Thoughts of Summer - Picnicking

We would love to hear your comments about YOUR favorite summer picnic spot around the Bigfork, Montana area?  Wayfarers? Sliter Park? Swan River Trail? Yellow Bay? By the Bridge?

What is  your favorite spot for a family picnic?   
What is your favorite spot for a romantic picnic?

History of Bigfork, Montana

History of Bigfork, Montana

The original inhabitants of northwestern Montana were, Native Americans.

In the 1800's the Salish and Kootenai  tribes traversed the Flathead area on their semi-annual expeditions to hunt for bison.

These Native Americans traveled both on horseback and on foot, in the winter they traveled on snowshoes.

The Blackfeet, plains natives, crossed from east to west to raid the Salish and Kootenai for horses. All of these tribes of Native Americans also made trips into the mountains for hunting, fishing, and gathering of food.

Prior to 1850 the Kootenai hunted seasonally on Flathead Lake, competing with the Pend d ‘Oreilles.

After 1850 the Kootenai lived and hunted on Flathead Lake permanently mixing with the Native Americans already living here. The fur trade brought the Native Americans an influx of trade goods and replaced the Native American economy with new materials, hunting and trapping of game for material gain.

The only way to earn a living in Bigfork in the early 1850’s was by hunting, trapping, and trading, or working for someone else who hunted, trapped, or traded.

The Hellgate Treaty of 1855 established the Flathead Indian Reservation in the lower Flathead Valley for the Flathead (or Salish), Pend d ‘Oreille (or Kalispell), and Kootenai Tribes. Most of the bands of these tribes slowly moved onto this Reservation.

By the late 1800’s people of varies ethnic background began flooding into Bigfork for logging and to do business on the Swan River and Flathead Lake. 

 

In 1887 the Dawes Act divided rich bottomlands of the Reservations into individual allotments, and the land left over was considered surplus to be settled by non-natives.

Everit L. Sliter arrived here in Bigfork, Montana while on a fishing and hunting trip in 1889.

Everit was one of the successful young men of  early Montana, born in Vicksburg, Michigan, on November 29, 1866, the son of Andrew J. and Lucy (Moffett) Sliter.

After graduation from high school in Vicksburg, at the aged of nineteen, Everit L. Sliter went to Blue Hills, Nebraska alone.

From there Everit journeyed to Ouray, Arapahoe county, Colorado, where he bought horses and a 160 acre farm for $300, part of this $300 was to be paid in labor. In six months he lost his horses through overwork, left the farm and went to Fremont, Nebraska, and was a clerk in a hotel for eighteen months. With $300 saved working as a hotel clerk, Everit took the old buffalo trail to Helena, Montana, for forty-four days traveled on that trail, Everit was lost five days in a snow storm in the Bad Lands. He was fortunate enough to kill a range steer for food otherwise he would have died for lack of food.

Helena, Montana Everit worked for four months as a carpenter at forty cents an hour, putting in fourteen hours a day.

Everit's next job was to helped build all of the railroad depots between Helena and Butte on the Montana Central Railroad line.

Quitting this job, during the fall and winter of I888 he kept a peanut and popcorn stand on the corner of Broadway and Main streets of Helena, Montana.

In the Spring of 1899 he opened the Palace cigar store in Helena, taking on a partner, George D. Crie.

Desiring recreation, on March 8, 1889, Everit arrived in the Flathead valley on a hunting and fishing trip, and was so pleased with the valley and its possibilities that he purchased a Bigfork ranch, consisting of 139.6 acres, from William Ramsdell, for $1,380. The only improvements on the ranch was six acres under cultivation, a dirt-roofed house and a little log stable.

Returning to Helena, he closed out his business there and permenately settled on his Flathead Lake land.
During the first winter of his life in Bigfork he killed twenty-six deer to survive. Everit kept ‘bachelor’s hall’ for four years and clerked for three years of that time for Mr. Ramsdell at his store in Egan, Montana.

In the spring of 1892 Everit L. Sliter opened the first store at Holt (Bigfork), but soon sold the store and made a trip to his origininal Michigan home.  On December 14, 1892, Everit married,  Lizzie G. Osborn, daughter of Henry D. and Maria (Turber) Osborn.

In 1892 Everit L. Sliter also made the first start in what promised to be one of the largest and productive orchards of the valley by setting out 500 apple, cherry, plum and pear trees. The next year 300 more trees were added and in 1894, 700 more trees. He had 4,000 fruit trees, of which 1,500 were actively bearing fruit.

