What if I told you there is a place so beautiful that once you have visited it your heart yearns for it for the rest of your days? This is the very thing I discovered when I visited Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Approx 15 miles from Glacier National Park is a place where you, your family, your friends, and your pets can find true adventure. This forest is pet friendly so you can bring your fur babies, just be mindful that you are in the wilds. There are bears, mountain lions, and other predators like coyotes; so keep them close and protect them. Sometimes if you let your fur baby run free they can attract predators. As an example, bears like to chase small prey. Using a long leash may be the way to go if your fur baby is adventurous without one. Do not let this scare you away. If you like to play outside this will usually be a factor to some extent.
The lake itself has around 170 miles of shoreline and 500 feet in depth. The dam is 564 feet high and was the third largest in the world in 1953 when it was built.
The way to this magical place is very easy. From Hungry Horse (the town, on HWY 2) follow West Side Rd South(ish). There is a large green sign in town that directs visitors to the dam. Just follow that. You will pass Lion Lake which will be explored in a separate blog because it is very special and truly deserves it. After 5 miles of mountain road driving on a curvy road that steadily climbs you will come upon the dam. It is a great place to stop and use the restroom (there are only restrooms at official campgrounds after this) and take a selfie! You might get a little dizzy looking down at the turquoise river far below.
Once you have crossed the dam with your vehicle pull over again and take a picture of the map because if you haven't lost cell signal yet, you are about to.
Take a deep breath because now you are entering a place where it would be no surprise to see a unicorn or fairy in your midst. Slow down and enjoy the drive. If you are just doing a day drive make sure you have all afternoon. The lake is 50 miles long and takes approx 2.5 hours each way. I recommend loading up with all your gear and staying a few nights so you can fully appreciate what you are discovering. While we have done just that many times, on this occasion we drove approx half way and did not stay the night.
Look to your left as you drive and you might be lucky enough to see eagles nesting. The last few times I went to this reservoir they were present, and once they even had babies in the nest!
On this particular journey we stopped at Doris Point, which is a day use area, and had a cook out. After wards we played in the water and took lots of pictures before picking around a gallon of huckleberries, which are plentiful here.
Honestly it is hard to describe the beauty of this place so I am posting tons of pictures. The lake is deep and welcoming and the fishing is good in the coves. The mountains tower above like wise sentinels of a past age watching over everything. The islands look like oasis that call to anyone with a boat or kayak to come and see. The trees are dense and tall and look old and powerful, even though some areas have been touched by fires in the past. The water reflects the sky and splashes blue if there is wind, or it reflects heaven and earth with a masterful artists care. The ground is covered in pine needles and green growing things, flowers, and foot steps of a thousand wild beasts and bugs. Every turn and bend on the road reveals a trail or waterfall you could take an entire day to explore.
There are some important things to note before you go which I will list now.
OVERNIGHT TIPS:
I prefer a camper this far into bear country. There is no rangers and this is not a park. Having 4 walls is a comfort and will help you sleep better. If you want to tent camp park your vehicle close to the door of your tent and leave it unlocked so you can get in quickly if needed. Always have bear spray with you to deter any curious friends.
Leave a light on through the night. It gets very dark here if there is no moon. Be ready to enjoy a million stars over your head.
Storms can occur quick and without warning. Bring a tarp and keep an eye on the weather when planning your trip.
Tie your food high up in a tree and keep a large air tight ice chest in your vehicle.
Bring an emergency preparedness kit. I like to keep important survival gear with me on all my trips and always recommend the same for others. While adventure is fun you must always be prepared.
SURVIVAL GEAR
Gas Can Filled
Sharp Strong Pocket Knife
Fishing Pole and tackle.
Large Caliber Handgun/Ammo (always be aware of and follow local laws regarding weapons)
First Aid Kit
Axe
Non-perishable Food like trail mix, oatmeal, nuts for an emergency situation.
Flashlight and extra batteries.
Solar Cell Charging Station
Extra blankets. I carry a zero degree sleeping bag.
Proper shoes for a long walk out if it came to that.
A Paper Printed Map. There is no signal here.
Rope
Bug Spray (I have never needed it here, but it is a good idea to have just in case.)
Extra Food for your Pets
Multi Tool
Extra medication for those in your group who depend on it, like insulin or blood pressure meds.
Whistle
Duct Tape
Rain Gear
Warm Coat, Socks, Gloves
Since this is just an introduction to Hungry Horse Reservoir I will bring this blog to a close. I will do future posts about some of my adventures around this amazing lake because each one is worthy of its own blog. For now you have a taste and have seen some sights from the perspective of someone just driving in and using the lake for the day, for swimming, eating and photo ops. There is so much more to come. You could spend an entire summer here and still be amazed.
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