In May, before I started out on my way toward Glacier, I had picked out five separate trails that I wanted to hike there. But then as time got near, I found out that each of those five was still in full winter condition. That simply means that there is a lot of snow, and a hiker is unlikely to get very far or have a very good time. So, when I reached Glacier, I viewed some of those trails and I could see a lot of steep snow, so I had the good sense not to try to go very far on those trails. I went halfway on a couple of the trails, but turned back when it got steep. I was too lazy to pull out the snowshoes, ice axe, or crampons.
Specifically, the one trail that I really really want to hike someday is the Highline Trail that starts from Logan Pass and goes northwestward. Basically, it is a trail cut into a vertical rock wall, and there is a steel cable as a handrail. However, the steel cable is installed after the trail is opened for the season. Earlier than that, and the Highline Trail is officially closed. I inquired about that, and the rangers said that it is closed, and it is strictly illegal to try to travel over the Highline Trail when closed. Whereas, some of the other trails are recommended not to be used. So, I deleted the Highline Trail from my list of targets. Maybe I will return some year in August.
Then today I saw a news item, and this is very appropriate. Wow. A 64-year-old guy out hiking around.
—B.G.—
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Published: Friday, June 28, 2013, 1:13 p.m.
Packwood man dies in Glacier National Park
Associated Press
WEST GLACIER, Mont. — Officials with Glacier National Park have released the name of a Washington state man who died in a fall on a closed trail.
Park spokeswoman Denise Germann said 64-year-old Charles Fred Huseman of Packwood, died Wednesday afternoon from trauma suffered in a fall from the Highline Trail, which is closed because of snow.
Witnesses told park rangers that Huseman was hiking the trail when he slid on a snow field and fell about 100 feet, landing along the Going-to-the-Sun Road about a mile west of Logan Pass. Huseman died at the scene.
The weather that afternoon included sun, rain, hail and gusty winds.
