The “Blues” refers to the fantastic blue sky in the Big Sky state of Montana. It’s November; the days are short; the nights are below freezing; but there are still great sunny days for hiking. Going-To-The-Sun Road is only open to Avalanche on the west side and closed at St.Mary on the east side, which greatly limits trail access, but there are still good trails available.
As the sun rises and warms things up I’m off to go up to Apgar Lookout. It’s a short drive (15 minutes) to the trailhead. 3.6 miles to the top, up almost 2000 feet.
There is a great view near the top of all of beautiful West Glacier, Montana. The horseshoe bend of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River meanders around Glacier View Gold Course, and our house on the 18th fairway is visible. The few buildings and shops in town are hidden in the trees beyond. This time of year everything is closed in West Glacier except the elementary school and the post office.
A closer look at the mountains beyond. The snow covered peaks are all in the park. Christmas must be soon, because at the rightmost point one can see the peak of Mt. St. Nicholas, so named because it looks like Santa’a hat.
The unmanned Apgar fire lookout at the top, 5200 feet elevation.
WOW! An iPhone camera does not fully capture the experience. The cold air is just so clear. The snow on the mountains with the sun on them is glowing. The view is looking up Lake McDonald, the largest lake in the park.
A closer look. Quite amazing in person the detail, sharpness and color the eye can pick out at such a distance.
And the peripheral vision of the mountains from the lake extending all the way up the North Fork ….
One more view of the lake, showing the ice on the trail where I was standing. Shady places are chilly.
Most of the fall colors are now gone, but some very stubborn red leaves bitterly clung on
