Grinnell Lake, Glacier National Park, Montana

Nestled in a glacier-carved valley at the base of Angel Wing, Grinnell Lake provides a dramatic backdrop for a display of bear grass blooming in the shadow of the Continental Divide here in the Many Glacier Region of Glacier National Park. Known for its beautiful displays of this member of the lily family, Glacier is the only national park in the U.S. where this species can be found. The best flowerings of this plant run in five to seven year cycles. Contrary to what one might assume, bears do not eat these flowers. This photograph was captured from the side of the Grinnell Glacier Trail which passes through these meadows as it climbs towards the remains of Grinnell Glacier, tucked high up under the north slopes of the Continental Divide just west of this location. These deep valleys in the Many Glacier region of the park still provide safe habitat for a small number of Grizzly bears.