Cache Lake

Today I did a 10.6 mile out and back to Cache Lake. Like the Terrace Mountain Loop, this hike began at the Glen Creek Trailhead, about 3 miles from the dorm. The weather was perfect for hiking when we started at 10 AM - warm and sunny with a cool breeze. The first 2 miles of the trail went through a green pasture surrounded by mountains. After a few miles, we entered a wooded area and began climbing gradually. As we continued hiking, we started encountering a lot of snowy sections of trail. 

After we got into the woods, it started raining and hailing on us very suddenly. Luckily, the storm passed in about 10 minutes. By the time we reached Cache Lake, the sun was back out and it was beautiful again! The lake was absolutely beautiful, with an awesome view of Electric Peak behind it. 

Electric Peak from Cache Lake

Laura, Chris, Erica, and me at Cache Lake

We sat at the lake and ate lunch before hiking the 5.3 miles back to the trailhead. All in all, it was a beautiful hike and a beautiful day!

Some of the people in the dorms had been talking about going out to dinner after the hike, but when the time came, no one wanted to go anymore. So only two of us went: me and Nick, a Minnesotan who shares my affinity for Glacier National Park. We headed over to the Town Cafe and then decided to explore one of the back mountain roads here in Gardiner. Nick is really into off trail mountain climbing and wanted to see how much elevation the driving up the road could eliminate on an upcoming off trail hike. I was just excited not to be sitting around the dorm watching TV! 

Gardiner below in the distance

We could even see the Mammoth Terraces!

We headed up the road, and after a short time we could see the town of Gardiner below, as well as Mammoth in the distance. As we continued uphill, we looked down on the beautiful green hills that surround the area. It was really beautiful!

View Places Hiked in a larger map