Glacier National Park: For the Nature Lover
When to go? Glacier National park is open every day, 24 hours a day. You should note that some roads are inaccessible during certain points in the year due to plowing limitations. If you are interested in taking Going to the Sun Road, you should plan to go in late June, July or early August. This the warmest time of year, which will still be quite cool at certain points in the mountains. Be sure to dress in layers if it gets warm or cool!
How much does it cost? There are various prices for getting into Glacier National Park. If you are planning a week long stay, you can gain access with one vehicle with a $20 pass for 7 days. If you live nearby and think you might frequent the park, or that you might travel more than once per year, you can buy a $25 one year pass. The National Park website is www.nps.gov.
Who can drive on Going to the Sun Road? As long as your vehicle or RV is no longer than 21 feet and no higher than 8 feet, any vehicle is permitted. Even motorcycle are allowed on the road. Bicycling is also allowed on Going to the Sun Road, but only during a limited time. See the national park website for more information on these times.
Can you stay in the park? There are several campsites (most are a first come first serve type of site), and some hotels also located in Glacier National Park. Again, a trip to the website will get you information about lodging and campsites. Due to the expensive nature of hotel lodging, some people might prefer to camp, while others might stay outside of the park.
What should I look forward to on Going to the Sun Road? Well, you can start out at West Glacier or at St. Mary. Going east or west won’t matter on the park road, the pristine lakes and gushing waterfalls are abound both ways. Points of interest going west to east are as follows:
1. Lake MacDonald Historic District: this area has one of the largest lakes in the park. You will notice the lodge which has the makings of a swiss chalet. The lake is green and beautiful and shimmery on a sunny day. It is also the point at which you will feel compelled to get out of your car to take photos of the towering mountains peppered with evergreen trees.
2. The Trial of the Cedars: the boardwalk at this trail will take you through an impressive forest of cedar/hemlock trees. At many points on the trail you will find massive trees strikingly similar to redwoods out on the pacific coast. Futher in you will find a trail to the Avalanche Gorge, a fast powered gorge that will simply fascinate your senses.
3. The Weeping Wall: this impressive site does not even require a step out of the vehicle. As you are driving suddenly you will hear the soothing flow of water. When you look to the side of the road you will see water falling down the side of the mountain, spilling onto the road!
4. Logan Pass: the view at Logan pass is spectacular. You also most likely will see goats, beautiful birds, exotic flowers and possibly bears! You can hike a trail to the Hidden Lake which is an uphill trail a few miles long. If you go early in the year, you might be hiking in snow when the temperature is 75-80 degrees. This is also a point where you will find a visitor center and very helpful Glacier staff members.
5. Baring Falls: this is only one of Glacier’s beautiful waterfalls. It is only a Ã?¼ mile off of the road. If you follow the trail a bit further you will find two other massive waterfalls. All of these aid in shaping the landscape of the park.
These points don’t even cover nearly all of the spectacular things you will see on Going to the Sun Road. It’s just a place to start! Taking a trip to Glacier National Park will be an experience you will never forget. Not only is the beauty of nature prevalent wherever you look, you will be impressed by the friendliness of the park rangers and tourists surrounding you. Going to the Sun Road is truly a hidden gem.
