I got over to Swiftcurrent to take care of the business end of things while the young Pakistani manager dealt with the missing Gary. Having talked to Gary many times about hiking in Glacier I was part of the whirlwind of "where is Gary?" He never talked about going off trail so I was holding out for him getting pissed at something and simply taking off back to Wisconsin. Six weeks later what was left of Gary was found cached in the brush near Natahki Lake in the Apikuny Basin. I struggled with Gary's death for close to 20 years. Why......and how did he get up there? You just don't walk into that Basin. Well, Jeff and I followed in the footsteps of my coworker and friend Gary. We follow the mile trail to Apikuny Falls then up the abandoned mountain trail to the basin.
![IMG_7808.JPG IMG_7808.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46773-b32c54c31ae5b82da0cd906d7dd121e1.jpg)
Looking back towards Day One terrain.
![IMG_7818.JPG IMG_7818.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46774-a318118ccf6e303b0435a977db00c0db.jpg)
It was a beautiful open basin with short trees and red rock. Waterfalls come down from the Upper Basin where Natahki Lake is situated.
![IMG_7825.JPG IMG_7825.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46775-edfa3667bfcec2b2980a4d4c63ed39cb.jpg)
![IMG_7826.JPG IMG_7826.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46776-fb79fea9798640c3251ca8bedbf9a41b.jpg)
![IMG_7828.JPG IMG_7828.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46777-810b22b85fe389850eed6421141e19c3.jpg)
We saw a couple large families of Grouse.
![IMG_7839.JPG IMG_7839.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46778-d33c7c58183f74ad444e80fe410881e4.jpg)
We studied the slope up to Natahki Lake for quite awhile. Maybe we could see how to get thru the rocks/cliffs. Maybe we could get up the "path" that looked like a white line painted on a wall. Maybe we could get to Natahki Lake. BUT we would then have to get back down. What we came to realize was that Gary having a horrible bear encounter was the most pleasant experience he could have had. To have injured himself in a fall and laying until the bear came along was much more likely to have happened. As Jeff mentioned as we were deciding to turn around. The is "a lot of Spirit Energy here". Salute Gary!
![IMG_7850.JPG IMG_7850.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46779-2ecb4951c42c126808bd9a2c4d6b1afd.jpg)
![img_7850a.JPG img_7850a.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46780-b4ff26e48a8046e4a507ac7361c9605d.jpg)
![IMG_7866.JPG IMG_7866.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46781-90f65f686ac6ae2a12ce34406ef5f888.jpg)
See the abandon trail going up this cliff? Neither do I. Coming down was only slightly a controlled fall. Apikuni Falls
![IMG_7883.JPG IMG_7883.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46782-12f880e57c4e1623e1eb5f7803a1185e.jpg)
![IMG_7886.JPG IMG_7886.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46783-f026c3d1bb45bda8f6276ea67522b374.jpg)
Day Four was affected by the accumulation of three days of hiking and time constraints.
Lake McDonald.
![IMG_7899.JPG IMG_7899.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46784-03098eccff89e01a97faf6adcfc68d11.jpg)
The initial plan was to go up Lunch Creek. A 2,000 ft. climb/trudge up this face to the saddle above. Then down to Piegan Pass, then over to Siyeh Pass and out to the road to take a Shuttle back to Logan Pass. The last shuttle comes thru at 6:30. It would have taken us a long time to get up to the saddle so we would have stressed about the shuttle most of the day. So we took a step back and did the Siyeh Pass trail.
![IMG_7906.JPG IMG_7906.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46785-a016b7a6495d6f26b19fea6f5060d6d1.jpg)
![IMG_7907.JPG IMG_7907.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46786-9a4dbbceb6aa2a41036224b6b552ca47.jpg)
This trail is renown for its wildflowers. We hit the season pretty well.
![IMG_7917.JPG IMG_7917.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46787-4cc0624d5b77956dfc9d04992f02261d.jpg)
![IMG_7919.JPG IMG_7919.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46788-a7202aeffa3782b03295461b187845db.jpg)
![IMG_7921.JPG IMG_7921.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46789-982287b325f573531f9cc06e46ce96bb.jpg)
![IMG_7925.JPG IMG_7925.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46790-09ecb47b02e8193574c7e2992457c391.jpg)
![IMG_7926.JPG IMG_7926.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46791-81dd615b4fddc3d946a0af1b9bd1e0f9.jpg)
These next two shots were found 3 feet from each other.
![IMG_7931.JPG IMG_7931.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46792-afb8edf2e5a55b5148926b2aceeb0c88.jpg)
![IMG_7932.JPG IMG_7932.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46793-c7a3ed3e56ff490988d753db7f3dd271.jpg)
![IMG_7933.JPG IMG_7933.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46794-95374a447686f22e7d8975f4580d2975.jpg)
![IMG_7940.JPG IMG_7940.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46795-c0f465e4bb564bce31a7b2404b5b792d.jpg)
![IMG_7944.JPG IMG_7944.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46796-91ffaba56a25dcd8717f73214116e366.jpg)
![IMG_7951.JPG IMG_7951.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46797-de707ac139bed15ee1d420d291e756f4.jpg)
I want to point out the little ground squirrel in the bottom of the shot. Mt. Reynold's in the background.
![IMG_7953.JPG IMG_7953.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46798-c8cf8f34b1c308db1f4e88d78ef72de4.jpg)
Piegan Mountain and Glacier
![IMG_7958.JPG IMG_7958.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46799-de690f9d75780db594cc65bc8ef99957.jpg)
![IMG_7961.JPG IMG_7961.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46800-f1f3328d6233df298b491587278fc82e.jpg)
Jeff approaching Siyeh Pass
![IMG_7965.JPG IMG_7965.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46801-8cbd8e6d7874a869e2001205a53736a3.jpg)
Boulder Creek. There is no official access to this area.
