It all started with a glowing recommendation. Seyiah Pass had been suggested by friends, even rangers, who promised breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. After much back-and-forth, we decided to swap our original plans for this hike. The ranger at the visitors center near Logan Pass had been particularly persuasive.
Arriving at the trailhead was an adventure in itself. We parked in a hairpin turn on the road, an unusual setup that made us chuckle. The rangers had assured us that this area wasn’t as popular as the trails on the East side of the park, but we still felt a twinge of uncertainty.
After a day of showers and errands, we returned to the parking lot, ready to camp overnight in our van. We parked and let our dog, Lylah, out for a final bathroom break. As night fell, we settled in, closing the curtains tightly. The world outside felt peaceful, and we quickly drifted off to sleep.
But at 4 a.m., our tranquility shattered with a loud BANG against the side of our van. Jacob and I jolted awake, wide-eyed and silent, exchanging glances filled with confusion. Was it a ranger knocking? Mischievous kids playing pranks? Or worse—a bear drawn in by Lylah’s scent? We lay there, tension thick in the air, hardly sleeping afterward.
By dawn, we forced ourselves out of bed, brewing coffee and preparing Lylah for her morning routine. It was a challenge finding a patch of grass for her, but once she was taken care of, we were ready to hit the trail.
The hike stretched about 10 to 11 miles and was rated as hard. We had been told that starting from Siyeh Bend made the trek more manageable. The ranger’s advice proved wise as we entered a dense forest alive with vibrant wildflowers and the soothing sound of nearby streams. Every turn revealed stunning views that filled us with awe.
As we climbed out of the valley, the trail steepened, leading us through a series of grueling switchbacks. We tackled two or three at a time, pausing to catch our breath and soak in the beauty surrounding us.
Reaching the pass, we were greeted with breathtaking vistas—one of those views you know you’ll carry with you forever. The wind whipped around us, a reminder to stay bundled up, even in summer.
After a moment of admiration, we faced a decision: head back the way we came or push onward to Sunrift Gorge. Curiosity won out, and we ventured on, unaware of the challenge that awaited us. The switchbacks on the other side felt like double the work, stretching on and on.
Then, just as we were finding our rhythm, the skies darkened, and a sudden hailstorm hit. With no shelter in sight, we sprinted down the trail, desperate to find cover. For 15 minutes, we ran through the biting cold, drenched in sweat only moments before. Thankfully, the storm passed quickly, leaving us with warm sunshine but a stark reminder of nature's unpredictability. I learned that day the importance of carrying extra layers and a rain jacket.
Once the hail subsided, we took our time descending the remaining switchbacks, stopping to snap photos and admire a distant glacier, complete with a roaring waterfall. But as we neared the exit, the terrain changed. The stark white trees and bare patches revealed signs of past fires, a stark contrast to the lush scenery we had enjoyed earlier.
About a mile from the trail's end, we spotted a river, tempting us for a quick cool-off, but we decided to keep moving—we were exhausted from our fourth hike that week.
Finally, we emerged from the trail and hopped on the shuttle back to our car, less than ten minutes away. As we drove away from Seyiah Pass, I reflected on the adventure. It was a journey filled with stunning sights, unexpected challenges, and valuable lessons—one that would linger in my memory long after the hike was over.
