First time I have gotten to a computer (and a bed) all trip! Thanks to Wills and Mike!
So far, here has been my trip:
8/2- Seattle to Whitefish, MT
8/3- Glacier NP
8/4- Glacier NP to Yellowstone NP
8/5- Yellowstone NP/Beartooth Mts (Montana)
8/6- Billings, MT
8/7- Billings, MT to Badlands NP
8/8- Badlands NP
8/9- Myre Island State Park (MN)
8/10- Minneapolis, MN and Target Field (Twins v. Red Sox)
8/11- Minneapolis to Madison, WI
8/12- Headed to a Brewers Game today and checking out Milwaulkee.
Glacier Review:
Glacier National Park
Glacier is, as naturalist John Muir put it, “The best care-killing scenery on the planet.” The lush green trees in the lower elevations provide a northwest outdoorsy feel. As you climb in elevation, the scenery only gets better with waterfalls, glaciers, pristine lakes, and a plethora of stunning hikes to get your lungs pumping air.
If You Go:
-Be sure to go in the latter part of summer (Late July-September). Everything is open to enjoy at this time, most importantly Going to the Sun Road.
-Be prepared. I was in the park for one day and saw a black bear and a large bull moose. They were amazing to see in person, but from a distance. Bring bear spray and walk with bear bells.
-Utilize the Park Rangers. They have a wealth of information and enjoy sharing it. Let them know your goals for the park and they will help you plan your visit and maximize it to the fullest.
-If you go for one day and enter from the West Entrance, drive the Going to the Sun Road. You will see glaciers, waterfalls, stunning viewpoints, jagged mountains, and might even get sprayed from the weeping walls on the side of the roads. I guarantee it will be the most beautiful 50 mile drive of your life! Passing St. Mary Lake, continue out of the park and onto Highway 89. Make the next left and re-enter the park at Many Glacier Entrance. At the end of this ten mile road is Swiftcurrent Lake, which boasts a visitor center, convenience store, and even lodging. But most importantly here lays many trailheads that take you up into the vast mountains. For a less crowded hike, sneak back onto the Iceberg Lake trail. Though moderately strenuous, the payoff is excellent with a panoramic view of falls, glaciers, and a lake featuring icebergs along the way. The hike is about 10 miles round trip, so bring plenty of water.
-If you have an extra day to explore, I recommend going up North into the Waterton (Canadian) side of the park. It features high mountains and even more wildlife to experience.
My Experience:
I arrived at Glacier on the Westside, but at the small unmanned Camas Creek Entrance. It was a dirt road and I was not too sure I was in the right place, to be honest. I followed the road and it eventually spit me out at the main west entrance. Nearby was the Apgar Visitor Center, where I met with a ranger. He helped me plan my 2 days. I drove up Lake McDonald and set up camp at Avalanche Creek Campground. The fee was $20 per night. After setting up camp, I hit the road. But this was not just any road; it was the Going to the Sun Road. Even though I don’t like following guide books and tourist suggestions, this road was well worth it and lived up to the hype. It may have taken 1.5 hours to make it across, but the true beauty of the mountains makes drive worth every second. There are waterfalls, great views of glaciers, and, my favorite, the weeping walls. They receive their name from the glacial melt slowly making its way down the rock on the side of the road, and at times they spray your car! After driving past the pristine St Mary Lake, I proceeded to exit the park on the east entrance and drive up HWY 89 on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. About 20 miles later I reentered the park at the quaint Many Glacier Entrance. Here lies Lake Sherburne, which is glacial blue and makes for a great picture. After passing Many Glacier Hotel (Awesome! But expensive), I parked at the trailhead for Swiftcurrent Lake. There were a lot of people in the area, so I decided to find a different way. I found a trailhead behind some cabins that lead to Iceberg Lake. About 5 minutes in, I saw a gathering of people. Intrigued, I hurried to see what was going on. Immediately I saw a large black bear about 150 feet away from the trail eating some berries! It was awesome and my first bear sighting. I proceeded on the hike, with caution nonetheless (I was by myself and expecting a bear at every corner). About 3 miles in, the trails split and I asked a downhill hiker how it was where he was coming from. He suggested going to see a tunnel, which was another 3.5 miles. I am sure glad I did. The hike was pretty tough (I was reminded the next morning with some sore legs), but it led up to first a glacier lake. Then above that were 3 large switchbacks. After conquering these, I finally made the top, where a tunnel was. Through the tunnel on the other side was a stunning view of a glacier and another lake that was unreachable. While it was a little warm on the side I entered from, the other side of the tunnel was freezing (the sweat didn’t help). There had to have been at least a 15 degree swing from one side to the other. After getting some pictures, I hiked down and drove back to camp. Here I met others who recommended the Canadian side and another person who jumped in Iceberg Lake (34 degrees)! I ended up sleeping in the next day because the sun did not come out until later with all the high mountain peaks around. After stopping at a few more creek areas and viewpoints, I left Glacier more than satisfied. It would be hard to top my first park with any of the following 14 I am going to visit.
-Nicolas McNaughton
