D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 1 9
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No.
2
Drowning!
T
rails in Glacier National park are well-planned
and well-constructed, but often wind through
steep terrain and cliffs high above the valley floor.
With only a few exceptions, there are no stone
retaining walls, handrails or cables for people to
use, even on sections of trail where is some risk of
injury or death from falling.
The first recorded death of a trail hiker was
23-year-old Ester Peterson on June 29, 1924. A con-
cession employee, she fell while hiking on Mount
Altyn in the Many Glacier area. A year later, on July
13, 1925, Ben J. Cushing also fell to his death while
hiking the trail leading to Sperry Chalet.
No.
1
Falling!
T
he wonders of nature that make the creeks, falls, and
lakes of Glacier National park stunningly beautiful and
irresistibly inviting also make them dangerous. Even the
most agile visitors have fallen on the slippery rocks. And
the strongest of men have tumbled and drowned due to the
tremendous force of rushing water. Expert, fit swimmers
have succumbed quickly to hypothermia caused by frigid
water temperatures. It can happen to anyone.
Randy Hill, a 22-year-old Michigan State University student,
and Dave Barry, a 20-year-old student from Syracuse Univer-
sity, met park visitors Tarisa and Mary Ann Guderian On June
23rd, 1977. The four hiked during the day and planned to jump
into the swift waters of Wilbur Creek to be carried down the
fast moving stream into a shallow pool.
They found Dave Barry face up in the pool below the rapids.
too late. Rangers searched the creek and surrounding
area for Randy Hill. Ranger Kortge spotted a flash
of color showing in the white waters above Wilbur
Falls. Hill's body was lodged in a deep hole.
