The Huckleberry Hiker: May 2020

Sunday, May 31, 2020

Grand Teton National Park and Teton County Coordinate Rescue of Man from Backcountry

Grand Teton National Park and Teton County Search and Rescue coordinated a rescue of a 20-year old man from the backcountry of the park Friday evening.

At approximately 5:15 p.m. on Friday, May 29, Teton Interagency Dispatch Center received an emergency call reporting an injured hiker near Amphitheater Lake.

Four individuals were hiking to Amphitheater Lake when they got off route. As they traveled along the ridge line north of Surprise Lake, Alex Curry of Scottsdale, Arizona, slipped on snow and fell over 400 vertical feet. He fell into Glacier Gulch and landed near the shore of Delta Lake. He sustained significant injuries. The other three members of the hiking party down climbed to Curry and called 911 communicating their location as Amphitheater Lake.

The Teton County Search and Rescue helicopter and members flew to Lupine Meadows to meet park rangers and coordinate the rescue at Amphitheater Lake. As rescuers flew the area, the hiking party was not located at Amphitheater Lake, but rather at Delta Lake. With no landing zones in the area, a decision was made to short-haul the injured hiker. A park ranger and a county search and rescue member were inserted to the location and provided medical assistance to Curry. He was then short hauled to Lupine Meadows and transported by a park ambulance to St. John’s Health Center.

The park ranger guided the remaining members of the hiking party to Lupine Meadows, arriving safely at about 9 p.m. Friday night.

Navigational skills are beneficial when hiking in the Teton Range. All recreationalists are encouraged to obtain a map of the area they plan to visit, and have map reading skills.

Snow persists in many areas of Grand Teton National Park and hikers and climbers should be prepared for travel over snow. Anyone traveling in higher elevations should carry both an ice axe and crampons and know how to use them or adjust your route.

Currently, overnight camping in the park is only available at the Gros Ventre Campground. The remainder of the park, including the Teton Range, is only accessible to day use.

Short-haul is a rescue technique where an individual or gear is suspended below the helicopter on a 150 to 250 foot rope. This method allows a rescuer more direct access to an injured party, and it is often used in the Teton Range where conditions make it difficult to land a helicopter in the steep and rocky terrain.

Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

National Trails Day® 2020 Goes Virtual

Each year people all across the country unite on the first Saturday of June to celebrate American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day®. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, events won’t be held in person this year on June 6, but American Hiking is still fighting for trail preservation and equitable access to the outdoors. On National Trails Day® 2020 American Hiking Society will partner with land managers, volunteers, and the public to take actions from home that preserve trails and public lands and help ensure access for all to quality natural spaces.

“While the COVID-19 quarantines have put into sharp focus how much our minds and bodies need time outside every day, the trails and parks we value are under-resourced and not everyone has easy access to quality green space,” explains Kate Van Waes, Executive Director of American Hiking Society. “In honor of National Trails Day®, we are encouraging everyone to take American Hiking’s #NationalTrailsDay Pledge to preserve trails and parks and fight for equitable access.”

In addition to taking the #NationalTrailsDay Pledge, American Hiking is encouraging the public to join the National Trails Day® digital movement and share on social media why access to trails and natural space are important to them. Tag photos with #NationalTrailsDay and @AmericanHiking to be entered into a photo contest with a chance to win one of multiple prize packages of outdoor gear.

In the upcoming weeks, American Hiking will provide easy actions the public can take to preserve trails and fight for equitable access to the outdoors, even while social-distancing.

American Hiking’s National Trails Day® is made possible by the generous support of Corporate Sponsors – Athletic Brewing Co., Merrell, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., REI Co-Op, Popular Mechanics, Adventure Medical Kits. Federal Partners include the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Federal Highway Administration, and U.S. Forest Service.

Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Thursday, May 28, 2020

Native America Speaks program celebrates 35 years in Glacier National Park

Below is a video on the Native America Speaks program that I recently came across on the Glacier National Park Conservancy website. Now in its 35th year, the speakers series is the longest running indigenous people’s speakers series in the National Park Service system:

Native America Speaks 2019 from Glacier Conservancy on Vimeo.