![IMG_7970.JPG IMG_7970.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46802-2ff68d634c0538b44a71814e1bce1451.jpg)
![IMG_7977.JPG IMG_7977.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46803-9a62f84aaa045f553c6c50ddf3141e24.jpg)
Sexton Glacier
![IMG_7980.JPG IMG_7980.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46804-8b2de604685d62f29a7e414bf7872f08.jpg)
![IMG_7994.JPG IMG_7994.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46805-f49e49f3e1c3883655732b7a2e64b8fa.jpg)
I could have cried when I saw what the 2015 Reynold's Creek fire did to the trees up here in Baring Creek. You can see from the stumps that these were not boring tall straight trees. They were the low to the ground, windswept kind. Tragic loss.
![IMG_8002.JPG IMG_8002.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46806-fb450add4f267a0fd3695678deab4c11.jpg)
![IMG_8017.JPG IMG_8017.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46807-a4d7c97e8f22cf1e7d3e2c9eb55d5033.jpg)
Day Five weather came in. We drove up to Logan Pass and sat in the car for a couple hours. Watching people and the weather.
![IMG_8028.JPG IMG_8028.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46808-9040202f8cd0f06296aada7b7c3bdf4c.jpg)
Sixth and final day. I discovered this route in 2012 while on a trip alone. In 2014 I took @Scott Chandler and my friend Kurt (Glacier co-worker from 1985) and @Jeffrey Chandler out to the nameless ridge. But two years ago Jeff refused to go across the cliff line so we had left him on the Dragon's Tail Saddle. He wanted to redeem himself and go all the way in 2016. We had a great inversion/fog in the drive up to Logan Pass.
![IMG_8037.JPG IMG_8037.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46809-cd1259c909113d0035ee53477abe9f0f.jpg)
The initial goal is yonder saddle.
![IMG_8041.JPG IMG_8041.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46810-f9f77fffcc2e856c8cf733fa8c459435.jpg)
![IMG_8047.JPG IMG_8047.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46811-91e699b029eb5492773f24a68ec906e3.jpg)
Looking down to Hidden Lake.
![IMG_8056.JPG IMG_8056.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46812-312266237b4f6c76804dfaade617c475.jpg)
West of the saddle that stopped Jeff two years ago.
![IMG_8061.JPG IMG_8061.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46813-89f93e89d85021c49277c12608b07109.jpg)
![IMG_8065.JPG IMG_8065.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46814-d4295c9da1f148783df2eee051decf16.jpg)
![IMG_8066.JPG IMG_8066.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46815-8a538139a4b6e2b0e2a175df8ac743e3.jpg)
We walked the ridge until it cliffed out.
![img_8068a.JPG img_8068a.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46816-a19520dab12c1856b7170dad2b805a55.jpg)
Blackfoot and Jackson Glacier Basin
![IMG_8075.JPG IMG_8075.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46817-f8cba19b35a1d53f9cf7c083a1f3a5bf.jpg)
![IMG_8084.JPG IMG_8084.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46818-77a4904d3079a95b70e8f2218aa89685.jpg)
Huge cornice on Gunsight Mtn.
![IMG_8089.JPG IMG_8089.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46819-ee0e6740d2083e093c3fc372ce4d2c8e.jpg)
Looking north. Mt. Cleveland on the far left. Probably 20 miles away.
![IMG_8092.JPG IMG_8092.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46820-9451262ff8a9880b172d5cec14dc98a2.jpg)
Garden Wall
![IMG_8093.JPG IMG_8093.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46821-8ed48872f89187a20cd885a545ed0744.jpg)
A nasty perspective of the Lunch Creek climb that we did not do on Day Four.
![IMG_8094.JPG IMG_8094.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46822-1d3f84be901851e6bcc66e6911b28287.jpg)
A look over towards Siyeh Pass and Going to the Sun Mtn.
![IMG_8107.JPG IMG_8107.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46823-b77458d29738be9d6c83b687da4fc403.jpg)
Mt. Reynold's
![IMG_8113.JPG IMG_8113.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46824-50781bc9b7e63f7c7031df4a8416361f.jpg)
Twin Lakes. This basin is the source of Florence Falls which you saw in my June trip report.
![IMG_8114.JPG IMG_8114.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46825-0531e76ab2aec6e330177738557a2ef7.jpg)
![IMG_8120.JPG IMG_8120.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46826-e418db60e7c060bfc28f1cc661b718e2.jpg)
We start the long trek back.
![IMG_8122.JPG IMG_8122.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46827-3dd9a6df67454710102aa631ec66ec48.jpg)
![IMG_8131.JPG IMG_8131.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46828-3cc083673ccb23aa577445ee769cd827.jpg)
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![IMG_8141.JPG IMG_8141.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46830-0aa4322c2bda380f4b9fe26cbc06cfd0.jpg)
![IMG_8147.JPG IMG_8147.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46831-ecc012acd73407ffabd88bca8ab7013f.jpg)
Almost back to the Hidden Lake Trail and horde of tourist we literally stumbled on to this fellow.
![IMG_8148.JPG IMG_8148.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46832-826c67cd49ab5da68df2591a79d5399b.jpg)
![IMG_8155.JPG IMG_8155.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46833-6c879361951be11256d3b2fc229c9f22.jpg)
Our day took us up and over the saddles on the high left and middle.
![IMG_8156.JPG IMG_8156.JPG](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/46/46834-7cfd4cba8f2d4918710bf45596264090.jpg)
We didn't have huge miles for the week but we had massive elevation gain over varied terrain. I am very grateful that Jeff got me out of my comfort zone. I suppose what I need to do now is try to find some backpacking gear for $100.
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