The start of the day in Glacier National Park began along the shore of Lake McDonald enjoying the morning's tranquility. The largest lake in Glacier National Park is Lake McDonald at almost 10 miles in length. Across the lake is the Lewis Range of the Rocky Mountains. The cloud capped Stanton Mountain (7313ft) is left of center while right of center is Mt. Brown (8566ft) with its summit in the clouds and in the center is cloud covered Mt. Cannon (8953ft). Through the gap is where the Road to the Sun passes on its way to Logan Pass.

I was able to capture and enjoy this serene view in relative solitude, especially considering the crowds of people who would be visiting the park later in the day. My better half was already investigating the various gift shops located nearby.

Tags:   Montana Glacier National Park Lake McDonald Lewis Range Rockies Rockie Mountains Staton Mountain Mt. Brown Mt. Cannon Road to the Sun morning clouds sunlight pier dock jetty boat reflection water reflection water serene solitude tranquil tranquility landscape Brad Eide Nikon Nikon 17-55mm f2.8 D7100 Gitzo tripod neutral density Lee filter remote release September 2016 fall geotagged outdoor

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After an hour's walk on the Hidden Lake trail from Logan Pass after cresting the ridge this was the first view of Hidden Lake and the east face of Bearhat Mountain (8684 feet) in the Lewis Range of the Rocky Mountains. The path down to Hidden Lake and the base of Bearhat was closed due to a rockslide that had not yet been cleared.

Climbing Bearhat Mountain is said to be an easy day climb by ascending the east face just south of the large couloir. It is graded as a Glacier Park Class 2 and 3, if the correct route is followed. Although it's said to be an easy climb . . . I was completely satisfied with this view and where I was!

Tags:   Glacier National Park Glacier NP Hidden Lake Bearhat Mountain Lewis Range Rockies rocky Mountains couloir landscape cloud cloudy overcast rock Brad Eide Nikon Nikon 17-55mm f2.8 D7100 Gitzo tripod September 2016 fall geotagged Montana snow mountain peak outdoor mountain mountainside

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Bighorn sheep on the move on Wild Horse Island located in Flathead Lake, Montana. During most of the year, rams live in bachelor groups and the ewes live in herds with younger lambs. Rams and ewes usually only travel together during mating season, that was quickly approaching. This herd of bighorn sheep numbered close to 60.

It was fascinating watching the beginnings of the rut season as the rams postured each other for dominance and female mating rights. It was too early in the rut season to observe any battles though. Our friend, a Montana wildlife ranger, explained that the rams weigh up to 350 pounds, a set of large horns can weigh 30 pounds and when two rams battle they can reach speeds of 40 mph with the impact being heard up to a mile away, the battle ends when one ram concedes and walks away.

I wouldn’t mind a return trip to Wild Horse Island during the rut for the chance to observe them battle. Note to self . . . time to invest in that longer lens!

This panorama is a stich of five portrait format images

Tags:   Montana Flathead Lake Wild Horse Island bighorn sheep ram ewe landscape wildlife Panorama Brad Eide Nikon D7100 geotagged September 2016 fall Nikon 70-300mm

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