9/5/16 Up the chairlift at the Whitefish Mountain ski resort, then picking (and eating) wild huckleberries, then finally a long hike out to Avalanche Lake.
1 We started the day by heading out to Whitefish Mountain ski resort for a trip up the ski lift. It was Kyle's first time on a ski lift and was definitely the longest one I've been on at 17 minutes from bottom to top.
2 Excellent views of Flathead Lake and the valley below.
3 Taking in the view from the ski lodge balcony at the top of the lift.
4 It was another chilly day, so we headed inside for some hot chocalate.
5 Next order of events was picking (and eating) wild huckleberries. Definitely a highlight of the trip!
6 Dad with a handful of huckleberries right off the bush.
7 Kyle had a blast.
8 Purple teeth and a cupful of berries.
9 Heading back down the lift with a great look at Whitefish Lake just as it was starting to rain.
10 The long and beautiful 17 minute ride down.
11 Before heading out, we just had to try the Alpine Slide!
12 One more great adventure, this time out to Avalanche Lake, one of the most popular hikes in Glacier Park.
13 Avalanche Gorge.
14 Impressive even during the low water season.
15 Now this is my kind of trail. Fantastic, dense forest.
16 Kyle liked the interesting trees.
17 Great views of the canyon walls.
18 Mossy ground cover, very reminiscent of the Olympic Pennisula.
19 We made it to Avanlanche Lake!
20 Crystal clear water. The scenery must be even more amazing in the Spring with snow and cascades flowing all around.
21 Kyle was determined to get wet.
22 Lots of picture spots.
23 Continuing on to the end of the lake as we start to get a little bit of light rain.
24 The South end of Avalanche Lake. One of my favorite spots of the trip.
25 Skipping rocks on Avalanche Lake. My Dad is quite the rock skipper, a skill I evidently did not inherit. Only 4 skips or so here, but he had as many as 6 and claims he can do 8-10!
26 Rainbows on the way back.
27 And some fun detours.
28 One more look at Avalanche Gorge as we head around the Trail of the Cedars Nature Trail loop.
29 Almost back to the car. At 6.5 miles, this would officially be Kyle's longest hike to date.
30 The day ended with a much deserved meal at The Back Room, our favorite dinner spot in Columbia Falls. Hands down the best BBQ I've ever had. And the fry bread is to die for. Deep fried sweet bread with country style ribs. It might be worth a trip back to Montana just to eat there again!