The lake is listed anywhere between 1.3 and 3 miles, unfortunately I could not get a GPS signal with the Motorola Droid and it was difficult to get a signal with the Garmin GPS as well. I did get some pictures tho.

Outstanding views in this park

note; two panoramic pics are included with the photos / maps.  These photos are too small in flickr and are misplaced on all maps, they should be located more towards the north east side of st mary’s lake.

flickr photos

flickr map

google map (with pictures)

google earth (with pictures)

length: 5.3 miles (round trip)

time: 3:09 (round trip)

difficulty:  easy

avg speed: 2.0 mph

elevation gain: from 3805ft to 5240ft gaining 1435ft

comments: easy hike, drank from stream.

photos; flickr

google maps (with photos)

google earth (.kmz file with photos)

gps (.gpx file)

length: 3.7 miles (from trail head to fire lookout)

time: 3:34:24 (up)  1:10:38 (at the top)  1:43:33 (back)

difficulty:  moderate / moderately difficult

avg speed: 1.o mph (up) 2.0 mph (down)

elevation gain: from 6783ft to 9368ft gaining 3585ft

directions: south of Stevensville to (either west on St Mary’s Rd or west on Indian Prairie Loop then North on St Mary’s Rd) then west on Lookout Trail

comments:  this had me gasping a bit, stops became more frequent as the trail went on, the last leg of the hike seems to be a bit more strenuous than the rest of the trail.

photos; panoramio or flickr

google maps

google earth (.kmz file)

gps (.gpx file)

two shots while walking up the trail to the cavern;

The entrance to the caverns;

While there were no signs of bears the deer had no problem with the campers.

After camping at Avalanche Campground, we took a hike along Avalanche Creek, a rough yet spectacular clear blue creek runs along an ‘easy’ hike up towards Avalanche Lake. The hike is approximately 2 miles each way and a gain of 500ft in elevation.

Along the hike many surrounding mountains still had snow which was melting and causing runoff resulting in huge falls, this is a small one;

Upon reaching the lake we found crystal clear water surrounded by mountains.

Later that day, a little lunch at McDonald Lake;

Above you see arrows pointing to my picture and my credit. I found it a bit odd as my name is nowhere near the picture and there is no indication of why my name is there, not that I’m complaining.

After teaching him how to nail the hardwood floor, I showed him how to select the correct piece of wood (quality of finish, warping, and the correct length [so that breaks are staggered]) and how to pound it into place.

He was then doing the job all by himself, yes, the pictures you are viewing are actual shots of him in action (using the sports mode of my camera) laying approximately 12 11′ 6″ long rows of Bellawood rustic maple 3/4″ hardwood flooring with a pneumatic floor nailer.

The elk weren’t afraid of the vehicles or people, nor were the people afraid of the elk. The park rangers were stationed around the elk and had to keep people a safe distance away, and the village had several signs warning of the danger. For some reason people felt no danger from these massive wild animals. We saw people walk right beside the elk without a second thought. We even saw a family park their car right next to the elk and get out of the car, the parents showed no concern when the barely walking toddler got out of the car and headed toward the elk, just feet away. No concern that is until the elk made took a couple aggressive steps toward the child.