Glacier National Park
Expansive, craggy, unrefined and pristine—these are but a few words which describe Glacier National Park. The Park was the world’s first international Peace Park, an honor it shares with bordering Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada. The parks are Biosphere Reserves, and  have been named as a World Heritage Site in 1995. Glacier’s 1,013,595 acres still look much the way they did when Lewis and Clark first saw them in 1806. It is home to over 350 structures listed on the National Historical Sites and has 6 National Historic Landmarks. Its wild serenity and natural wonders call out for time spent fishing, camping, hiking, horseback riding or indulging in a snowball fight—in mid-summer.
You can select adventure –filled activities like hiking or horseback riding the many miles of maintained trails (732 to be exact), watching the wildlife, setting up camp and enjoying the camaraderie of stories around the campfire or skiing and snowmobiling the Park’s snowy peaks and valleys. You can sign up for activities such as evening slide programs, guided hikes, boat tours, junior ranger programs, and all day hikes led by the park rangers. Of special interest, is the campfire talks on native life and culture presented by Blackfeet, Salish, and Kootenai tribal members at locations throughout the Park. In addition, during July and August, the St. Mary Visitor Center hosts weekly native dance troupes.
 Glacier National Park contains 50 glaciers (some of which are relatively accessible), over 200 lakes, 1,400 plant varieties, 63 species of land animals and 272 species of birds. There are mountain goats in the craggy cliffs, bighorn sheep meandering among snow covered peaks, grizzlies and mountain lions resting on the ledges and rocks and white tailed and mule deer grazing in the plains. Glacier is also home to black bears, elk, moose, golden eagles, pygmy owls and northern flying squirrels. However, please remember that leaving the trails alone is not recommended as the animals can be unpredictable!
Glacier’s most renowned attraction is the 50 mile drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The road has many scenic spots that are listed on the National Historic Landmark Registry, and is the connection between Glacier’s east and west entrances. As you follow the route, you will see historic landmarks, cascading waterfalls, peaceful lakes and rocky peaks. At the Road’s summit is the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. Be sure to stop, as it is a great place to stretch your legs while you tour the alpine ecology exhibit as well as displays on conditions encountered by plants and animals in the one third of Glacier Park that is above tree line. As you continue on your way, you will see crystal-clear lakes and beautiful 19th century chalets.
 If you prefer to experience Glacier on a more personal level, there are plenty of choices. You can ride the open-topped “Red Jammer” buses, go on a guided horseback ride, or relax on a scenic boat tour at Lake McDonald or St. Mary’s. However, should you come during the winter, skis and snowshoes are favorite way to see the park.
Glacier’s most popular activity is hiking. Its trails range from moderately easy day trails like the quarter of a mile Trail of the Cedars to longer trails like 6.6 mile Swiftcurrent Pass. While trekking the plethora of trails, you will see a variety of plant life. From oat grass and fescue in the meadows to aspens and cottonwoods in the forest and a multitude of blossoming wildflowers with their rainbow of colors—this beautiful country outshines any artist’s palette. If you're new to the idea of hiking and want to learn more about it check out our hiking blog website to learn more about backpacking.
Additional Glacier Adventures:
- 1. Walk along the banks of Avalanche Creek and note its course through deep gorges as you head towards Avalanche Lake Basin. As you hike the 2 mile trail you can see 2,000 foot cliffs, waterfalls, stop and enjoy a picnic or pick a place to set up camp.
- 2. Go fishing at St. Mary’s Lake or Two Medicine Valley.
- 3. Go river rafting or fishing on a guided trip on the Middle and North forks of the Flathead River.
Glacier Raft Co.-1-800-332-9995
Great Northern Whitewater: 1-800-735-7897
Wild River Adventures: 1-800-826-2724
Montana Raft Company & Glacier Wilderness: 1-800-521-7238
- 4. Visit the Park’s largest glaciers at the Sperry and Grinnell
- 5. Spend some time at Lake McDonald. The lake is 10 miles long and 1 mile wide. As you stand on its wooded bank you will see glacier peaks rising 6,000 feet above. Also available are one hour boat tours and horseback riding trips which leave from the Lake McDonald Lodge.
- 6. Camp out at Red Eagle Lake, Two Medicine Valley, Belly River Country or Fish Creek
www.nps.gov/glac
Photo Credits: Banner photos by J Magnus Photos; Melissa by KK; Glacier N.P. Fog Photo by J Magnus Photo; Glacier N.P. Valley by Norris Baby; Melting Glacier by Tyler C 083 |