Monday, May 25, 2020

Caution: Elk calving season has begun in Yellowstone. Beware of your surroundings!

Elk calving season has started in Yellowstone National Park.

Cow elk are much more aggressive towards people during the calving season and may charge or kick. Visitors should stay alert. Look around corners before exiting buildings or walking around blind spots: cow elk may bed their calves near buildings and cars. Keep at least 25 yards from elk at all times.

If an elk charges you, find shelter in your vehicle or behind a tall, sturdy barrier as quickly as possible.

You are responsible for your own safety.

Visit Elk for more information.

Friday, May 22, 2020

Man injured in grizzly bear attack on Sun River

A man was attacked by a female grizzly bear on Sunday morning near the Sun River. The attack left the man with non-life-threatening injuries.

The man was part of a group who were floating and camping on the Sun River, west of Augusta. The group was packing up their campsite when the attack occurred at about 8:30 a.m. After stepping into some brush, the man found himself between the female grizzly and her 2-year-old cub.

The group was able to call 911, and the man was carried out by helicopter and taken to a hospital.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks investigated the scene and determined the bear acted as expected during a surprise encounter with a human. Because the bear exhibited what is considered normal and expected behavior, no further action is planned.

Grizzlies can be found throughout western Montana, not just the Rocky Mountain Front, Bob Marshall Wilderness and the Yellowstone Ecosystem. In recent years, grizzly bear populations have expanded, and bears are re-colonizing historic ranges.

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Female visitor injured after approaching bison in Yellowstone National Park

On the afternoon of May 20, 2020, a female visitor was knocked to the ground and injured by a bison in the Old Faithful Upper Geyser Basin after approaching the animal too closely (inside 25 yards).

Park emergency medical providers responded to the incident immediately. She was assessed and refused transport to a medical facility. The incident remains under investigation, and there is no additional information to share.

This is the first incident of a bison injuring a visitor in 2020.

Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are wild. When an animal is near a trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area, give it space. Stay 25 yards (23 m) away from all large animals - bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes and at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves. If need be, turn around and go the other way to avoid interacting with a wild animal in close proximity.

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Starting June 1, 2020, Parks Canada will gradually resume some operations at selected national parks

Starting June 1, 2020, Parks Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada will offer limited visitor access and basic services at some national parks, national wildlife areas, national historic sites, heritage canals, and marine conservation areas across the country. There will also be a gradual resumption of some key field-based ecological and cultural protection activities.

In provinces and territories that have not opened their parks as a result of continuing concerns about the novel coronavirus, or where Indigenous partners or communities are uncomfortable with the resumption of visitor services, federal protected places will remain closed. This includes some ongoing closures of parks in the territories. Parks Canada will continue to work closely with local tourism-related businesses and associations throughout the gradual resumption of operations.

Visiting these places will be different than it has been in the past. Visitors should check the Parks Canada or Environment and Climate Change Canada websites to learn more about what is available and how to plan and prepare for their visit.

Visitors will be able to access outdoor settings such as:

o Some day-use trails, including some cycling access on designated trails and pathways;

o Some day-use areas, including green spaces, picnic areas, and some beach areas;

o Some grounds of national historic sites and heritage canals;

o Some boat launches or access points to lakes and water-based recreation; and

o Some locks, boat launches, access points and mooring areas on historic waterways.

Access and services will vary. Some public toilets and other visitor facilities may be open. Visitors should expect limited levels of service and limited access to visitor facilities compared to previous years.

Some parking lots will be open. However, some may remain closed or reduced in size to facilitate levels of visitation that allow for physical distancing or other health, safety, or conservation measures.

Measures will be in place to manage garbage collection, washroom facilities and protect natural and cultural resources.

Admission to Parks Canada places is not free. Environment and Climate Change Canada and Parks Canada are working to ensure that measures are in place to safely collect fees and protect the health of employees and visitors. Canadians are encouraged to plan ahead and check with the Parks Canada website for more information.

Some recreational boating and water access may be allowed, including lockage, docks, mooring and boat launches. In some places, fishing may be allowed.

