Backpacking Glacier National Park, Montana - Otokomi Lake - Day 1

Описание: Join us on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Glacier National Park, where love and adventure intertwine in the stunning backcountry wilderness. As a couple deeply bonded by our passion for the mountains—having gotten engaged midway to Sky Pond in Rocky Mountain National Park and returning just two days after our wedding to complete that hike—we've always dreamed of exploring Glacier's iconic landscapes together. This video captures my wife's very first backpacking trip, and our shared first time backpacking in Glacier itself. We've visited before for the famous Highline Trail, but nothing prepared us for the raw beauty of the backcountry.

Securing our coveted lottery spot for backcountry wilderness permits was a thrill in itself, granting us access to one of the world's most breathtaking destinations. Starting from our home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, we drove to Minneapolis for an early flight to Kalispell Airport. From there, we picked up our rental vehicle and headed to Apgar Village to collect our permits. Without a pass for the Going-to-the-Sun Road, we navigated to the east side of the park near Saint Mary Lake, where the trailhead awaited. The drive alone was mesmerizing, with panoramic views that left us grinning in awe.

Arriving at the trailhead around 1:30 PM, we spent 10-15 minutes prepping our packs before embarking on our 2-day, 1-night adventure: a 10.9-mile hike to Otokomi Lake with 2,316 feet of elevation gain. The trail wound through lush forests, past cascading waterfalls, and offered glimpses of towering peaks that define Glacier National Park backpacking. We took our time, savoring every moment, from the wildflowers blooming along the path to the crisp mountain air filling our lungs.

As we reached camp just before dusk, the fading light painted Otokomi Lake in golden hues. We soaked in the remaining views, prepared a simple yet satisfying dinner, set up our tent, and celebrated with homemade backcountry piña coladas— a toast to our enduring love and this milestone adventure. It was an epic, beautiful first day, spent with the most important person in my life, reminding us why the mountains have always been our sanctuary.

Watch Episode Day 2 Here
   • Backpacking Montana - Day 2 Otokomi Lake, ...  

Whether you're a seasoned hiker searching for Glacier backcountry inspiration or a beginner dreaming of Montana's wilderness, hit play and let the adventure unfold. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your own Glacier stories in the comments! #GlacierNationalPark #BackpackingGlacier #OtokomiLake #FirstTimeBackpacking #CoupleAdventures #MontanaHiking #WildernessPermits #BackcountryCamping #MountainLove #HikingWithWife