The Swift Current Pass Trail, Glacier NP

Photos from my September 2021 trip to Glacier NP

Hiking the Swift Current Pass trail to the Continental Divide is an exhilarating, challenging adventure. It’s 6.5 miles. I won’t make it that far today. We start here and pass over Swift Current Creek. Bullhead Lake is today’s destination. Let’s go.

Swift Current Creek

Continental Divide ahead….well, 6 miles. First 5 are a walk in the park, though.

The point of Grinnell Mountain 8858 ft. high is in the distance. As you see, the path is well-trodden and easy to follow, winding gently through a mix of pine and aspen trees. Got your bear spray? <grin>

There are several spots where the trees open up to reveal stunning vistas of the lake and the towering mountains beyond. Like at Redrock Lake. The views of Mount Grinnell, Mount Wilbur, are postcard-worthy, changing in appearance and color as the day progresses.

This place invites you to slow down, enjoy the sounds and sights, and appreciate the quieter side of nature.

Redrock Falls isn’t a single, dramatic drop but rather a series of cascades over red argillite rock, which gives the falls their distinctive color. The sound of the water tumbling over the rocks is both soothing and invigorating, creating a peaceful soundtrack to your visit.

Here is the main drop at Redrock Falls. Whether you’re a hiker, a photographer, or someone looking to simply relax by the water, (I stayed for an hour right here) this area is a delightful stop in your Glacier National Park adventure.

The area around the lake and falls is a fantastic spot for picnics, wildlife viewing, and photography. It’s common to see deer, moose, and even bears in the vicinity, so always be bear-aware. I saw a bear from a distance. He crossed the trail and headed for berries.

Swift Current Creek with a distant view of Mount Wilbur. I’m heading that way.

I’m taking in Mount Wilbur, a silent sentinel overlooking the Many Glacier area. What a great hike.

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The Painted Valley – Blue Ridge Parkway

Time to photo-blog and bring a little color to these dreary days of winter.

Photo 1

October 12. The ‘painted’ valley below Linn Cove Viaduct. And Grandfather’s crest shrouded in mystery.

Photo 2

The beauty of Fall on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Stack Rock Creek Bridge, MM305.

Photo 3

“And autumn’s finest hues of gold and brown
On these steep banks are shed; these whispering trees
Do now forsake the bird that in their leaves
Had found a home, and mournful wait the frost.”

Wordsworth

But they do bow down in a blaze of glory.

Photo 4

The crisp October air was filled with the scent of pine and the subtle whisper of falling leaves. As you will see in this video, it was the kind of morning where the mist clung to the valleys like a delicate veil, waiting for the sun’s gentle nudge to lift it.

If you want to see my latest Autumn Drone Video, click the link above and get a ‘birds eye view’ of Beacon Heights, Grandmother Mountain, & from a distance, Linville Gorge. And a delicate veil of morning mist…. ‘

Autumn, the year’s last, loveliest smile.’

Wordsworth
Photo 5

It’s like stepping into a painting. Near Stack Rock Creek Bridge, MM305.

Photo 6

Celebrate A Good Father’s Good Creation. Drone Video from 3 weeks ago of Grandfather Mountain at link. See what you think. https://blueridgemountain.life/2023/11/07/celebrate-a-good-fathers-good-creation/

Screen capture of video.


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Blue Ridge Parkway, Autumn, MM242

Mile Marker 242 is such a beautiful section of the Parkway. These ‘bright trophies of the sun’ are near the Alligator Back pullout.

(click to see larger image)