We hiked out to Gunsight Lake with a side trail to Florence Falls. We started from the trailhead off of the Jackson Glacier Overlook on the east side of the Going to the Sun Road.
This was about 14 miles round trip with an overall elevation gain of 1,770 ft.
The trail drops 600 ft in the first 1.25 miles. This trail is heavily wooded with high brush. We started early and were the only hikers on the trail for most of the hike to the falls and lake. We made plenty of noise as this is grizzly territory.
After about a mile, the trail reaches Reynolds Creek
where we soon saw the creek rushing into Deadwood Falls
Deadwood Falls
Soon after we reached a trail junction and took the trail to the right
We then crossed this very bouncy suspension bridge over Reynolds Creek
At 1.8 miles, the trail follows along the St Mary River for awhile.
There were some places with gorgeous views and wildflowers blooming! (?Citadel Mt?)
Between the rain, clouds, and sun (sometimes all at once) we had intriguing views and odd lighting.
We found some fresh bear tracks on the trail
lots of beargrass in bloom
We decided to take the side trail up to Florence Falls before continuing to Gunsight Lake
A distant view of Florence Falls through the trees
The stream overflowed the wood planks
Florence Falls has an 800 ft drop
view of Florence Falls from up a short boot track
Shortly after returning to the main trail, a bridge goes over Florence Creek
View of Florence Creek from the bridge
From here it is a little over 2 miles to Gunsight Lake, the views opening up as the trail gains in elevation.
Views of Blackfoot Glacier and Jackson Glacier under the clouds.
Mt Jackson
As the trail turns west toward Gunsight Lake, we hiked below Fusillade Mountain
Gunsight Pass and Gunsight Mountain are seen as we head down to Gunsight Lake
A couple of snow fields to cross, being careful to avoid snow bridges.
Gunsight Lake, so many waterfalls! Beautiful! A perfect place to sit and enjoy the views while eating lunch
Wide angle view at Gunsight Lake:
Mt Jackson, Gunsight Pass and Gunsight Mountain
Some other views from along the trail today:
Some of the many wildflowers we saw in bloom along the trail today:
We hiked out to Gunsight Lake with a side trail to Florence Falls. We started from the trailhead off of the Jackson Glacier Overlook on the east side of the Going to the Sun Road.
From here it is a little over 2 miles to Gunsight Lake, the views opening up as the trail gains in elevation.
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