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Glacier National Park
First inhabited by Native Americans, Glacier National Park was dominated by the Blackfeet in the east and the Flathead in the western regions around the time European explorers arrived. Featuring over 700 miles of trails that give way to alpine meadows, pristine forests, rugged mountains and crystalline lakes, Glacier National Park is a hiker’s wonderland in northern Montana, near the Canadian border. The result of glacially carved remnants of an ancient thrust fault, its snowcapped pinnacles are punctuated by plunging waterfalls and eye-popping turquoise lakes.
Majestic and authentically wild, many of its peaks are covered in glaciers year-round. Come spring, wildflowers blanket its meadows and grizzlies emerge from hibernation to wander and hunt in their unspoiled habitat.
The Flora And Fauna
Situated at the headwaters of the Pacific, Atlantic and Hudson Bay drainages, Glacier harbors an astounding array of plants and wildlife. Across the border in Canada, both Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes International Peace Park were together designated International Biosphere Reserves and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The park’s floristic provinces encompass cordilleran, boreal, arcticalpine and great plains, resulting in moist coniferous forest; a mix of barren or sparsely vegetated rocks, ice and snow; dry coniferous forest; meadows and prairies; deciduous forest peppered with aspens and black cottonwoods; wet meadows, or fens; and lake surface water with thriving aquatic plants in shallower areas. From lush grasses to a dizzying number of fern species, woody shrubs and meadows carpeted with summer wildflowers, interest abounds.
Not surprisingly, these habitats support an impressive diversity of wildlife, including majestic elk, tiny pigmy shrews and one of the largest grizzly bear populations in the lower 48 states. America’s largest rodent, the beaver, also calls the park home, along with bighorn sheep, a complex mix of fish, amphibians like the Boreal Chorus frog, more than 275 winged wonders and even western painted turtles.
The Weather
Spanning the Continental Divide with more than 7,000 feet in variance above sea level, there are many climates and microclimates within Glacier.
Moist temperate conditions prevail on the west side of the park, where rainfall averages 23 inches in its dryer northeast and northwest edges and an average of 30 inches at West Glacier. Precipitation over 100 inches may fall in isolated spots near the Continental Divide.
In the Pacific watershed at the western side of the park, expect a milder and wetter climate, given its lower elevation. Winter and spring see the greatest precipitation. Snow can fall any time of the year, including summer, particularly at higher altitudes. Come winter, expect prolonged cold weather, especially on the eastern side of the Continental Divide. Winter snowfalls are significant, with the largest accumulation happening in the west.
During the tourist season, daytime highs range from 60 F to 70 F, dropping into the 40 F range at night. However, high-country temperatures are much cooler. The lower western valleys, meanwhile, see summertime highs that hover around 90 F.
Stay in the loop about weather conditions and road and trail closures on the park’s website.
Yellowstone National Park
Primarily located in Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park extends into portions of Montana and Idaho, too. Its north and northwest sections in Montana can be accessed via the park’s north and northeast entrances, the primary gateway being Gardiner, Montana, and West Yellowstone, Montana. The west entrance offers convenient access to Old Faithful; Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is best reached via the north entrance; and the northeast entrance is considered the park’s best bet for spotting wildlife, as it is closest to Lamar Valley. Dubbed “America’s Serengeti,” it’s renowned for its large concentration of bears, wolves, bison, pronghorn, eagles, ospreys and much more. See the park’s full description under the state of Wyoming.
The Hikes, Drives and Viewpoints
The best day hikes are found in Many Glacier, West Glacier and Two Medicine, in addition to along Goingto-the-Sun Road.
Avalanche Lake Via Trail Of The Cedars
Among the park’s most popular hikes is moderately challenging, 5.9-mile out-and-back Avalanche Lake via the Trail of the Cedars near Lake McDonald, Montana — and for good reason since you’re treated to turquoise waters galore.
Grinnell Glacier Trail
The Grinnell Glacier Trail — a challenging, 14.9-mile out-and-back trek — showcases a bevy of glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, forests and wildlife along a highly elevated trail with steep drop-offs. Adding to the thrill, you can stand where the glacier ends and melds into the first lake. Beginning from the north side of Going-tothe-Sun Road at Logan Pass, it’s frequented by bighorn sheep and mountain goats.
Going-to-the-Sun Road Drive
No matter what — and especially if your time is limited — make certain to drive along 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road, storied for its dramatic mountain scenery. Its lower portion is open yearround, though the alpine section may not open until sometime in early July, once the gargantuan task of plowing the road is done.
Cracker Lake Trail
One of the park’s most spectacular hikes, the 12-mile, out-and-back Cracker Lake Trail starts at Piegan Pass at the south end of the parking lot above the Many Glacier Hotel. Marvel at the Cracker Flats area; pause to appreciate the mountains vistas across the upper reaches of Lake Sherburne; take in the soothing sounds of creeks and waterfalls; witness deep, steepwalled canyons; and keep watch for grizzly bears (bear spray is a must), particularly as you pass through dense vegetation.
About the Park
Location - Montana’s Rocky Mountains to the Canadian border
Established - May 11, 1910
Area - 1,013,322 acres
