Four Itchy Feet

June 7, 2025. Glacier National Park, Montana. Day 17 of 170

Today, we hiked the Snyder Lake trail at Glacier National Park. This trail can be ranked as moderately difficult, as one is required to ascend 2,054 feet over approximately 4.5 miles on the way up to the lake. The total hike ended up being 9.1 miles. As soon as we got on the trail, we were met by swarms of mosquitoes. They were as fierce at this latitude as their counterparts in the tropics. We simply could not stop for a minute, or they would quickly land to feed upon us. I must have killed 50 by swatting them from my arms and head.

We have to give this trail a less-than-ideal ranking on several points. Although the trail offers wonderful views along the way of both the cedar and pine forest, a large portion of it is exposed because recent fires have killed off the canopy. After the first couple of miles, the trail narrows and is quite overgrown in several areas; long pants are needed to navigate the narrow paths without scratching our shins. But where it fails to achieve a higher rating is in the anticlimactic view of the lake. It is beautiful, don’t get me wrong, but you are at Glacier National Park, and there is beauty all around. You pay with sweat for an astonishing view, and this one is just good.

The way back is thankfully all downhill. We stopped at a rocky area where mosquitoes were less active to grab a quick lunch and rest before completing our descent. We had a good hike; we are simply sharing our experience so those soon to take on the trail are informed on what to expect. Would we do it again? Yes, when the mosquitoes are gone!