REFLECTION AT EXPLORER GLACIER

About a week ago I took off and drove to Portage Valley, around 50 miles from here turning off the two-lane “highway” and driving up the 5 mile valley on a small, road to capture a few photos that I will be sharing with you. It was the middle of the week, school was back in session, and most of the tourists were gone - there was almost no traffic.

Portage Glacier and small visitor center are at the end of the road. The glacier cannot be seen on the lake from the parking lot anymore. One must take a boat tour across the lake and around a bend to see it up close. It was very different, years ago. I have a photo of my 10 year-old daughter taken in about 1978, with the face of the glacier in the background and big blue icebergs at her feet!

The valley was carved out by glaciers thousands of years ago and contains 5 glaciers, numerous ponds, marshes, streams and lots of wildlife. Rising mountains with glaciers surround Portage Valley and the mountains retain a bit of a snowcap even in summer. It is not populated. There are only a handful of small structures at the turn-off from the main “highway”, a small visitor center at the end of the road, some campgrounds and a trail system.

There is a sizable black bear population, brown bears, moose and other smaller wild animals and wetlands birds. Did I mention the awesome beauty? Daunting, ferocious storms come blowing through here each year, with winds so strong that some trees are left with limbs growing only on one side but when it’s calm, it’s paradise! In winter there can be very heavy snow. It is a stunningly gorgeous place to see! However, it is not only wise to come prepared for wildlife if you want to camp or hike around – it is imperative! See my Bear Story here: [link]



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