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Glacier National Park: A Geological Wonder With Fossils And Rich Wildlife
BY Sibashree Oct 28, 2024
Glacier National Park, or the “Crown of the Continent,” boasts unique geology, fossils, ecosystems, and thriving wildlife. “Far away in northwestern Montana, hidden from view by clustering mountain-peaks, lies an unmapped corner—the Crown of the Continent.” - George Bird Grinnell, Editor, Forest and Stream It is also a hiker’s paradise with trails of varying difficulty levels. In addition, a drive through the park will allow you to visit more than 700 lakes and learn about the history of American-Indian tribes like the Blackfeet, Kootenai, Salish, and more! Let’s explore the miles of wonders and help you make an itinerary with a guide on things to do and places to stay in the park. Having said that, the park offers boating, bus rides, and horse riding tours. However, hiking is the best way to get to know the park well. Where Is Glacier National Park? How To Reach It? The 1,583 square miles of wilderness of Glacier National Park is in northwestern Montana, United States. It is close to Waterton Lakes and the Canada-United States border. Furthermore, Columbia Falls is the nearest city to this national park. If you want to visit the park, you can reach its southern boundary through Highway 2. However, if you want to enter the park from its east side, you must take Highway 89. Moreover, the nearest airports to this national park are Kalispell and Great Falls. From there, you will have to reach the park by road. Visitor Centers of the Park Apgar Visitor Center St. Mary Visitor Center Logan Pass Visitor Center Operating Hours: The park is open 24 hours a day. You can visit the park on 365 days of the year. You will have to pay some fees at the entrance. The entrance stations will not always be human-crewed. However, you must make a self-payment following the instructions at the entrance. Where To Stay In Glacier National Park? Once you have reached the park safely, you will, of course, look for safe accommodation. Camping and wilderness camping are surely the best options if you want to make the most of the park experience. However, you can always explore the lodging options for more comfort. The park also has restaurants and stores, providing you with basic amenities. Lodges In Glacier National Park Look at the table below for details about the lodging options at Glacier National Park. Lodging Facility OperatesContact Information Glacier National Park Lodges/Xanterra Parks & ResortsVillage Inn MotelLake McDonald LodgeRising Sun Motor InnSwiftcurrent Motor Inn(855) 733-4522 (USA)(303) 265-7010 (Outside the USA)Glacier Park Collection Apgar Village LodgeMotel Lake McDonald(844) 868-7474Sperry Chalet & Granite Park Chalet (These are two backcountry chalets in Glacier National Park.)Sperry ChaletGranite Park Chalet(888) 345-2649 It is always better to check the availability at the lodges in advance. Further, some of these lodges have historic associations. For example, the Lake McDonald Lodge became a “National Historic Landmark” in 1987. Did you know that Lake McDonald Lodge is one of the best examples of Swiss chalet architecture, and it is a member of the Historic Hotels of America? Talk to the staff in the lodges to unearth more stories and anecdotes about these places. Camping In Glacier National Park Glacier National Park has 13 front country campgrounds. Along with putting up a tent, these campsites are also suitable for RVs and other vehicles. These campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served, or reservation basis. So, let’s explore the options. Type of BookingName of the CampgroundHighlights First-Come, First-Served Bowman Lake CampgroundIt offers the best view of Bowman Lake.Further, it is known for its serene ambiance. Cut Bank CampgroundThe Cut Bank Campground is the best for backcountry trips.It is also close to many day-hiking trails. Kintla Lake CampgroundI found this campground the most picturesque camping destination in the park.Sitting on the Kintla Lake, it is a quiet place for camping. Logging Creek CampgroundThis campground is close to Logging Lake.Also, you will love it if you prefer some solitude. Quartz Creek CampgroundIt is the smallest campground in the park, and you will love it for its pristine charm. Rising Sun CampgroundYou can enjoy the best view of Red Eagle Mountain from this camping ground.Further, as the name suggests, it offers beautiful sunrise views. ReservedApgar CampgroundThe evening programs at the Apgar Amphitheater are the most entertaining thing to do in the park.You can take a short walk from this camping ground to enjoy the sunset views of Lake McDonald. Avalanche CampgroundAvalanche Campground is great for wildlife viewing, especially birdwatching.In addition, it is connected to many day-hiking trails. Fish Creek CampgroundIt offers decent views of Lake McDonald.Also, you can enjoy some privacy here. Many Glacier CampgroundIt is the best camping ground to experience wilderness in the park. Further, you can see bears and bighorn sheep here. St. Mary CampgroundIt is the hub of interpretive programs and many other events in the park.Also, it is the largest campground on the park’s eastern side. Sprague Creek CampgroundCamping is comfortable here with shades of trees.Further, it offers the best view of Lake McDonald. Two Medicine CampgroundIf you want red bus and boat tours, Two Medicine Campground is the best for you. Further, it offers better privacy than other campgrounds.Also, it leads to the Running Eagle Falls and many other popular hiking trails. So, choose a campground based on your desired experience and other preferences. For reservation, contacting the park authority at least six months before your visit is better. Wilderness Camping In Glacier National Park You will need a wilderness permit if you’re going to do wilderness camping in the park. If you ask me, camping by the riverside is the best option. Further, if you want to be more adventurous, you can try wilderness camping in winter with special permits. Here, I will only discuss the best riverside camping options in the wilderness. You will need river camping permits and must abide by the camping regulations on the riverside. North Fork Flathead River The undesignated wilderness camping along the North Fork Flathead River is a great place if you want to try paddling or angling. Boating in the river is also a popular activity here. Middle Fork Flathead River The Middle Fork Flathead River camping is the best choice to explore the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Further, the primitive setup here offers you the most adventurous camping experience. What To Do In Glacier National Park? Try Hiking To Know The Park's Best It does not matter whether you want a short hiking expedition or a long backpacking experience. The Glacier National Park has you covered. So, let’s know about some of the trails. Avalanche Lake Difficulty Level - Easy to Moderate Trek Distance - 5.9 Miles This trek route is close to the Lake McDonald Lodge, and before you start the trek, you can enjoy a boat ride in Lake McDonald before starting your day. You will see many waterfalls and mountains while hiking through this beautiful and easy trail. Highline Trail Difficulty Level - Moderate Trek Distance - 7.2 Miles If you want to experience the core essence of the Glacier National Park in one day, you must trek through the Highline Trail. You will visit Alpine meadows, snow-capped peaks, and the best wildflowers throughout your hiking expedition. Further, the Continental Divide makes the pain-stricken hike worth it. However, be careful during the last 4 miles of the trek, as trekking downward through the trail is Scary! Siyeh Pass Difficulty Level - Strenuous Trek Distance - Over 10 Miles Siyeh Pass is the trekking trail you must explore to see the 1.5 billion-year-old fossils in the park. You will also get to see many glaciers throughout the trek. The glaciers visible in this trekking route are: Blackfoot Sexton Piegan Jackson In addition, you will love trekking through the spruce and fir forests, and the wildflowers in the meadows are a treat for the eyes. Hidden Meadow Difficulty Level - Easy Trek Distance - 3 Miles Hidden Meadow in Glacier National Park is a kid-friendly trail. Further, it is a short trek taking you through forests until you reach a meadow for an expansive view of the surroundings. Also, you will love the largest Douglas firs here. Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. 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