From that time on the Sliter's labored zealously to build up and develop a handsome estate at Bigfork, Montana.  The estate numbered 555 acres of fertile land located at the head of Flathead Lake. Their fine home, was a hotel, with fifteen sleeping rooms, built in the spring of 1900.  At this hotel a traveler could find entertainment surpassing many big city hotels.

In 1901 he platted the town of Bigfork (100 lots) and secured the establishment of the Bigfork post office. Everit was commissioned as Bigfork's first postmaster, he soon resigned the office in favor of O. A. Colby.

At that time, Bigfork was nothing more that “cut over land” so at Everit's own expense he procured a stump-pulling machine and removed all the stumps from the streets and main building lots, leaving the ground clear and free from obstructions. He used almost all of this money from the sale of his Bigfork lots to make improvements within the platted area of Bigfork, Montana.

It was at this time (1901) that the hydroelectric plant was built at the mouth of the Swan River to supply energy to Kalispell, Montana.

Near Bigfork was a ferry on the Flathead River, the Holt Ferry was the first ferry on the Flathead River, and  was not replaced with a bridge until 1942.

Winter Getaway Specials - Mountain Lake Lodge

February 16th, 2011

Thanks for running these specials. 

After twenty years of marriage my wife and I have had two rocky years but recently  have reconciled and united once again. 

Your special prices have allowed us to get away twice since our reconciliation and it has been awesome to focus on each other. 

Thank you!!!

romantic jacuzzi suite

Mountain Lake Lodge
Winter Gift Certificate Specials
-Valid October 1st, 2010 through May 31st, 2011

Suite and Pizza $125 - In any Suite (except the Cedar) and a $20 food & Beverage voucher to Riley’s Pub and Sports Bar. Gratuity not included. Good any day of the week Riley’s is open.

Saturday Escape $135 – Saturday Night Stay in any Suite (except the Cedar)  and a voucher for Prime Rib Sunday Brunch for 2 people (served 9 am-1 pm)  Gratuity not included

Dining Getaway $145 – Friday or Saturday Night Stay in any Suite (except the Cedar) and a Voucher for Dinner in Terra Steakhouse for 2 People.  Gratuity not included

Weekender $275 – TWO-NIGHT STAY Friday and Saturday in any Suite (except the Cedar) & a voucher for Dinner Saturday for 2 people (served 6 pm -9 pm)  and a voucher for Prime Rib Sunday Brunch for 2 People (served 9 am-1 pm Sunday’s). Gratuity not included

Hiking Trails close to Bigfork, Montana

When hiking in the summer please remember to take along a hat, sunscreen, snack or lunch, water, and bear spray.

Here are a few of the Hiking Trails for your hiking pleasure that are close to Bigfork, Montana.

JEWEL BASIN, Bigfork, Montana
As a designated hiking area, the Jewel is a true hiker’s paradise. Thirty-five miles of trail provide many options for hikes of all lengths. While some prefer day hikes, many choose to camp by one of the areas 25 lakes and enjoy a few hours of fishing. Elevations range from 4,240 feet at Graves Creek to 7,542 feet at Big Hawk Mountain. Wildflowers are plentiful and be sure to keep your eyes out for wildlife. For maps and additional information: Flathead National Forest, 650 Wolfpack Way, Kalispell, MT 59901. 406-758-5200

SWAN RIVER NATURE TRAIL, Bigfork, Montana
Starting just outside Bigfork’s town gate at the east end of Grand Avenue, the trail travels along the old River Road beside the Swan River. Sheltered by towering pines and firs, the trail is open to hiking, biking and horseback riding. Four miles round trip. 406-837-5888 http://www.bigfork.org/

FLATHEAD LAKE INTERPERTIVE Trail No. 77, Bigfork, Montana
A great hike!! Directions to the Trail -Turn Right onto Montana Highway 35 from the Mountain Lake Lodge in Woods Bay. Follow Montana Highway 35 for about three miles. Look for the half circle turnoff on the Flathead Lake side of the Highway 35. Keep an eye out for the Beardance Trail and Flathead Lake Trail sign just before the turnoff. The main trailhead marker is at the northern parking area. Pick up a trail guide under the “Flathead Lake Interpretive Trail No. 77” sign. The numbered stations along the trail correspond to the numbers in the guide and discuss everything from fire – causing the “Cat Face” burn at the base of a tree – and mistletoe and insects to the history of the lake formation and the first people to inhabit the area. The hike is not the easiest but not altogether strenuous. It starts out with a quick descent toward the lake. Remember, what you hike down, you must hike up. Once at the bottom, a series of steep steps take you to the edge of the lake you can sit on the bench and look out over the vista. Continuing to hike, you’ll cross a footbridge over Crane Creek and the climb back up begins."