Critical services

Parks Canada will continue to deliver services critical for Canadians, including road maintenance, law enforcement, fire response, dam operations and water management, among others. The Agency has been delivering these services since its initial response to COVID-19 in March.

Reservations, activities and fees

All camping facilities including backcountry camping, oTENTiks, and other roofed accommodations remain closed until further notice. All existing reservations set to take place prior to June 21, 2020, will be automatically cancelled and refunded in full.

All group events and interpretive activities remain suspended until further notice.

Parks Canada will automatically extend the end date of Discovery Passes for the full duration of the suspension period. For each month or part of a month that visitor services are not offered due to Parks Canada’s efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19, a full month will be added to the end date of the annual pass.

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Grand Teton National Park Announces Increased Recreational Access

Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Grand Teton National Park is increasing recreational access and some limited visitor services.

The National Park Service is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

“It was great to welcome Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence to Yellowstone National Park and First Lady Melania Trump to Grand Teton National Park last year. These are incredible places that are special to the American public. I appreciate Superintendent Sholly and Acting Superintendent Noojibail for working with Governor Gordon and health officials to make the parks accessible to the public," said Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt.

Beginning Monday, May 18, Grand Teton National Park will have recreational access with limited services available to the public, including;

* Primary road access (Teton Park Road, Moose-Wilson Road and North Park Road)
* Public restrooms in some areas
* Day-use hiking on seasonally-accessible trails
* Riverbank and lakeshore fishing
* Multi-use pathway system (where free from snow)
* Limited commercial-use authorization tours (biking, wildlife, etc.)
* Several viewpoints continue to be accessible along US Highway 89/26/191

With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed or services are unavailable at this time;

* Park visitor centers
* Overnight lodging
* Food service
* Boating/floating on river and lakes
* Marinas
* Backcountry permits
* Special-use permits
* Campgrounds  

It is anticipated that expanded recreational access and visitor services will be available as the park continues with a phased opening approach, conditions permitting.

“I appreciate the willingness of Acting Superintendent Noojibail to engage with state and Teton County officials to develop a reopening plan that provides access to one of the most iconic parks anywhere,” Governor Gordon said. “This plan is designed to protect employees, visitors and community members. Spring in Teton County would just not be the same without the opportunity to appreciate Grand Teton National Park up close.”

The park is implementing a number of preventive measures to reduce the spread of infectious disease, including prioritizing the hiring of seasonal custodial workers and increased contracted services for cleaning and disinfecting high use areas, and the use of plexiglass panels in locations of high visitor/public interaction such as entrance stations, visitor centers, and permit desks, and providing visitor guidance.

Grand Teton National Park will examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. The park continues to work closely with the National Park Service Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers. When recreating, the public should follow local area health guidance, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. All park functions will continue to be monitored to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19, and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm and the park’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

With more than 240 miles of trails meandering throughout the park, hiking is the absolute best way to see Grand Teton National Park. In addition to the hikes listed above, the park offers a wide variety of outstanding hikes that take-in the best scenery the Tetons have to offer. If you do plan to visit Grand Teton this year, please note that our hiking website also offers a wide variety of accommodation listings and other things to do to help with all your trip planning.

Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Yellowstone will begin first phase of reopening on May 18

Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Yellowstone National Park will reopen on a limited basis on May 18. The park has been closed to visitors since March 24, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It was great to welcome Vice President Mike Pence and Second Lady Karen Pence to Yellowstone National Park and First Lady Melania Trump to Grand Teton National Park last year. These are incredible places that are special to the American public. I appreciate Superintendent Cam Sholly and Acting Superintendent Gopaul Noojibail for working with Governor Gordon and health officials to make the parks accessible to the public," said Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt.

Yellowstone has outlined a three-phased plan that initially opens the South and East entrances of Wyoming and limits visitor travel to the lower loop of the park. The lower loop allows visitors to access Lake, Canyon, Norris, Old Faithful, West Thumb, and Grant Village.

Wyoming has lifted out-of-state travel restrictions and has requested the state’s entrances open the week of May 18. Montana and Idaho continue to have out-of-state restrictions in place and the park is working closely with these states and counties to open the remaining three entrances as soon as possible.

