By Lisa T. Bergren

It seemed incredible to me and my brother, but after a lifetime of summers on Swan Lake, we’d never really hiked in our own valley. So we gathered the troops together (17 of us) and drove thirty miles south and eleven miles into the forest to hike what is reportedly one of the finest trails in the valley—the trail to Glacier Lake.

Every time we drive through here, en route to Our Lake, I marvel at the amazing Swan Range to one side, the Mission Mountains on the other. It’s a cinematographer’s dream. The dirt road leads through a region ravished by forest fire, but making a serious comeback, and into untouched, lush, old-growth forest.  The trail itself leaps into the Mission Mountain wilderness.

Our group was made up of people in various stages of physical fitness. Ages ranged from 7-70 (plus a baby).

The 3.5 mile hike traces the edge of a river and begins on an abandoned road that turns into a true trail. There is a total of 425′ elevation gain, making it an easy hike for families. In some places, roots and rocks make it important to pay attention to where your next foot falls, but it’s pretty accessible for all. The trail winds through lush forest, with peekaboo views of the surrounding mountains, and crosses the water again and again. (Hikers cross bridges made of wide, flattened logs, a high point for the kids.)

We packed a lunch, and when we reached the end of the trail, we picnicked on the shores of green-blue Glacier Lake. There was a slight haze in the air from a distant forest fire, but the view was still awe-inspiring. On one side, dense, light green undergrowth covers a snow chute; on the far side, remnants of glaciers drip into a thundering river that cascades down the mountainside and into the lake.  Trees stubbornly grow from a vast, granite rock face.

To the right, a group of kids were swimming in the lake. Despite its name, by August 7, we decided it might be okay to have the children wear swimsuits and take a dip, next time ’round. Almost all of us took off our shoes and dipped our feet in. Other hikers had inflatable rafts, useful if you want to fish and/or explore (there’s no way around the lake). Unfortunately, there is no camping allowed in this fantastic spot—you have to go deeper into the forest to one of the other lakes, another 5-7 miles.

As we finished our picnic and packed up to go, two bald eagles circled, high above us. While this is bear country and we were packing heat (bear spray), we never saw any furry friends. Thankfully.