WAYFARERS STATE PARK, Bigfork, Montana
Wayfarer’s is a great place for nature lovers with the expanse of wildflowers in the warmer months along with excellent views of the lake and great hiking opportunities along the craggy shoreline and cliffs. Located .5 miles south of Bigfork on Montana Highway35. (Lat 48.054, Lng -114.081) http://fwp.mt.gov/parks/visit/wayfarers/

LONE PINE STATE PARK, Kalispell, Montana
Lone Pine offers spectacular views of Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness and the Flathead Valley. A half-mile, wheelchair accessible interpretive loop trail leads to the Flathead Valley Overlook. There are also multi-use trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, 406-752-5501 www.fwp.mt.gov

WOODLAND PARK, Kalispell, Montana
This beautiful 38-acre park in Kalispell is known for its rose gardens, swimming pool, playgrounds and ponds with ducks and geese. A paved trail in the park provides a level walking surface for a quiet one mile stroll.  406-758-7849

RAILS TO TRAILS, Kalispell, Montana
Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana has been converting abandoned rail beds to multi-use paths for over a decade. As part of a county-wide network, the paths now connect Somers to Kalispell and are reaching out to the village of Kila. There are over 6 miles of paved trail heading west out of Kalispell generally following US Highway 2 (it ends at Ashley Creek). On the other side of Ashley Creek, there is an improved gravel trail connecting to Kila. Written By Don Green-born 1911 “As you walk or ride a bicycle on the Rails to Trails going west from Kalispell, you should keep in mind the history connected to it. This was the main line of the Great Northern Railway. All of the east and westbound passengers and freight were hauled over this trail. The engine called the Kalispell Dinky, with all of its shiny brass pulled the baggage car and passenger car which were both bigger than it was. It would go over this route and take passengers to Kila and Marion, and then return with passengers it picked up along the line. You could flag this train down from about any crossing and they would stop and pick you up. If you were going any distance, you could ride it through Kalispell to Columbia Galls and make connections with a passenger train on the main line.  It would also make trips to Somers with passengers and back to Kalispell.

There was also the local freight train that came out of Whitefish to handle the local freight for all the stores along the line. They would bring in empty cars to be loaded at the lumber mills, pole yards, stockyards, wood yards, and grain elevators. Later on, it would haul in passenger cars for the local sales.

This train would go the same route and drop off cars to be loaded at the mills and put off the freight for the stores at Kila and Marion. It would pick up the loaded cars of lumber and railroad ties and other things.

Sometimes it would come into Kalispell with several carloads of bawling cattle and pick up a few cars here and take them to Whitefish. They would be put in with a train that hauled nothing but cattle and shipped back east to Chicago or St. Louis.

In later years, about 1930, the Galloping Goose replaced the Little Dinky. It made daily trips over the trail to Kila and Marion. This engine was like putting a motor in a baggage car and coupling it to the front wheels to give it power to pull it on the rails.

At one time, they had a logging train that went way beyond Marion and would take them to the Somers Lumber Company. They would back the cars out on the dock by the mill and dump the logs in Flathead Lake until they were ready for them in the mill. This train would also pick up carloads of railroad ties that were loaded at Kila and Marion and at a few sidings in-between to haul them to the tie treating plant at Somers.” http://www.railstotrailsofnwmt.com/

BLACKTAIL MOUNTAIN, Lakeside, Montana
Towering above the west shore of Flathead Lake, Blacktail Mountain is known for its winter skiingalong with hiking and bike trails that furnish spectacular views of Flathead Lake and the valley. A favorite trail begins at Truman Saddle Road where it loops down to the middle cross-country ski road. Six mile loop. 406-844-0999

WHITEFISH MOUNTAIN RESORT, Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish Mountain’s Danny On Memorial Hiking Trail offers routes ranging from 3 to 6 miles in length. Begin in Glacier Village and wind your way to the 7,000 ft. Summit House with dramatic, spell-binding vistas at every turn, or take it easy and ride a gondola or chairlift to the top and walk down! Either way, a panoramic view of Northwest Montana’s Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park reveals itself around you.  The United States Forest Service offers daily free guided walks from the Summit Nature Center in Whitefish Mountain’s Summit House. Explore on your own or join them among the huckleberries and wildflowers, above the lakes and fields, alongside peaks called the Crown of the Continent. 406-862-1900. http://www.skiwhitefish.com/

Climate of Bigfork Montana

The climate of Bigfork, Montana is surprisingly mild because the surrounding mountains and water of Flathead Lake provide protection from harsher climates to the east and west of Bigfork.

Bigfork weather-watchers find it moderately dry in summer and autumn with a somewhat wetter winter and spring.

