When I first thought of National Parks there were always three main parks that came to my mind. Glacier, Yellowstone and Banff. Something just always drew me to wanting to see Glacier and it was worth it a million times over. Glacier National Park was established in 1910 to preserve 1 million acres of glacier carved peaks and valleys as well as ancient forests and stunning alpine lakes. The glaciers in the park are estimated to be at least 7,000 years old. The park is Americas 10th National Park and was the worlds first international peace park. Although there is only 25 remaining glaciers in the park there is still 175 mountains, 762 lakes, and 200 waterfalls to explore.
Dos:
Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road: This iconic road offers unparalleled scenic views. Share driving duties to fully appreciate the beauty. I still do not have words for how intensely beautiful this road is. The road is the main one connecting both sides of the park and is only open late July to October due to weather conditions the rest of the year.
Reserve Tickets for Going-to-the-Sun Road: Due to high demand, tickets are required for the road during this time (September and peak season). Plan ahead and secure your spot. Be prepared for traffic and stay alert this is a busy park upon first entering. Get tickets here: https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10087086/ticket/10087087
Obtain an Annual Parks Pass or Pay the Entrance Fee: Support the park's conservation efforts by either using your National Parks Pass or paying the entrance fee. If you do not have an annual national parks pass you can purchase one at the entrance or at a recreation site near you. Find a recreation site near you using this list: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/pickup-pass-locations.htm
Visit Lake McDonald: Explore the colorful rocks and serene views of this glacier-fed lake. Consider paddleboarding or simply relaxing by the water. We brought our paddle boards and had a relaxing day floating around looking for the prettiest rocks after hiking. Fun fact: it's illegal to take the rocks and paddle board the lake with personal boards (I did not know either of these facts at the time- don't repeat my mistakes).
Experience Apgar Village: Indulge in huckleberry treats and immerse yourself in the charm of this lakeside village. If you, like me, had never heard of a huckleberry your world will change when entering this town of huckleberry jam, honey, ice cream, pies and more. Huckleberries are native to Montana and the park's little village really capitalizes on this fact. Although I’m not complaining as huckleberry ice cream is a new favorite of mine. This village is also stunning in itself.
Camp at Apgar Campground: Opt for the convenient and picturesque Apgar Campground, offering easy access to the shuttle, village, and lake. They're no dispersed camping in the park and the location is unbeatable here. It was relaxing to set up camp for a few days and it was a nice wooded campsite with amenities. The site is usually $23 a night and you can reserve online.I highly recommend spending the money on this campsite rather than driving the hour or more outside of the park to find dispersed camping. Find reservations here: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234669
Hike Avalanche Lake Trail: Enjoy a relatively easy hike through woods alongside a stunning blue river to reach the tranquil Avalanche Lake. The trail is wooded and is an out and back trail of about 6 miles with little elevation gain. The lake is the perfect spot to sit and eat breakfast with the chipmunks.
Embark on the Highline Trail: Undertake the breathtaking Highline Trail hike, starting early to maximize your experience of the remarkable views and wildlife. If you research the most beautiful trails in the United States this will almost always be top 6. This trail is not for the faint of heart or time. We woke up at 4:30 to get started at Logan's pass 30 minutes later. This is a 15 mile hike with 2,500 feet of elevation gain. This is still the most amazing hike I have ever done, you hike up with amazing views of the main valley in the park and you see plenty of wildlife as you start to get deeper into the hike. Once you reach the middle point, Granite Park Chalet, it's the perfect place to take in the views and have some lunch before starting your descent back.
Carry Bear Spray: As Grizzly bears are common in the park, always have bear spray with you for safety. Glacier is a very remote park do not underestimate it or tempt fate.
Visit Whitefish Village: Located 30 minutes outside the park this village is one of a kind. With beautiful shops and restaurants it's worth a stop. We enjoyed some local treats and merchandise.
Don’ts:
Distract Yourself on Going-to-the-Sun Road: Keep your focus as this road requires full attention as you are either on the edge of the cliff or inches from touching a mountain and a car depending on the direction.
Think that Downhill Hiking is Better: Hiking downhill is a way different type of pain especially when its for 6 miles. So when you plan your hikes take into account going down in elevation for long durations of time.
Expect Northern Lights: While seeking the northern lights can be exciting, it's important to note that nature is unpredictable. Don't be like us and wake up at 1am for the slightest chance of seeing the northern lights but instead they stand you up and it's just you and the bears.
Overstay on the Shuttle: Altitude sickness can set in during extended shuttle rides, so be mindful of your time onboard. Although we had fun being the only two joy riding the shuttle for hours to the other side of the park.
Forget Wildlife Awareness: Glacier is one of the most remote feeling parks I have been to and the wildlife is not as afraid of you. Grizzly bears are not to be messed with stay alert and respect the space of the wildlife found here.
Neglect Checking Park Status: Always verify that the entire park is open before you go, as conditions can change due to factors like wildfires. At the time we went half of the park was closed for a variety of reasons.
Glacier National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature's beauty and experience the grandeur of the Montana wilderness. To this day if you ask me my favorite National Park I still will always say Glacier. Montana itself is truly magical but the park is an absolute beauty and there is so much to see. I will be back to see more as I just scratched the surface.
Onto the next sky!
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