We couldn’t have asked for a better day to hike Scenic Point in the Two Medicine area of Glacier National Park. Even though I’ve spent tons of time in Glacier, somehow I’ve never hiked in the Two Medicine region before. Many people come to Glacier every year, but only a few go out of their way to reach the Two Medicine region.
During the summer months you can make a bit of a loop heading up the Going to the Sun Road to St. Mary’s, over to Many Glacier, and finally take the cut across over to Two Medicine. The reason most people don’t visit all the areas of the park is because they’re spread out hours apart. But if you do have a few extra days on your visit, Two Medicine is spectacular!
We started the day in fog so thick you could barely see ahead of us. But we quickly rose above it, and things became magical as the fog started evaporating.
Scenic Point is rated a moderate hike and the grade isn’t overly steep, which makes it a great hike to do in between more strenuous hiking days.
When we were almost to the top, we found our path blocked by snow drifts. So we headed up the high point to our right instead. (Scenic Point is the point jutting out in the left hand side of the above photo.)
Predictably things got a little silly at the summit. I was goofing off and pretending to put on chapstick to spruce myself up for an ‘Instagram shot’. I always joke around that I don’t know how everyone else looks so awesome when they get to the top.
But I’m most definitely not one of those people. Instead I’m usually red/purple in the face, and too tired to look alive for a photo. Obviously that day I was ‘feeling my oats’ and in the mood to joke around.
After some Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites that we brought along to snack on, we worked our way back down the ridge to the real trail.
And from there descended back down to the lake with stunning views every step of the way! All in all it was a perfect day, and we can’t wait to do more hiking in the Two Medicine region next year.
P.S. Be sure to check out our photo of the Northern Lights. They put on a brief but spectacular show this same weekend in the park.
Thanks for such a detailed blog. Can we do these hikes in Glacier NP during spring (April/May) ?
Most likely these areas will still be under several feet of snow, and the road into Two Medicine may not be open that early. Most of the park is open by the beginning of July. If you’re coming in April/May there won’t be nearly as much to do. You could try Apgar Lookout, Avalanche Lake, John’s Lake Loop which are all in the West Glacier area. If we have a light winter you might be able to get up to Scalplock lookout which is between west and east Glacier on your way to Two Medicine where the Scenic Point hike is located. Check with the park’s website to see if the roads are open before you head all the way over there though!
Hope you don’t mind me using one of your picks to inspire others?
I always hope my photos will inspire, but usage is dependant on the context you’re using it in?
Thanks for sharing your adventure! Looked like a wonderful day for that hike. Out of curiosity, how do you achieve that starburst effect from the sun? My method is to use a 16-35mm 2.8, stop down to f16-f20 and voila…Just wondering if you did the same or something different.
We were definitely lucking to have such amazing weather with a fresh dusting of snow for the hike! I use my 16-35 2.8 as well but usually go for the highest aperture possible which for me is f22. I’ve found that my 24-70 f2.8 lens does make for a slightly sharper star effect, but I’m not always carrying it along. 🙂
Thanks for letting me join you that day. Your energy bites were much better than my dried fruit and nuts.
I’m glad you were available to come along, (and that you liked the pumpkin bites)!