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# Crowning Glory
- URL: https://thewildjournal.zackclothierphotography.com/from-the-archive-crowning-glory/
- Published: 2026-09-02T15:28:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-12T17:22:55.000Z
- Description: There are times in nature when everything seems to come together perfectly, if only for a brief moment.
- Author: Zack Clothier
- Tags: From the Archive

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/61/c7610679-8285-4021-b49a-f941201218b0/content/images/2026/09/Crowning-Glory-Montana-Photography-Nature-Fine-Art-Prints-1.jpg)

This photograph dates back to the early 2000s. To this day, I can still remember the hike in the dark to get to this incredible location in Glacier National Park. I remember being a little nervous about bears, despite not seeing any. As I approached the gorge, I could hear the cold water flowing over the cliff edge.

Nowadays, the area itself has been closed off by the park service, and access is no longer permitted. I am fortunate to have photographed it on several occasions before it was officially closed. As I stood there on the brink of the falls, waiting for the sun to crest the mountains, I remember a feeling of peace and quiet that only comes from being off trail in a popular national park. Just as the sun rose, the clouds began to part, creating a brilliant sunstar and bringing the entire scene to life.

On one hand, I would like to see access restored to this pristine place. On the other, I'd almost rather keep it the way it is and simply be grateful for the times I was able to experience it in solitude.