Glacier National Park... The Crown Jewel of America

Located in the Northernmost part of Montana, and 2 1/2 hours away from Interstate 90, Glacier National Park enjoys a bit of Solitude. Most cross country travelers don't think of Glacier because it is so far off the beaten path. But for those willing to take a little side trip, the park rewards you with a treasure of natural beauty and awe inspiring scenary.

From Missoula, Mt, head North on Hwy 93 past the beautiful Flathead Lake toward Kalispell. At Kalispell follow Hwy 2 east to the park entrance. Entrance fees are per vehicle and they are good for 7 days from date of purchase. There are 13 camprgounds in the park providing about 1,000 sites. Sites are given out on a first come first served basis. Show up by 10am to get the best shot at getting a space; official check-out time is noon. Reservations are available at two of the parks campgrounds (located at the East and West entrances). You may make reservations by calling (800) 365-CAMP.

Quick Tips:

Your destination today is Logan Pass, located in the middle of the park at 6,646 feet above sea level. As you drive along the Going-To-The-Sun road, peak through the trees at beautiful Lake McDonald and stop off at some of the roadside attractions such as Avalanche creek, Sacred Dancing Cascade, and the Weeping wall. While you climb into the heart of the park, you may want to take turns driving so everyone gets an opportunity to experience the surrounding beauty. Watch for bicylcists and vehicles turning off the road along the way. Please be aware that vehicle restrictions are in effect in Glacier National Park. Vehicles over 21 feet long and 8 feet wide are not allowed on the Going-To-The-Sun road.

Now that you made it to Logan Pass Visitors Center, spend some time learning about the geology and history of the area. Take a hike along the boardwalk out into the meadows and fields of glacier lillies. Be careful to stay on the path.. the growing season is short here and damage to the delicate flowers takes years to repair.

Best Way To Get Around:

Spend some time gazing out at the Garden Wall before continuing along the trail to Hidden Lake. You may encounter a mountain goat or two while at the lake. Spend your whole day hear taking in the beauty of the area before heading down.

Visit the meadows at Logan Pass. Take a hike along the trail to Hidden lake where you may encounter mountain goats and other wild life.

Avalanche creek has carved itself through solid rock. As it snakes its way to Lake McDonald, Avalanche creek as carved through solid rock. A short hike takes you through this beautiful rock and moss covered area.

Exit the park on the East side and head North into Canada for a what some consider the most beautiful part of Waterton/Glacier International Peace Park. The only park of it's kind in the world, Glacier is part of an undivided natural area set aside by both Canada and The United States. There are no bondaries between the two parks, allowing both people and animals to move back and forth with total freedom. Waterton lake and the surrounding mountain peaks are truely magnificent.

Mt. Grinnell dominates the view at Many Glacier. The early bird gets the worm here for spectacular sunrises. The flat prarie to the East allows the sun to shine unobstructed on Mt. Grinnell as it towers over Swiftcurrent lake. After watching the sunrise, continue down the road to the end. There you can hike the full 3 miles to swiftcurrent pass or stop off at Redrock falls for a leisurely break before heading back.
Another destination from the trailhead is the hike to Iceberg Lake. It is a bit of an up, so you should be in good shape for the 5 mile hike.
Before leaving the Many Glacier Area, take the short hike to Apikuni Falls on the North side of the road as you head out. If you get to Lake Sherburne, you've gone too far, turn around and backtrack just a bit.

Most visitors stay on the main road. For the adventurous, you can turn left after entering the park and take the gravel road along the West side of the park. Here you will find Logging Lake, Quartz Lake, Bowman Lake, and Kintal Lake. It's a 45-mile drive to the end, but hiking trails will reward you. Stop just past Quartz Creek campground for a short 1 1/2 mile hike into hidden meadow. Then continue North and take the turnoff to Bowman Lake. There you can camp or just day hike to the lookout tower on Numa Ridge.

An ALL DAY hike from Bowman Lake will take you to Lower Quartz Lake, along the east shore and north where you will pass between Middle Quartz and Quartz Lake before heading up the ridge then dropping back down toward Bowman Lake. Be in good shape and ready for a good long hike.