Annual precipitation in the Flathead Valley averages 20.27 inches of rain and 49.0 inches of snow. In the mountains, precipitation can average up to 100 inches of snow at higher elevations.  Elevation in the Flathead Valley ranges from 2900 feet above sea level on the valley floor to the higher mountain peaks at 10,000 feet.

Bigfork is at an altitude of 2900. Be prepared for any type of weather all year long - layering of clothing is recommended.  The most constant thing about our weather is that it's unpredictable.  Or as the saying goes "if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes".

Here is a list of the AVERAGE daily temperatures for Bigfork, Montana.

Month               Daily High                 Daily Low
January                 27                             11
February               34                             16
March                  41                             20
April                     54                             30
May                     64                             38
June                      72                             44
July                      82                             48
August                  80                             46
September           70                             39
October                56                             31
November           39                             23
December            32                             18

If you would like to see the current weather in Bigfork, Montana please go to our Mountain Lake Lodge home page  http://mountainlakelodge.com/ and look at the weather forecast icon.

Bigfork, Montana what is it that charms our hearts?

Bigfork, where Flathead Lake begins....


Bigfork is well known as the art center of the Flathead Valley and has numerous eclectic shops, gourmet restaurants, art galleries and a live theatre.


Bigfork is sheltered in a sparkling bay where the swift waters of the Swan River flow into Flathead Lake, bringing kayakers from around the world. 


Each Chirstmas season community “elves” decorate Bigfork in Christmas lights, fresh-cut greenery and bright red bows, the Bigfork Summer Playhouse, one of the finest repertory theatres, has some of the most talented actors in the Northwest. Since 1960 every summer the Bigfork Summer Playhouse company of actors has performed a different musical every night with fast-paced singing, dancing, and acting.  In August, hundreds of people attend the Bigfork Festival of the Arts which is a wonderful place to see numerous artists show their wares in booths lining the streets of Bigfork’s Grand and Electric Avenues.


Bigfork offers spectacular views of the Swan Mountains.  And  Bigfork’s close proximity to the Jewel Basin Hiking area, the Bob Marshal Wilderness, and Glacier National Park make it an outdoor enthusiasts playground.


Bigfork also boasts a 27-hole championship golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, Jr. and Bill Hull. Eagle Bend Golf Course.  Golf Digest named Eagle Bend as the one of the top 50 golf courses in the United States.


Summer Evening Concerts are held in Everit L. Sliter Memorial Park (Everit L. Sliter plotted Bigfork back in 1901)  this park was dedicated in 1983 and is next to the one-lane bridge on Electric Avenue in Bigfork.

Flathead Lake is the place to create memories that will last a lifetime!  No matter if you are an experienced angler, the novice fishermen, or a child being introduced to fishing for the first time Flathead Lake is the place for spectacular fishing.

Bigfork, where Flathead Lake begins.

Rehearsal Dinners - Mountain Lake Lodge - Thoughts of Summer

The Rehearsal Dinner often marks the first time family and friends from both sides come together. So why not make it a memorable event and fun for all!

Instead of making it an extension of the wedding, consider the rehearsal dinner a chance to host an event that’s fresh and unexpected

Think about it - rehearsal dinners include a high concentration of people that love the Bride and Groom who have gathered in thier honor, and there’s no posing for photographers every minute; and the bride’s hair won’t be piled in some extremely shellacked-but-breathtaking up-do she’s never worn before and probably will never wear again.

So why not relax and, let your hair down? With very little effort, you can assemble a pre-wedding event that provides some much-needed calm before the busy storm of the wedding weekend.

Weddings have a way of ballooning into family reunions, so put the focus back on the Bride and Groom, by making it personal by adding a few creative, and very personal touches.

The Bride and Groom can start by sharing their love story with the group.  Use favorite colors, favorite meal, favorite desserts, or "their" song, as the theme of the rehearsal dinner.

Choose a location  that was meaningful to thier courtship—like that romantic bistro they went to on their first date—then share the memory with all the guests as they dine.

Present a slideshow of the Bride and Groom’s favorite photos or music.

Another option is to ask all your guests in advance (by invitation or email) to be the evening’s entertainment. Choose a friend or family member to be the emcee for the event and have those who are comfortable performing “sign up” with the emcee prior to the dinner. You may be amazed at the talent in the room as friends and family play music, sing, read touching or outrageous poems that they’ve written about the bride and groom.

Fireplace Room - Jest Gallery

How about kicking off the wedding weekend at the reehearsal dinner with a more sophisticated version of “game night.” Karaoke or murder mysteries give guests a chance to interact with each other.

Or a scavenger hunt where the last stop is the rehearsal dinner site.

