Glacier National Park Montana has been on our “Bucket List” for so many years that we headed there as soon as we finished getting set up at our RV park.
Excited to be at Glacier National Park Montana
I fretted over the fact that we might not be able to get into the park. Since reservations are required, and I couldn’t make them for the time we were staying in Coram. Steve checked with the manager of the RV park and he gave us valuable insight. From 4pm on, the park is open with no reservations or vehicle passes required! Not only that, but it’s free if you enter at that time of day. So off we went to take the most scenic drive in Glacier National Park, Going to the Sun Road!
Glacier National Park Montana
I had heard so much about the astounding beauty of Glacier National Park, that I worried we would be disappointed. But we were not the least bit disappointed in what we could see. Going to the Sun Road is definitely not to be missed. However due to construction and snow, we had to turn around in Apgar and couldn’t get to Logan Pass coming from the west. The entire route didn’t open until July 13 and will partially close again in October of 2022. We were there at the end of May.
Lake McDonald through the trees
What we did get to see took our breath away. We saw mountains carved by glaciers, gorgeous valleys, stunning cascading waterfalls and a few vibrant wildflowers scattered here and there, letting us know it was springtime.
Wildlife
White-tailed deer in Polebridge Village
A variety of animals call Glacier NP home. We kept a vigilant eye out for grizzly bears, lynx, black bears, moose, wolverines, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, coyotes and wolves. We also looked for badgers, beavers, otters, porcupines, mink and bats but didn’t see any of those. We did see a few sweet White-tailed deer who seemed happy to have their pictures taken.
These White-tailed deer were not camera shy!
But just because we didn’t see bears doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful and carry bear spray. We weren’t hiking or camping out overnight but Glacier is home to the largest numbers of grizzly and black bear in the continental United States. And though the bear numbers are so strong in the lower 48, we have yet to see any bears in our travels.
Going to the Sun Road
Rocky Mountain High
Glacier National Park draws visitors from all over the world, all wanting to take the spectacular 50-mile drive on the Going to the Sun Road. Though we couldn’t drive the entire 50 miles we did get to drive over the winding passes and enjoy the views of incredible glacial lakes and jagged cliffs.
Log jam in Essex, Glacier National Park Montana
Glacier was established as a National Park in 1910 and abuts Waterton Lakes National Park in southwestern Alberta, Canada. It’s composed of mountain ranges that were carved by prehistoric ice rivers.
Raging River
This photographers Eden has so much to offer including alpine meadows, deep forest, waterfalls, approximately 25 glistening glaciers along with 200 crystal clear lakes. There are very few miles of paved roads within the park’s 1,600 square miles (about half the size of Yellowstone) keeping the landscape preserved in its primitive, unspoiled beauty.
Waterfall and raids along Going to the Sun Road in Glacier NP
Considered the Crown of the Continent, Glacier NP is home to over 700 miles of trails. This is truly paradise for visitors with an adventurous nature. It’s a place where you could relive the days of yesteryear through the historic chalets and lodges along Going to the Sun Road.
History and culture
Crystal clear river runs passed the Rockys in Glacier NP
There has been evidence of humans using this area dating back over 10,000 years. The area was inhabited by the Blackfeet Indians who controlled the vast prairies that lie to the east of the mountains. At the same time the Salish and Kootenai Indians called the western valleys home and trekked over the mountains searching for game and to hunt the huge herds of bison on the eastern plains.
Spectacular view from the bridge over Lake McDonald
Most European explorers came to the area searching for beaver and other pelts. Soon miners followed and eventually settlers came looking for land. The Great Northern Railway was completed in 18912, sealing the area’s fate by allowing a huge number of people into the heart of northwestern Montana. Soon small towns developed in the area.
Closer look at the Rockys
Just before the turn of the century, influential leaders like George Bird Grinnell, encouraged the establishment of a national park. His efforts were rewarded in 1910, when on May 11 President Taft signed the bill establishing Glacier as the country’s tenth national park.
Village of Polebridge
Lake McDonald in Polebridge Village
After driving as far as we could along the Going to the Sun Road, we turned around and headed to the little village of Polebridge. The anchor of this community is the historic and unique Polebridge Mercantile. What makes it special is that it is a combination of a typical retail store along with being the post office, gas station and place to rent a cabin or two. Of course we just HAD TO stop and pick up our Glacier National Park Montana magnet!
The majestic snow capped Rocky Mountains
Polebridge doesn’t have a whole lot more. But there is a cool old fashioned saloon called The Northern Lights Saloon, where you could grab a beer or a meal. And yes, the Northern Lights or Aurora borealis in the night sky!
Beauty beyond belief in Glacier National Park Montana
White-tailed deer bidding us adieu as we leave Glacier NP
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Amazing mountains and vistas! Never been to Glacier but it is on our bucket list. Your photos make me want to go soon! Thanks, Sandy for the inspiration and great photos. Now to plan a trip!!
Thanks so much Joe! I took so many photos that it was difficult to narrow down to the ones I posted. Glacier NP’s beauty is absolutely astounding. Even more stunning than my photos. If you’re planning a trip, summer is probably best to see the whole park because Going to the Sun Road isn’t opened the entire route other than in summer. Say hi to MaryJo for us!!!