Hiking has always been a huge part of my life, and it all started when I was just five years old. My Uncle Mark, an avid hiker, took me on my very first hike to Elk Lake. I remember how big everything felt, the trees, the mountains, and the trail that seemed to go on forever. But I made it, and from that moment on, I was hooked. Since then, I’ve explored trails all over Sanders County, including Rock Creek, the Winniemuck Trail, Blossom Lakes, and Cascade Falls Overlook. Each hike has given me something different, whether it’s a sense of peace, a physical challenge, or simply time to appreciate where I live. Hiking quickly became more than just something I enjoyed it became part of who I am.
Two years ago, my mom had the opportunity to go on a three-night, four-day, 26-mile backcountry hike in Glacier National Park after being invited by a friend who won the backcountry lottery. When she told me about it, I was completely drawn in. She described hiking into Gunsight Lake the first day, then continuing onto Lake Ellen Wilson, where they spent time by the water and even watching someone in their group catch a fish. One of the most unforgettable parts of her story was hearing glaciers crack in the distance, sounding like dynamite echoing through the mountains. She also told me about seeing eight grizzly bears, including mothers with cubs, and encountering mountain goats that would even try to steal gear if it was left out. She described crossing waterfalls, hiking narrow rock walls in the rain, and pushing through moments where she questioned what she had gotten herself into. But through all of it, she talked about the incredible views, the towering peaks, the sunrises and sunsets, and the feeling of being completely immersed in the wilderness.
Hearing her story made me want to experience it for myself. It wasn’t just about the adventure, it was about the challenge, beauty, and the connection to something bigger than yourself. Last year, she took me with her to Glacier, and even though we didn’t go into the backcountry, it was still one of the most amazing trips I’ve ever been on. We stayed in a campground and spent our days hiking some incredible trails. We hiked to Hidden Lake, which offered stunning views and a chance to see wildlife up close, but my favorite was Virginia Falls. There was something about being surrounded by mountains with the bright blue water rushing past that made it unforgettable. It felt peaceful and powerful at the same time.
That trip only made me fall even more in love with hiking. Experiencing Glacier with my mom, after hearing her stories, made it even more meaningful. It felt like I was stepping into something that had already inspired her, and now it was becoming part of my own story too. We already have plans to go back again this summer, and I can’t wait. One day, I hope to take on the full backcountry experience just like she did, but for now, I’m grateful for every trail, every view, and every memory that hiking continues to give me.
Gabrielle is a graduating Senior from Thompson Falls High School. They submitted this essay for FSPW’s high school scholarship contest. Stay tuned for more winning essays from students across Idaho and Montana.
