Glacier National Park
Chattanooga Deputy Allison takes us on her Glacier National Park family trip… which is now on my “spittoon” list.
Our trip to Glacier National Park was 8 days long. I wanted to make sure every leg was no more than 3 hours and mission accomplished. Happy to say that there’s not much at all I would tweak here… it was ideal hopping from one treasure to the next.
What we packed apart from the usual hiking gear:
Let’s break it down…
Day 1: Flew into Missoula, Montana. You’ll want to try and arrive before sunset. Rented a car with all-wheel drive. Drove 2 ½ hours to Craig, Montana. Craig is all about fishing! A 6 -mile stretch of fishing paradise! Located in southwest Montana on the Missouri River, it is one of the world's premier trout streams. Make sure you pick up a fishing guide. We stayed at the Trout Shop Lodge.
Day 2: Drove to St. Mary’s East Glacier Park Village Campgrounds… just a mile from Glacier Park and the entrance to Going-to-the-Sun Road, the 52-mile highway that climbs across Glacier National Park's spectacular alpine spine and towering peaks. The views are insane. Even at the campgrounds. You will want to pick up lunch at the KOA grocery store before you head out o the trails. Or if you want… fuel up first at the full espresso bar. Later, rent a kayak and explore the wilds of Lower St. Mary Lake and River.
Day 3: Drove to Many Glacier Hotel and Lodge, located in the “Switzerland of North America”. Suitably named for it's “many glaciers” the valley is full of wildlife, hiking and spectacular scenery. Took the historic wooden boat Chief Two Guns on Swiftcurrent Lake and Morning Eagle on Lake Josephine. A small hike link the two boats in between. Proceeded to hike a mile up to Grinnell Lake. Spent the night at the Many Glacier Lodge.
Day 4: Got up early and drove Going-to-the-Sun Road, a scenic mountainous road through the Rocky Mountains you won’t want to miss. Pulled in to Logan Pass Visitor Center, at an elevation of 6,700 feet straddling the Continental Divide. Note: You’ll need to get there By 9 am or lot will be full! There are several hiking options: Highline Trail – A scenic hiking trail stretching 7.6 miles from Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet. This trail is a loop and you have the option of taking shuttle back or chalet. Hidden Lake Trail – Begins behind the visitor's center, first as a boardwalk to protect the tundra from human footsteps, then continues as a gravel trail. Approximately 2 miles to the top of the lake. Keep in mind… it is super steep!
Day 5: Got back in the car and back on Going-to-the-Sun Road headed to West Glacier Fish Creek Campground on Lake McDonald. Stopped midway at Apgar Village near camp ground and ate at Eddies’ Café, an awesome outpost eatery, grocery and ice cream serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner. Make sure you order a Going-to-the-Sun IPA. Drove just outside the park to Glacier Guides and Montana Raft. Took an all day rafting trip (½ floating ½ white water) with lunch in between on the beach. Drove 30 miles back up to campground to snooze.
Must try: Huckleberry bear claws at Polebridge Mercantile & Bakery. Made every single day of the summer season. Famously delectable and they truly look like a bear claw. Grilled rainbow trout, smoked ribs and brisket at Northern Lights Saloon and Cafe.
Day 6: Drove outside the park and walked around Whitefish, MT. Ate at Jersey Boys Pizzeria for incredible pizza… what they call “the last best pizza”. Zip lined at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Dinner at Abruzzo, Italian trattoria serving up impeccable and authentic recipes.
Day 7: Rented a pontoon boat on Whitefish Lake for the early part of the day. Hit the Bonsai Brewing Project in Whitefish with a top-notch beer garden, beer-tasting and menu. Eat outside if you can and order a soul bowl! Stayed in an air BNB – The Lodge at Whitefish Lake is also a great place to stay with a wonderful pool, upscale and rustic-chic rooms, spa and fitness center.
Day 8: Cry. Pack. Sigh. Leave. Plan our next trip.
My take away from this amazing trip:
There are layers upon layers of majesty and wonderment. Dig in! Drive the extra miles… Do the extra expeditions. It is worth every bit of energy and effort, not to mention a lifetime of memories in this incredible part of our country.