“I want to thank Yellowstone Superintendent Sholly for his thoughtful communication with all interested parties about the park’s plan for reopening,” Governor Gordon said. “This measured approach will help protect employees, visitors, and neighboring communities. It will also give us useful experience as we look ahead to opening other areas of the park, provide a boost to Wyoming’s tourism industry, and help get America’s economy up and going again.”

This limited opening approach will accomplish three objectives in the short term: 1) allow the park to continue buffering with states that are maintaining restrictions; 2) help the park and internal business partners improve and refine mitigation actions with lighter levels of visitation; and 3) allow for an assessment of how returning visitors affect COVID-19 curves within surrounding Wyoming counties.

The park’s reopening priorities center on protecting employees and the public from transmission risks through a variety of mitigation actions consistent with local, state, and federal guidance. The park will actively monitor changing conditions (in the park and in surrounding counties); and will maintain flexibility to expand, adjust, or contract operations as conditions warrant.

“The park’s goal is to open safely and conservatively, ensure we take the right actions to reduce risks to our employees and visitors, and help local economies begin to recover,” said Superintendent Cam Sholly. “I appreciate the cooperation we’ve had with our surrounding governors, counties, communities, and health officials in working through these challenging decisions. Our goal is to get the remaining entrances open as quickly and safely as possible.”

The park has developed a range of mitigation actions that include: providing protective barriers where needed, encouraging the use of masks or facial coverings in high-density areas, metering visitor access in certain locations, increasing cleaning frequency of facilities, adding signage on boardwalks and other public spaces, and messaging to visitors through a variety of methods.

What will be open beginning May 18?

* Phase 1 will begin on Monday, May 18 at 12:00 p.m. with the opening of the South and East entrances in the state of Wyoming.

* Visitors will be able to access the lower loop of the Grand Loop Road (see attached map) coming in and out of the South and East entrances only.

* Visitors will be able to access restrooms, self-service gas stations, trails and boardwalks, and other Phase 1 facilities that are prepared to open.

What will remain closed until later phases of the plan?

* The Montana entrances (North, West, and Northeast) will remain closed. The park is consulting with the Governor of Montana to establish reopening dates for the Montana entrances.

* Commercial tour buses will not be allowed in the early phases of opening.

* Overnight accommodations will be unavailable until later in the season.

* Campgrounds, backcountry permits, visitor cabins, additional stores, expanded tours, takeout food service, boating, fishing, and visitor centers will remain closed. These Phase 2 services and/or facilities will open when safe and appropriate mitigation measures are in place. This will happen at different times.

* Hotels, full-service dining, commercial tour buses, and ranger programs will remain closed. These Phase 3 services and/or facilities will reopen when health conditions allow.

Visitors should come prepared and follow all CDC and local health guidance by practicing good hygiene and social distancing. Face coverings are recommended where social distancing is not possible. People who are sick should stay home and not visit the park. The CDC has provided specific guidance on visiting parks and recreational facilities.

“I’m asking the public to partner with us to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Superintendent Cam Sholly. “Visitors can protect their family and friends by skipping areas that are too crowded and always maintaining social distance from other people, including rangers. The National Park Service can’t do this alone and will continue to work with all stakeholders to best protect the public and our employees.”

Previously-scheduled road construction projects will continue this summer. Normal annual bear management area closures will be in effect. Many areas of the park are still experiencing winter conditions. The park will provide details and updates for operations as they change on http://www.nps.gov/yell and on the park’s social media channels.

Monday, May 11, 2020

Flathead National Forest tips for playing outdoors this spring as Campgrounds and Cabin Openings are Phased in by Memorial Day

With melting snow and rising temperatures, many are enjoying time outside camping and exploring nearby forest roads and trails.

Flathead National Forest and concessionaire Flathead Valley Campgrounds are working hard to open developed fee campgrounds over the next three weeks, with most sites anticipated to fully open by Memorial Day weekend. Rental cabin facilities will also begin a phased reopening, expected on or before Memorial Day weekend based on seasonal availability and facility conditions. Currently, dispersed camping is available in developed sites in many non-fee campgrounds. People should avoid dispersed camping in fee campgrounds due to annual maintenance required for opening. No services or water are currently available at developed campgrounds.

