Exploring Glacier National Park

"Far away in Montana, hidden from view by clustering mountain-peaks, lies an unmapped northwestern corner- the Crown of the Continent.”

- George Bird Grinnell

Of all the national parks I have had the pleasure of visiting, Glacier National Park stands out as one of America’s finest gems and the park that I always am itching to return to. Located in Montana, near the United States-Canadian border, Glacier National Park is a park that draws visitors back again and again with its awe-inspiring landscapes and natural beauty.

Established in 1910 through the efforts of conservationists like George Bird Grinnell, Glacier National Park protects over a million acres of pristine wilderness, forests and rugged mountains. The park borders the indigenous lands of the Blackfeet and Flathead tribes, whose cultural and historical ties to the region are deeply significant.

Things to Do In Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park has something for everyone. For those who want to hit the trails, consider taking the Highline Trail from Logan Pass which offers panoramic vistas of the main portion of the National Park. Other memorable trails include the Grinnell Glacier Trail, Avalanche Lake, and Hidden Lake Overlook.

If hiking isn’t your thing (or you need a break), there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the park. Kayaking or paddle boarding on Lake McDonald or St. Mary Lake offers a peaceful way to take in the scenery from the water. Additionally, you can catch a ride on the famous red “jammer” buses, originally built in the 1930s and restored in the 2000s. These bus tours offer a wonderful chance for you to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the Going to the Sun road while also getting to hear more about the natural and cultural history of Glacier National Park.

Off the Grid in Polebridge

For those wishing to venture off the beaten path, Polebridge is a hidden treasure. This remote, off-the-grid community feels like something out of a western novel. When visiting Polebridge, be sure to stop at the Polebridge Mercantile for the best ever fresh-baked huckleberry bear claws.

Beyond Polebridge lies Bowman Lake and Kintla Lake. Here you have a very high chance of getting up close and personal with Glacier’s wildlife including moose and bears. If you choose to adventure out this way, be warned that there are no gas stations and some of the roads require high clearance vehicles. (I took my SUV on these roads and was fine but I definitely would not take a sedan.)

Many Glacier Hotel

One of the most striking features of Glacier National Park is the Many Glacier Hotel, a grand Swiss-style chalet built in 1915 by the Great Northern Railway company. This historic gem of a hotel offers not only a great place to stay within the park but also offers day visitors a chance to lounge on their expansive porches and take in the natural beauty of the area. From the hotel, visitors can take a boat ride across the lake or rent their own canoe/kayak for a self-guided tour. Visitors can also access some of the most beautiful trails in Glacier National Park, but be warned, there are a lot of bears in these woods. Be sure to take bear spray with you and keep informed of any information on bear activity in the area. (I myself saw 3 bears when I last hiked in this area).

Beyond Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park directly borders Waterton Lake National Park in Alberta, Canada. Together, these two parks form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace park, the first of its kind in the world. If time permits, consider visiting Waterton as the park offers equally stunning trails and landscapes, a beautiful mountain-lake townsite on the shores of Waterton Lake and an opportunity to visit or stay at the Prince of Wales Hotel, also built by the Great Northern Railway company at the turn of the century. If you choose to visit Waterton, be sure to remember to bring your passport as you will be crossing into a different country!

Beyond Glacier National Park lies Kalispell, one of Montana’s larger towns that acts as the gateway to the Glacier region. For those wishing for a little civilization, Kalispell offers great restaurants, art galleries, and museums as well as great places to pick up souvenirs including anything and everything made with Huckleberry, the native fruit of Montana.

Final Thoughts

Glacier is one of the few national parks I find myself visiting again and again. While the scenic drives and hikes are incredible, it’s the memories I have made that I treasure most. Over the years, my family, friends and I have shared countless adventures in this park, from lazy afternoons lounging near Bowman lake and eating huckleberry bear claws to laughing at our struggles to stay afloat in a canoe while paddling backwards to avoid a grizzly bear that had decided to wade into the water near us. The adventures that I have shared with my family and friends and the memories we have made make Glacier National Park feel like home.