Make Room for the Groom - The Bride is the star of the wedding weekend, you can re-direct the spotlight for one evening by dedicating the rehearsal dinner to the groom.

Choose a more casual venue like Riley’s Pub and Sports Bar and organize a beer tasting of the Groom's favorite local microbrews with munchies.

Or honor the groom’s love of outdoors by having a BBQ on the Patio of Riley’s Pub and Sports Bar,

 

or catered picnic at Wayfarers State Park, a dinner cruise on Flathead Lake, a fishing expedition and Fish fry on Flathead Lake Lodge, or Horsebackriding complete with chuckwagon dinner by Swan Mountain Outfitters or if the groom loves steak a Steak Dinner at Terra Steakhouse ir Bigfork Inn.

Ribeye Steak topped with Fried Onions - Terra Steakhouse

Another way to make the groom the center of attention is by serving a groom’s cake that reflects his personality by creating incredibly realistic-but-edible cakes that look like tackle boxes, a recliner complete with video game system or his favorite sport or sports team or the grooms favorite hobby.

The traditional rehearsal dinner etiquette dictates that the groom’s parents pay for the rehearsal dinner because it’s the way for the groom’s mother to show that she knows how to entertain, too.

But as more and more couples choose to pay for their own wedding or share the expenses between both families, the bottom line is you get to decide who shoulders the awesome pre-wedding party responsibility.

Remember, that whoever pays gets the last word on the rehearsal dinner details!

But don't worry about all those extra guests blowing your budget -- rehearsal dinners can be as formal or as low-key as you want (pizza party, anyone?).

Riley's Pub and Sports Bar

The traditional group to be invited to the rehearsal dinner includes the Bride and Groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, flower girls and ring bearers with their parents, the officiant and other close family members and friends.

In Jewish tradition, it is customary for anyone invited to the wedding to be invited to the rehearsal dinner. They’ve flown out, they’ve given a gift, and they need to eat. End of story.

That said, you do have the right to invite who you want—or even hold two kinds of events. While some etiquette purists say two events makes some guests feel excluded and awkward, more and more couples are now opting to have their dinner at a swanky restaurant with the usual close-knit crew, then meet up with more friends and out-of-towners later at the restaurant’s bar for the pre-wedding toasts.

It’s all in how you word the invitations. One couple wanted to include every single wedding guest in the pre-wedding festivities, but their budget precluded it. The guests who weren’t included in the posh pre-wedding meal got invitations with a later time to join up for the rehearsal “party,” and these people never guessed that the actual dinner had already happened. They were too busy noshing on the delicious tray-passed appetizers, cocktails and desserts!

Start planning the rehearsal dinner as soon as you can make the event location reservation, at least 3-6 months in advance of the date. At three months out, couples have a good idea how many guests will be attending and they can plan a menu that doesn’t conflict with their wedding day. Consider scheduling your rehearsal dinner on a Thursday night if you’re having a Saturday wedding. Not only can this make your rehearsal dinner bill cheaper, but “everyone can party as much as they want, sleep it off on Friday, and wake up for the wonderful wedding on Saturday.

There are so many rehearsal dinner locations it’s hard to choose! Coordinators can help steer you in the right direction, but a favorite restaurant is always a good choice. Choose a place that’s close to your rehearsal site to make it convenient for your guests, and make sure you’ve reserved a private room if you’re going to break out the naked baby picture slides or karaoke machine.

Rehearsal dinner invitations should go out four weeks before the event and, of course, after the wedding invitation. And never put the rehearsal dinner invite in with the wedding invite! Remember, even though rehearsal dinners are a part of the wedding festivities, they really are two separate events. Formal invitations are perfectly elegant for weddings, but feel free to express your creative side with color and thematic elements for the rehearsal dinner invites.


Jest Gallery - Mountain Lake Lodge

I’m having cake at my reception. Should I really have cake at the rehearsal dinner, too?  The rehearsal dinner gives you a chance to sample other delightful alternatives. Love chocolate? Have a fabulous “All Things Chocolate” Dessert Station which includes every imaginable form of chocolate—ice cream, truffles, mousse parfait, hot chocolate shots and macaroons paired with dark chocolate martinis—even the tabletop surface can be made of chocolate!

You can even arrange to have a snow cone and cotton candy machine.

Terra Steakhouse

Just remember all of your desserts should complement the meal. After a steak dinner lemon is great, but chocolate is best after chicken or light fish. If the meal is very complicated, try a simple dessert of champagne sabayon, fresh berries and pound cake.

It's Snowing - Bigfork Montana - Mountain Lake Lodge

It's so beautiful - snowing, snowing, snowing

Happy Valentine's day!