Typically, most first-come first-serve campgrounds receive annual maintenance by the beginning of June. People can make reservations at Recreation.gov for reservation campsites and should be aware that reservation availability may change based on spring site assessments and early season conditions.

Expect forest closures and modified operations to happen on a case-by-case basis.

Those with existing campground, cabin rental and lookout reservations through Recreation.gov will be notified via email or phone call if there are any changes. Please be aware that rental cabins and lookouts will not be cleaned between uses. As in previous years, it is up to individual renters to bring their own cleaning supplies and clean before and after site use.

This year, trail conditions vary widely across the forest’s 2.4 million acres.

Multiple significant fall, winter, and spring windstorms in places like Swan Valley mean that people will encounter many downed trees across trails and roads during the early part of the season. Due to the extent of the storms, some trails may not be entirely cleared this year. People should also be mindful of wet and muddy trails. Stick to dry areas for biking and four-wheeling so that these areas do not get significantly rutted and damaged heading into summer.

Trail use is currently high. Multiple types of users recreate in Flathead National Forest. All users should be alert for and yield to horseback riders. Some trails are open to mountain bike and motorized vehicle riders, and they should be mindful of and yield to all other traffic. For the safety of unseen hikers or other users, do not shoot from or down any National Forest System roads or trails. Bring a non-metal target and remove all traces of activity, including shell casings and target pieces when leaving. Be mindful to avoid damaging government property and other public resources.

People should be particularly mindful of COVID-19 related precautions while recreating on public lands, and:

* Seek trails with few people
* Stay close to home
* Leave plenty of space between you and other trail users and gently step to the side if another user approaches
* Avoid higher risk activities that could require emergency response
* Pack in/pack out all that you bring, including dog waste – services may be limited

People should also make sure to have bear spray in an accessible place like a hip belt or chest-harness and know how to use it. Make plenty of noise and be especially careful recreating near dawn or dusk. Bears are emerging from hibernation and are actively seeking food on and near the valley floor.

Flathead National Forest continues to monitor COVID-19 federal, state, and local guidelines. Please remember to review current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with local and state guidelines for social distancing and cloth face coverings.

For more information and updates, call your local ranger station, or follow Flathead National Forest on Facebook @discovertheflathead, or on Twitter @FlatheadNF.

Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Friday, May 8, 2020

Glacier Park Boat Company Will Not Open in 2020

Unfortunately the Glacier Park Boat Company will not be opening in 2020. Here's the blurb they posted on their website:

Due to the unprecedented worldwide impact of COVID-19, Glacier Park Boat Company has made the difficult decision to suspend operations for the 2020 summer season.

Customers with reservations for the 2020 season will have the opportunity to receive a 10% discount if they transfer their reservations to 2021, or receive a full refund without cancellation fees. We will be contacting all customers with existing reservations to process their request.

For those looking forward to visiting Glacier National Park in 2021, we are offering a 10% discount on new reservations made from May 1, 2020 through September 7, 2020. To receive the discounted rate, please contact our reservation office at 406-257-2426.

As we work together with Glacier National Park, our customers and local communities we look forward to brighter days ahead and new adventures for the 2021 season.

Thursday, May 7, 2020

Grand Teton National Park and Grand Teton National Park Foundation Begin Multi-year Project to Improve Visitor Access to Snake River

The National Park Service and Grand Teton National Park Foundation are working in partnership on a multi-year project, Snake River Gateways, to transform three river access sites along the Snake River. The project will enhance the visitor experience, improve safety, restore the resilience of riparian habitat, improve infrastructure, and emphasize accessibility for all. Construction activities will begin this spring at Pacific Creek Landing, with work at Jackson Lake Dam and Moose Landing in the next few years.

“The Snake River Gateways Project will enhance visitor access and safety at several popular and beautiful locations along the iconic and scenic river,” said Grand Teton National Park Acting Superintendent Gopaul Noojibail. He added, “We simply could not make all of these critical improvements to these sites without the strong support from the Grand Teton National Park Foundation.”

