Bearhat Mountain is reflected in the calm waters of Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park Montana.
It was my first evening off with good weather. I left my job in West Glacier in a hurry, hiking boots ready to go. It was early May but the Going-to-the-Sun Road was busy, and the parking lot at the popular trailhead was almost full.
I bolted up the trail, I knew I was pushing daylight. The 5-mile round-trip trail is extremely popular during the summer months and that day was no exception. But it was my first opportunity to go hiking in Glacier National Park and I was on a mission to reach Avalanche Lake.
When I reached the top, I was stunned. Bearthat Mountain towered over Avalanche Lake. The late afternoon sun perfectly lit the mountain face. I couldn't believe my luck that the calm water created a perfect reflection. For my first hike of the season, it was certainly a good one.