Lake Isabelle and Isabelle Galcier

Went up to Isabelle Glacier on Saturday, passing Lake Isabelle on the way. Round trip to the base of the glacier and back is right about nine miles. We spent a bit of time practicing self-arrests, getting used to our new crampons(!!) and getting an overall feel for snow climbing. If we practice now we will have a whole world opened to us in the winter when many peaks transition from a regular hike to a snow climb.

The view from the lake was absolutely gorgeous. The mountains surrounding Isabelle Lake are 12-13 thousand feet and add lots of beauty to the scenery. Most people hike to the lake and back down- a quick 4 miles and very little elevation gain. We got to the trailhead at 8:00 and every parking spot was taken. Though we would run into a crowd on the trail, but we only ran into a handful of people approaching the glacier when we were coming down.

We saw another marmot- and they are absolutely adorable. They have the face of teddy bears...Sean is getting ancy to see some 'real' wildlife. Like a bear or an elk. Still fun to see the little high elevation creatures in their element.