G L A C I E R   N A T I O N A L   P A R K

Northwestern Montana

From Apgar I drive northward on the "Going to the Sun Road" (say that 5 times fast). To my left is Lake McDonald, a huge lake, 9 miles long and 1.5 miles wide.

I notice along the lake one can pull off the road and hike down to the shoreline. Dotted along the eastern shore are little beaches that allowed folks to get up-close-and-personal with the lake, it's a really nice setup. Once on the beach the crystal clear water beckons me to jump in for a swim. Unfortunately, it's late afternoon and I have loftier goals, to get a bike ride in before nightfall.

After a little more driving and sightseeing I reach Avalanche Creek Campgrounds, apparently I've entered bear country. I park the van and set to task, figuring out this afternoon's biking venue. I'm in the mood for some serious road biking, a ride to test my endurance and strength. Given all the elevation the park has to offer, I don't have to look very far. Using my GPS software I devise a route to depart Avalanche Creek Campground and travel uphill to Logan Pass, some 15 miles away and 3,000+ feet up.