The whole canyon it falls into was foggy.
The on to the Green Mountain Viewing Area. It was 3.6 mile steep and winding road to a wonderful tower with a panoramic view of the area. There was a spot of fog rising in the middle of the spruce trees that was Helmcken Fall.
Back down and we decided to stop by the Nakiska Ranch and try out their Swiss Breakfast. It was delightful…meats, cheeses, wonderful grain bread and brochen like rolls. Also granola, yogurt, quiche, bacon, ham, and European coffee. Unfortunately, the chocolate was Carnation out of a can with hot water so passed on that. The proprietor was very pleasant. He’s owned the Inn for 2 years and before that the owner had it for 18. He has 165 or so acres. He actively farms just a small portion of it. He was actually going to gather the hay he had cut yesterday this morning. He was asking about our meal and I said we were going to steal a couple of rolls on the way out and he got a bag and gave us some ham, honey and two rolls to go.
Wandered the ground a little after we ate and then headed to the beginning of the road.
We headed back up the road and took the Trophy Mountain Meadows road. We weren’t far off and saw a little black bear – probably a year old-on the side of the road. Not fast enough with the camera though. The flowers are unbelievable and the views going up the road to distant mountains were spectacular! Take a walk with us....
These are sub-alpine meadows and at the top there were just areas of mountain daisies, Indian paintbrush in all hues of red, salmon and almost pink, arctic lupine and many other species! It was a lush walk through the meadows at the top!
Back down and a return Spahat where the fog had cleared and good pictures for the taking.
Stopped at Dawson Falls next where there are two viewpoints. The first is downstream with a stunning view of the wide falls and the second is right by the falls – literally at the rivers edge. A huge amount of water is traveling down this river and it’s spellbinding to stand right beside it! Spent a fair amount of time there just fascinated with the power of the water!
On up the road to a return to Helmcken Falls and the sun was shining on it in full glory. Stunning view of the Murtle River free-falling 462 feet to the plunge pool below!
Headed back to the campground from there and had a little wine and cheese while we fixed dinner. Went to the Park Program that night that was about All things water in the Park—very appropriate to the day. Good program by a very enthusiastic Ranger. She really knew her facts! Then to bed and a little rain during the night. Great day again!
