Haw Creek
Outdoors > Places
Glacier National Park
 Located
in northwestern Montana, Glacier National Park borders Canada’s Waterton
Lakes National Park. Glacier National Park was established May 11, 1910.
In 1932, Waterton Lakes and Glacier National Parks were designated as the
world’s first International Peace Park. Designated as Biosphere Reserves in
1976 and World Heritage sites in 1995, the parks are jointly referred to as
the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.
A mountainous park, Glacier contains many waterfalls,
small and large lakes, and a number of relatively small glaciers dwindling
in size since the end of the Little Ice Age, accelerated, according to many,
by global warming.
The Continental Divide extends north to south through
the middle of the park and Triple Divide Peak marks the point where three
major watersheds meet, with its runoff flowing, eventually, to the Pacific,
Gulf of Mexico, and Hudson Bay.
from
The National Parks Portfolio (pub. 1931)
The park’s largest lakes are Lake McDonald, Two Medicine Lake, St. Mary
Lake, and Lake Sherburne. Another 300 or so lakes are located throughout
the park.
While the park was established in 1910, it didn't become a tourist
destination until id not become a tourist destination until James J. Hill's
Great Northern Railway began advertising Glacier National Park as a
destination. Hill's advertising suggested that Americans see Glacier
National Park before traveling abroad. The campaign worked and two rail
stations were used to bring train loads of tourists to the park.
Camping:
Thirteen "frontcountry" campgrounds are available to motorists and RVers,
3 of which are classified as primitive. (see
Frommer's description) There are several dozen backcountry campgrounds
along the trail system. Trails: Over 700 miles of trail provide
many outstanding opportunities for both short hikes and extended backpacking
trips. Hikers need to assume individual responsibility for planning their
trips and hiking safely. Before setting out on your hike, stop by a park
visitor center to obtain needed warnings and recommendations. You will
increase your odds of a safe hike, decrease your disturbance to park
wildlife, and lessen cumulative damage to resources. The Trail of the
Cedars, Huckleberry Mountain, Hidden Lake, Sun Point, and Swiftcurrent
Nature Trails are hiker friendly and have signs that dot the trails to help
hikers. The Trail of the Cedars is wheelchair accessible. Visitor center
bookstores carry a complete line of trail guides, topographic maps and field
guides to aid the hiker. Publications are also available by mail.
Glacier Park Inc.,
offers a shuttle service to various locations and trailheads along the
Going-to-the-Sun Road, as well as to West Glacier, East Glacier, Many
Glacier, Two Medicine, Chief Mountain, and Waterton Townsite (in conjunction
with a Canadian service). Fishing: No license or permits are
required to fish inside the boundaries of Glacier National Park. Fishermen
need to stop at a Visitor Center or Ranger Station to obtain a current copy
of park fishing regulations. Other Activities:
- Glacier Park, Inc.—a
concessionaire authorized by the National Park Service to serve the public
in Glacier National Park.
- Mule Shoe Outfitters—guided
horseback trips are available inside the park at Many Glacier and Lake
McDonald.
- Glacier Wilderness Guides &
Montana Raft Company—guided day hikes and backpacking trips into
Glacier's backcountry for one to seven days. Custom trips are available.
Camping equipment is available for rent at their West Glacier office.
- Glacier Park Boat Co.—Glacier
National Park is a land of big lakes. Boat tours with commentary are
available to take visitors deep into the park at Many Glacier, Two
Medicine, Rising Sun, and Lake McDonald. Optional guided hikes are offered
on some cruises at Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and Rising Sun. Small boat
rentals available at Apgar, Lake McDonald, Two Medicine, and Many Glacier.
Travel:
Lodging:
- Glacier Park, Inc.—a
concessionaire authorized by the National Park Service to serve the
public in Glacier National Park. (Other companies making reservations
for National Park Service lodging must go through Glacier Park, Inc.
and may charge an additional non-refundable reservation fee.)
-
Apgar Village Lodge—offers
48 rustic cabin and motel units, all with private baths and electric
heat.
- Belton Chalets—Glacier
National Park has two backcountry chalets that visitors can hike to
for overnight accommodations.
-
Frommer's—30 Hotels rated
Restaurants:
Links:
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