Three Engine Strong
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There are several salt-based mineral licks used by wildlife in Glacier NP, but none receive as much use by the mountain goats than the aptly named gulch called Goat Lick, found along Hwy. 2 that winds through the south-end of Glacier NP.
Long ago, a river’s current cut deeply into the easily eroded soil in this area, creating steep drop offs and exposing a mass of gray clay containing gypsum, kieserite and other sulfates craved by mountain goats and other wildlife.
Glacier NP’s mountain goats travel as far as four miles to get to Goat Lick, while others from more widely dispersed areas in the Flathead National Forest travel several times that distance. Approximately 115-165 mountain goats use Goat Lick year-round, with primary use April through August.
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Goat Lick with the Middle Fork of the Flathead River running through it’s base
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To the left of the above image is the Goat Lick Trestle Bridge and smoky skies.
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Goat Lick Trestle Bridge crossing Sheep Creek
(You can see better here the exposed gray clay containing those minerals the goats seek)
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Having the overlook pathway almost to ourselves, we hung around for a while, hoping to spot a mountain goat, but didn’t see any. In the distance though, I heard a faint train whistle and an increasing rumbling sound getting closer…..and closer…..I kept my lens on the trestle bridge.
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One Engine….
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Two Engine….
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