Share a Sunset!

Mountain Lake Lodge Valentine's Day Special Monday, February 14th, 2010


Treat your sweetheart to a Romantic Getaway at Mountain Lake Lodge

Jacuzzi Fireplace Suite and
Champagne Dinner of Steak and Lobster in Terra Steakhouse
$235 per couple Gratuity Included

Glacier Country Blog, Montana

The blog about "Valentine's day" written by Tia Troy of GlacierMT is very interesting reading.
The cake alone is worth going to the blog for..... it's an amazing cake.

Take a moment to read the blog and let me know what you think. 

Here is the link for your convenience:   http://www.glaciermt.com/blog/

Happy Valentine's Day!

Chocolate Trail

Create a chocolate trail.

Lay a path of wrapped chocolates
( Hershey's kisses and hugs, or Dove chocolate hearts) 

that lead around your house or hotel suite....have a special treat waiting
at the end for your partner.

Birch Queen - Jacuzzi Room - Mountain Lake Lodge

Thoughts of Summer - The Highline Trail - Glacier National Park - Hiking

"Far away in northwestern Montana, hidden from view by clustering mountain peaks, lies an unmapped corner – the Crown of the Continent." -George Bird Grinnell (1901)


The spectacular Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road opens about the end of June and closes the first part of October.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road winds 52 miles through stunning glacial scenery, crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass.

Hiking trails allow everyone to steal glimpses of the heart of this majestic wilderness – Glacier National Park and its abundant wildlife, including bears, elk, moose, marmots, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.

The 7.6 mile Highline Trail offers opportunities for those with moderate hiking ability to explore deep into the park during summer.

The Highline Trail is across from the Logan Pass parking lot.  You hike north along the Garden Wall and just below the craggy Continental Divide.

If you are frightened by heights this trail might not be for you as the beginning of the trail has sharp drop offs right at the edge of the trail.

Enjoy the many beautiful panoramic views afforded from the Highline trail. Rock formations, flowers and occasional glimpses of mountain goats, big horn sheep and deer make this a most memorable 7.6 mile trip with a 200 feet gain to the Granite Park Chalet, a National Historic Landmark, where hikers with reservations http://www.graniteparkchalet.com/reservations.html can stay overnight.  

Be sure to take plenty of water with you as there is no shade or water along the way.

Also there is no FREE water available at the Granite Park Chalet (open June 28th to September 9th, 2011) but you can buy snacks, sodas, and bottled water at the Chalet during the summer season.


You can return to Logan Pass by retracing your footsteps on the same trail that you took from the Logan Pass Parking lot.........or you can hike down 4 miles (a 2,500-foot descent) from Granite Park Chalet on the Loop Trail and wait for a park shuttle to pick you up at the Loop.

Things to Remember
-No pets are allowed in the back country
-Trails are for hikers and horseback riders only, no bikes or other “vehicles” allowed (horses are not allowed on the Highline trail between Logan Pass and Granite Park Chalet)
-Parking is extremely limited at the Loop, Logan Pass and Swiftcurrent. Car pooling and the use of Glacier’s Shuttle System http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/shuttles.htmfor transportation is highly recommended.

Valentine's Day Candy

Since Valentine's Day is a holiday about passion, I'm guessing that people feel just as passionately about their Valentine's Day candy. 

In your opinion, "What is the best Valentine's Candy" and Why?

Single on Valentine's Day - celebrate life

A "romantic" Valentine's Day is highly regarded by those in love but dreaded by singles.
Some singles even become depressed about not having a partner.
A sense of isolation becomes so strong singles tend to “hate Valentine's Day”.
Many singles call Valentine's Day ‘Singles Awareness Day'.  SAD

If you are single and you like it, now is the time to affirm your choice.

People who never marry or partner have close, loving, emotionally intimate relationships and fantastic lives.

Do not let a couple-driven culture define your single choice as something wrong espeically on highly commericalized Valentine's Day.

Valentine's day is meant to celebrate love....an opportunity to celebrate love with anyone we are closed to. So get together with people who do love you if you are feeling SAD or lonely -- friends, family members, the people who already have relationships with you.

The most important thing about Valentine’s Day is that love is not just for couples; it is for all of us.

Valentine's Day ....one of life's speical moments in time!

For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart.

It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul."

-Judy Garland-

Valentine’s day is very personal experience depending on if you are a child, single, engaged, married, widowed, or divorced. 