Pacific Creek Landing, located just north of the Moran area, will be temporarily closed to all river users and visitors during construction activities this spring and in the fall. There will be summer access to the site, after June 7, contingent upon a reopening of the park per public health guidelines. It is anticipated that a temporary closure will be in effect this fall beginning September 1, and possibly into spring of 2021.

All river users should be aware of the skills needed for navigating each section of river.  During the temporary closure at Pacific Creek Landing, anyone putting in on the Snake River at Jackson Lake Dam will need to travel to Deadmans Bar, which requires an advanced skill set. River users may want to consider an alternate section of river recreation during this time.  

The design for the Pacific Creek Landing will provide a safer experience with the addition of accessible site features and improved launching conditions. Visitor use areas for viewing and providing educational information about the Snake River will be established to prevent congestion at the launch ramp. Other planned site features include redesigned parking areas, additional comfort station, bicycle parking, accessible pathways and viewing areas, restored social trails, redesigned roadways to provide more efficient and safe traffic flows, and improved park and wayfinding information. The volunteer Snake River Ambassadors, supported by the Foundation, will add capacity to address resource protection and safety issues as well as share information about the river’s rich legacy through visitor contacts.

“We are pleased that work at Pacific Creek will begin this spring as part of this multi-year project,” said Grand Teton National Park Foundation President Leslie Mattson. “We’ve been working closely with our partners in the park and a variety of stakeholders in the community to ensure that improvements at Pacific Creek benefit river users and visitors for years to come.”

The project design was initiated in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and the tenth anniversary of the wild and scenic designation of the headwaters of the Snake River. In 2009 the passage of the Craig Thomas Snake Rivers Headwaters Legacy Act of 2008 added 414 miles of rivers and streams of the Snake River Headwaters to the national wild and scenic rivers system.

The National Park Service finalized the Snake River Headwaters Comprehensive River Management Plan and associated environmental assessment in 2014. The plan defined the improvements to take place at access points along the river and headwaters in Grand Teton National Park.

The Foundation’s goal is to raise $6.5 million to support improvements at all three sites, with $4 million raised to date. Funding for work at Pacific Creek Landing has been secured. Private philanthropy is providing a margin of excellence to the effort that would not be possible otherwise. The Foundation’s contributions are also leveraging additional Centennial matching funds from the National Park Service, bringing the agency’s total contribution to the project to over $5 million.

Yale Creek, Inc. Of Rexburg, Idaho, was awarded the construction contract for Pacific Creek Landing. Jorgensen Associates of Jackson, Wyoming, with support from Otak, of Denver, Colorado, provided the design for the project.

For more information about the Snake River Gateways project visit www.nps.gov/grte or www.gtnpf.org.

Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

More Than Just Forests | Flathead!

From the creators of More Than Just Parks, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service proudly presents More Than Just Forests | Flathead! Explore iconic mountains, emerald lakes, and vast forests of deep green and brilliant gold of the Flathead National Forest:

Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Saturday, May 2, 2020

Time to Make Plans for Gregory Bald!

Although Gregory Bald is an excellent destination anytime of the year, mid to late June is the absolute best time to make the trek to its summit. In addition to its excellent views into Cades Cove, Gregory Bald provides for one of the best flame azalea shows in the entire world during this time frame.

In fact, azalea lovers from all over the world come here to visit perhaps the finest display of flame azaleas anywhere on the planet. According to the Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association, the various hybrids of azaleas atop Gregory Bald are so impressive and unique that the British Museum of Natural History has collected samples of them.

This isn't an easy hike, however, the Gregory Ridge Trail climbs over 3000 feet, and the roundtrip length is 11.3 miles. But it's well worth it! As mentioned on this blog in the past, I would definitely rank this as the number one hike on my list of the Top 10 Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Here's a sampling of some of the sights you'll see at the top:

For more information on this outstanding hike, please click here.

If planning to make the pilgrimage to Gregory Bald this year, you may want to consider making Townsend your base of operations. If you've never had the pleasure of staying in the Townsend area, also known as the “Quiet Side of the Smokies”, you may want to note that it's much easier getting in and out of the park, and is fairly close to Cades Cove. If you need a rental cabin during your visit, be sure to visit our Townsend Accommodations page.