Indian Summer ended a week ago, on 10/9. That's when the weather turned wet and cold. At that time the park service announced they were "temporarily" closing Sun road access to Logan Pass. Like all government endeavors there is nothing so permanent as something done "temporarily", and with continuing cold and wet weather the decision was made to close the road for the rest of the season. (It had already been announced it would close on 10/19 for the year anyway -- they winterize the road. Part of that is unbolting and removing guardrails which would otherwise be destroyed by winter avalanches).
But closure of the road at Avalanche Creek means no more cars on the road!!! So on the only day forecast without precipitation for the next week Sandy are I went for a bike ride to the Loop. Typically we have done this in the spring, when the days are longer and warmer, but this time we are blessed not only with fall colors, but snow covered mountains from the prior night's storm. Phenomenal!!! Saw at most 2 dozen other bikers on the 7 mile ride up to the Loop, and encountered only 3 cars with park service personnel. So quiet. It's always a thrill when you nearly have Glacier National Park to yourself.
Avalanche parking lot was packed. The park service had closed the campground for parking, and there were a lot of visitors. After about 20 minutes we finally snagged a parking spot on our 5th time around the parking area.
Don't have to go very far before being in awe of the view. New snow on the mountains on either side of us.
Wow! Wow! Wow!
The VOMIT photo (Very Old Man In Tights). The view from the road pulls you along.
View from the first turnout after crossing Logan Creek, which is the start of the incline. The view back is of Mt. Oberlin and Bird Women Falls.
Turnout #2 rest stop.
Mt. Oberlin the middle. The Garden Wall on the left with Going-To-The-Sun Road. Logan Pass is just out of view.
The west side tunnel.
Heaven's Peak looking thru one of the tunnel portals.
The sign at the Loop. We had a bite to eat but did not stay too long, as the wind kicked up and it started to snow.
The ride back with the wind chill was a wee bit cold, but the views were absolutely worth it. Quite exhilarating ride down with no cars and 4 miles of downhill to start.
The next few days are forecast cold with snow at the upper elevations. This is probably the last ride up for the year.
I'm not missing sitting in an office staring at a screen all day.