Who we are also dictates what kind of a "Valentine" we receive i.e. we might be a mother, father, husband, wife, son, daughter, grandmother, grandfather, granddaughter, grandson, a boyfriend, a girlfriend, a work associate or  just a “friend”.  There so many kinds of "Valentine's" to give.  And we all want to be the recipient of a special Valentine.


we would love to hear about your special Valentine's traditions
Click on the comment link below and tell us about your.

History of Valentine Cards - It seems that the writing of special notes and letters for Valentine’s Day gained widespread popularity in the 1700's. At that time the romantic "cards" were handwritten, on ordinary writing paper.

Valentine greetings have been very notable since the Middle Ages, when impending lovers articulated  or sang their meaningful verses.

Written Valentines began to crop up after 1400.

The initial valentine well known as “poetical or affectionate addresses” is attributed to Charles, Duke of Orleans, in 1415. Charles, Duke of Orleans, while cramped in the Tower of London after the Battle of Agincourt, the immature Duke reportedly bid his time by writing regretful verses for his mother in France.

Paper Valentines originated in the 1500's, being exchanged in Europe and were very distinguished in England.

Papers made especially for Valentine greetings began to be marketed in the 1820's.

Did you know that the first Valentine’s Day card of embossed lace paper was produced in the United States shortly after 1847 by Esther Howland (1828- 1904) of Worcester, Massachusetts?

After her graduation at Mount Holyoke College in1847 Esther received her first English Valentine.

 Esther was so enthralled with the beautiful valentine she ordered paper, lace, and florals from England to start making her own Valentine’s.

 Esther took orders from friends for Valentine’s cards she made.  Esther was very surprised to find that she could not keep-up with all the Valentine card orders by herself.

So Esther recruited friends to help her make the cards.

 Esther placed her first ad in the Worcester Newspaper, "The Daily Spy," for orders.

The Assembly line of Valentine orders and card making made Esther Howlands a pioneer in the Valentine manufacturing industry.   If you would like to see a few of her cards checkout this link:
http://www.emotionscards.com/museum/ehowlandvals.htm

Click on the "comment" link below and describe the most memorable Valentine Card you ever received.


The Valentine’s rituals observed here in the United States of giving Valentine’s cards, chocolates, diamonds, flowers, Roses, having a romantic dinner, and of course sharing bubbly champagne has been a ritual since midway thru the 20th century.  

Some "Romeo's" even propose to "Juliet" on Valentine's day with great flourish, romance, and pomp. 

Such was the case last Valentine's Day we had a young man, Matt, surprise his fiancee by proposing to her in Terra Steakhouse during their Valentine's Day dinner.  The scene......... romantic dancing firelight, the soft glow of candlelight, champagne flutes filled with tiny bubbles, and beautiful fragrant roses. the proposal......Heather said  "My boyfriend got down on one knee and proposed to me with the most fantastic engagement ring I have ever seen....…it was so romantic and sweet…..I said YES!!!"

It is always wonderful to hear how couple's met or how they proposed.

Please take a few minutes out of your busy day and let us know.
Just click on the "comment" link below and tell us about it.

It has always been a fun "tradition" in the United States for grade school children and their teacher's to give valentine’s card or treats to their classmates on Valentine’s Day.  It's always interesting to see what the popular Valentine's Cards are each year when my granddaughter brings home her decorate Valentine's box full of cards.

Finding the "Right" Card...........I have found it to be an interesting “adventure” just to find the right card to give to my Valentine on Valentine’s Day.

There are so many stores and so many cards all lined up in rows that it seems to be an overwhelming task.

I find myself reading so many cards that I end up seeing stars instead of hearts. Reading, reading, reading one card after another and never seeming to find the right one.  I finally give up and opt to make my own perfect valentine card…it takes time,  thought, planning, supplies, secrecy, and patience but, it is so worth it to see the look of surprise and the look of joy on my Valentine’s face.

Other times I have picked up the very first Valentine's card at the store to read and was amazed that it was the “perfect” Valentine's card for me to give!

Around the world millions of dollars will be spent on red roses this coming Valentine’s Day.

A thornless rose means the receiver need never fear the giver
A rose leaf invites hope
A rose garland or rose wreath indicates superiority and merit
A full bunch of open blooms indicates gratitude
A single unopened rose bud speaks of beauty and innocence leading to love

Red roses symbolize true love and passion
Pink roses shows happiness
Yellow roses friendship
White roses purity
Red and white together in a bouquet speak of unity
Pink and white together symbolize joy and contentment
Tea roses promise memories to come
Cabbage roses act as ambassadors of love
Musk roses are charming
Christmas rose calms anxiety

Valentine's Day is celebrated on two different dates in Japan.

First on February 14th, ladies present gifts to their boyfriends and/or any man close to them.

Ladies usually give chocolates to men on Valentine’s Day in Japan.

