In a snap, we arrived at the Gunsight Pass Trail junction, turned right (remember this because we would later miss this junction on our return hike), and crossed the fairly new suspension footbridge that spans Reynolds Creek. The trail between Reynolds Creek and the St. Mary River is a pleasant rolly polly affair. Dusty Star and Citadel Mountain dominated the skyline to our left. The habitat seemed moose-y and it proved to be that soon enough.
About 3 miles in, we arrived at one of the most magnificent views in Glacier National Park where an open grassy meadow opens up alongside St. Mary River. Mount Jackson, Gunsight Mountain, and Fusillade Mountain provided a jaw-dropping vista. A world-class view to be sure. And there he was, a massive bull moose along the edges of the willows on the opposite bank from us. The giant was definitely in charge and he not only failed to avoid us, he actually approached us. I guess he thought we needed reminding that he outweighed us by several hundred pounds. This encounter with an impressive cervid (bio-nerd speak for deer) was seared into the mental memory banks. We observed the moose until he decided that we were not worth the effort, and he slowly faded into the willows, perhaps his lady love lingered within the thick riparian vegetation.
About 3 miles in, we arrived at one of the most magnificent views in Glacier National Park where an open grassy meadow opens up alongside St. Mary River. Mount Jackson, Gunsight Mountain, and Fusillade Mountain provided a jaw-dropping vista. A world-class view to be sure. And there he was, a massive bull moose along the edges of the willows on the opposite bank from us. The giant was definitely in charge and he not only failed to avoid us, he actually approached us. I guess he thought we needed reminding that he outweighed us by several hundred pounds. This encounter with an impressive cervid (bio-nerd speak for deer) was seared into the mental memory banks. We observed the moose until he decided that we were not worth the effort, and he slowly faded into the willows, perhaps his lady love lingered within the thick riparian vegetation.
Roughly 6 and a half miles into our hike, we reached a small beach at the foot of a lake, Gunsight Lake. On a day with almost no breeze, the translucent surface of the lake shimmered in the afternoon sun. At this beach, we made friends with an absolutely brilliant couple from California (see that? they are not all bad), who soon became our hiking companions on our return. more often than not, we seek solitude but on this day the company was most welcome.
Soon we were returning back to “real life” and with a great conversation and gentle downhill, we were back at the Gunsight Lake trail junction. We bid farewell to the California couple, and we turned right to return to what we thought was the trailhead. This was in error, and as we hiked along an unfamiliar stretch of the St. Mary River, the uneasy feeling of being mistaken became overwhelming. A half-mile down the path, we finally realized our gaffe. But the scene of the setting sun on the river will not be soon forgotten.
Now after 13 total miles of hiking (should have been 12 miles, thanks to the wrong turns), we prepared for the mile of an uphill trudge to the Jeep. Our legs were pooped and stomachs needed filling, and the pace quickened to a near jog. Sweat was pouring and the occasional “oh f*ck” was uttered, but quickly our feet touched pavement and our spectacular day in Glacier National Park had come to a close. The autumn on this day was beyond words and our gratitude for this day in this special day can be expressed.
