With many of the high trails closed because of snow, we decided to hike up to Scenic Point from the Two Medicine area of Glacier National Park. This is an 8 mile round trip hike with 2,300 ft of gain.
This trail is part of the Mt Henry Trail and a portion of the Continental Divide Trail.
At first for a very brief portion, the trail is flat. Scenic Point in the background
About 0.6 miles and 175 ft of gain, there is a short spur leading to an overlook of Appistoki Falls
The trail then steadily gains elevation as it goes up the side of the mountain.
I took advantage of the wildflowers and views to take short breaks all along this trail.
As the trail gains elevation, we began to see Two Medicine Lake to the west
The views got better as we gained elevation:
Looking back at Mount Henry, Appistoki Peak and Basin
After about 2.75 miles the trail turns southeast and heads up to the saddle at a gentler incline. From here on we were hiking in strong winds!
Looking back down at Two Medicine from the saddle.
The trail crosses this narrow ledge on the way to Scenic Point seen in the distance.
There were many alpine wildflowers in bloom up here.
At the junction, the trail continues straight on another 6 miles down to East Glacier. We turned left to take the 0.1 mile spur up to the top of Scenic Poing
Pano from Scenic Point looking west to north:
Pano from Scenic Point looking east to south (the Bob Marshall Wilderness in the far distance):
down below lies Lower Two Medicine Lake
We were glad we had an early start as the wind only got stronger. We found we could only sit atop Scenic Point, not stand steadily.
As we hiked down the trail we encountered hail and sunshine at the same time.
Weather can change quickly here in the mountains
A lovely sun break
large ground squirrel enjoying the momentary sunshine
We took a break coming down, waiting for a group of female and baby bighorn sheep to move off of the trail.
some zoom photos
some of the many wildflowers in bloom along the trail today:
About 0.6 miles and 175 ft of gain, there is a short spur leading to an overlook of Appistoki Falls
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