And there are two types of chocolates for Valentine's Day:

One type of chocolate called giri-choco is bought for friends, bosses, colleagues and close male friends.

‘Giri' in Japan means obligation hence these types of chocolates has no romantic association. Ladies make sure they pass on giri-choco to please all men close to them as it is seen that men who do not receive any chocolate feel embarrassed.

Chocolates for boyfriends, lovers or husbands are special ones and are called hon-mei.

Many Japanese girls think that it is not true love if they buy Valentine's day chocolates for their boyfriend and  honmei -choco is usually prepared by girls themselves. Men feel lucky if they receive honmei -choco on Valentine's Day.

The favor is returned to ladies on the White Day celebrated on March 14th when men pamper women who gave them gifts on Valentine’s Day the month before.

White Day celebration in Japan is said to have been initiated as a marketing tool by marshmallow chocolate company in the 1960s. On White Day Japanese men are supposed to return gifts of chocolates to the ladies who gave them chocolates on February 14th. The color of the chocolate is white.

Mostly, Valentine's Day and White Day festivals are celebrated in Japan by those under 20 years of age.

Valentine's Day balls and parties are organized all over Canada where people express love for their spouses and sweethearts and enjoy to the day to the hilt with gifts of Roses, chocolates, candies and cards.

In Denmark every year Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14th with extreme joy and verve. People in  between the ages of 16-30 more actively participate in the festival's. Valentine’s Day is a time for loving by giving and receiving love tokens.

It is the norm to take off from their busy schedules to celebrate the festival of love with their sweetheart.

Valentine's Day is a much-celebrated festival in Australia. It seems that 90 percent of the people aged 18-24 years and 45 percent of those 50 years of age and older celebrate Valentine’s day.

Valentine's Day is an opportunity to strengthen bonds of love with family, friends, colleagues and neighbors with simple acts of love.

A very old Valentine’s tradition in Britain and Italy was for unmarried girls to wake up before sunrise on Valentine's Day. They believed that the first man they saw on Valentine's Day (or someone who looks like him) would marry them within a year. So girls used to wake up before sunrise and stand by their window, waiting for this man (her husband to be) to pass by.

William Shakespeare, even mentions this tradition in Hamlet (1603). When Ophelia, sings:

Good morrow! 'Tis St. Valentine's Day
All in the morning betime,
And I a maid at your window,
To be your valentine!

The celebration of Valentine's Day is a recent occurrence in India.

Although some see it as a western import and hesitate to celebrate, there still is a large number of those who love the feeling behind the beautiful and romantic

The Valentine’s celebration is considered a day when people express their affection for one another.

 To them February 14th signifies LOVE.

 "To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven."

-Karen Sunde-

Tiny Toes Baby Shower

During the Victorian era, a baby shower was a women-centered celebration.



Ladies of the family hosted tea parties for the would-be mom and the baby. This tea party was always held AFTER the baby was born, as a pregnant lady was not allowed to go out in public.

The baby shower served as the reason for family members, friends and relatives to come and see the new born baby. At this time umbrellas became a part of fashion, as a new mom was expected to carry parasols.


While everyone gave handmade gifts to the baby, Grandmothers gave something made of silver to the new mother and her child.

Things changed after World War II, a baby shower was viewed as a celebration of pregnancy.

The popularity of the occasion increased and baby showers started being held BEFORE the birth of the child. And expectant fathers, grandfathers and male relatives also became a part of the celebration.

Today a  baby shower is regarded as a great way to support the expectant parents and share their happiness. 

A baby shower is the perfect time for the would-be parents to collect things for the baby, such as linens, diapers, bottles, bibs, clothing, and blankets.

 If you are looking for the perfect place to hold a baby shower - why not the Mountain Lake Lodge!   You can email us for informtion  at events@mountainlakelodge.com





Elegant, Spacious event space


 Convenient location

Fantastic Views


Event Space for every budget 


We set up all the tables and chairs


You can decorate with your Baby Shower Theme

Our Food and Beverage Manager is happy to give you ideas for baby shower games;

games like - name that baby food, or what kind of candy bar is in the diaper, baby shower memory game, or make a list of advice for the mother-to-be using names of candy bars

        

Name that         Baby Food

What kind of CANDY BAR is in the Diaper?

For your convenience we cater the food and beverages

And best of all we take care of the ALL the clean up afterwards.



If you are looking for the perfect place to hold a baby shower - why not the Mountain Lake Lodge you can email us at  events@mountainlakelodge.com for more information. 

And a cute little nose.

All these add up

To a very special thing -- A BABY

The greatest of gifts That life can bring"

- Unknown