Glacier National Park - Montana

Glacier National Park is an American national park located in northwestern Montana, on the Canada–United States border, adjacent to the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. The park encompasses over 1 million acres and includes parts of two mountain ranges (sub-ranges of the Rocky Mountains), over 130 named lakes, more than 1,000 different species of plants, and hundreds of species of animals. This vast pristine ecosystem is the centerpiece of what has been referred to as the "Crown of the Continent Ecosystem," a region of protected land encompassing 16,000 square miles.

Soon after the establishment of the park on May 11, 1910, a number of hotels and chalets were constructed by the Great Northern Railway. These historic hotels and chalets are listed as National Historic Landmarks and a total of 350 locations are on the National Register of Historic Places. By 1932 work was completed on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, later designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, which provided greater accessibility for automobiles into the heart of the park.Glacier National Park has almost all its original native plant and animal species. Large mammals such as grizzly bears, moose, and mountain goats, as well as rare or endangered species like wolverines and Canadian lynxes, inhabit the park. Hundreds of species of birds, more than a dozen fish species, and a few reptiles and amphibian species have been documented.

This park is quite possibly one of the best (at least top 3) national parks of the 63 national parks in the United States. The scenery to include the amazing mountains, lakes, glaciers, and wildlife make this an absolute must-see park for anyone. We would rank this among the most amazing National Parks in the United States.

Things to do and see:

Drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

See Grinnell Glacier.

Get cozy with Iceberg Lake.

Toe the Highline Trail.

Take a dip in Avalanche Lake.

Look for mountain goats at Logan Pass.

See Lake McDonald.

Visit Flathead River.

Refresh yourself on the Trail of the Cedars.

Find alpine serenity at Hidden Lake.

Tips:

Be careful and heed the warnings of the park rangers regarding Grizzly Bears and Moose. Keep your distance.

If trails are closed because of wildlife, STAY AWAY from them.

Buy bear spray locally and carry readily accessible on all hikes.

Buy a hiking bell which you wear and will warn wildlife (mainly Grizzlies) that you are near so you do not startle them.

Have a small backpack which includes: flashlight, jacket, whistle, emergency blanket, first aid kit, water, and snacks. Its hard to get lost but this is the real wilderness and nothing to take chances on.

Have a good, quality pair of hiking boots; not tennis shoes.

If you follow the trails and maps, you will be fine.

Contact Information:

PO Box 128 West Glacier, MT 59936

Phone: (406) 888-7800

Website: https://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm

Debris Field after snow avalanche.

Mountains with Glaciers in the distance.

Glacier Edge Cafe - Excellent restaurant which we highly recommend.

Manny Glacier Hotel - Glacier National Park.

Moose.

Red Jammer Bus

Park Cafe and Grocery - Saint Mary, Montana - a very nice family store and cafe right outside the Glacier NatIonal Park.