"G" is for Glacier National Park

"Flying into Glacier" ©Mary Montague Sikes

"Morning Haze on Lake McDonald" ©Mary Montague Sikes

Last summer, we spent a week at Glacier National Park and soon discovered seven days is not nearly enough time to explore this spacious portion of the state of Montana. We did not attempt to visit the entire park which features 700 miles of hiking trails, but instead focused on the southwestern portion and Lake McDonald. The pretty town of Kalispell and the historic Kalispell Grand Hotel, built in 1911, served as our base.

We learned that Glacier National Park was established in 1910 and contains approximately one million acres. We also discovered that Going-to-the-Sun Road is a spectacular road to follow across the park from Lake McDonald to St. Mary Lake. Completed in 1932, the road is considered an engineering marvel. Driving the narrow roadway over Logan Pass is not for the feint of heart, but the journey is breathtaking and offers numerous unforgettable photographic opportunities.

I hope for another chance to visit this National Park and explore the eastern side where St. Mary Lake is located. It would be fun to follow Highway 89 north toward Canada.

"On Lake McDonald" ©Mary Montague Sikes

National Parks - Week One - Glacier

Glacier National Park, Lake McDonald dock ©Mary Montague Sikes

There is something mystic about a misty mountain lake in the morning. That was especially true of this view of Lake McDonald at Glacier National Park. Many of the magazine photographs of mountain lakes I have admired over the years appear to have been taken in Glacier. It was rewarding to be in this picturesque treasure taking my own pictures.

Glacier National Park, located in northwestern Montana, was established in 1910 and spreads over around one million acres. About 700 miles of trails wind through this glorious land of wilderness and wonder. Mount Cleveland, the highest peak in the park, rises 10,466 above sea level.

In 1933, the Going-to-the-Sun Road opened in Glacier. This narrow and treacherous roadway stretches for 52 miles up Logan Pass and over the Continental Divide to the other side. It connects the eastern and the western sides of Glacier. Each spring, preparing the road for reopening is quite a project that involves clearing snow at lower elevations and progressing upward, meaning that some parts of the roadway must be cleared more than once. It's usually mid-June before the road is completely reopened. Because of weather conditions, reconstruction along Going-to-the-Sun Road has to take place during the high tourist season, so visitors can expect delays from time to time.

Going-to-the-Sun Road ©Mary Montague Sikes

The free park shuttle that starts at the Visitor Center parking lot at Apgar is a great convenience to use during a visit to Glacier. The Going-to-the-Sun Road can be a bit intimidating to drivers and passengers alike, so it's nice to leave the driving to those more experienced.

For those who don't wish to stay inside the park or who can't get reservations, Kalispell is a lovely little town located about 30 miles from the west entrance to Glacier. There are many good restaurants, hotels, and other conveniences there. Plan well ahead of time if you want to visit this park and experience the many outdoor activities available there.