Perley Rock - Glacier National Park
The Perley Rock hike was my favorite this summer. It's a very, very, very difficult hike. It's steep, it's long, it's technical. It kicked my ass and I definitely felt it for a couple of days afterwards. But it felt like a genuine accomplishment to reach the top, and another to return to the car in the afternoon.
I left the house at 6 AM, determined to get an early start. I wasn't the first person on the trail, but I did start hiking before 8 AM and I was able to take my time on the climb. The trail started off with an easy climb along the river. Where the trail breaks out of the tree line, the view of the valley is remarkable. There are waterfalls everywhere and glaciers perched on the mountains above. The smoke was disappointing and it makes the photos look dull, and it makes me want to do the hike again someday when the skies are clear.
I left the house at 6 AM, determined to get an early start. I wasn't the first person on the trail, but I did start hiking before 8 AM and I was able to take my time on the climb. The trail started off with an easy climb along the river. Where the trail breaks out of the tree line, the view of the valley is remarkable. There are waterfalls everywhere and glaciers perched on the mountains above. The smoke was disappointing and it makes the photos look dull, and it makes me want to do the hike again someday when the skies are clear.
There were warnings along the trail about bears, but I never saw any sign of them. Odd, really, because there were ripe blueberries everywhere and they were delicious. I passed a couple of ladies with purple lips and fingers; their progress slowed by their appetites.
I was very glad to reach to top and catch my breath. The view from the top was expansive, though hazy. The Illecillewaet Glacier is huge.
It's easy to walk right up to the glacier and enjoy the ice. People told me to go for a swim at the top, but it was cold up there and I didn't think I'd be able to get dry and warm again.
I spent about an hour at the top. I was enjoying the view, but I also needed to eat and rest a bit before heading back. The descent was slow and tedious because of the steepness of the trail. My knees were getting tired by the time the trail flattened out.
The valley has a lot of hiking trails and a little bit of history too. I highly recommend spending a day or two here if you ever get the chance.