Glacier National Park

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Glacier National Park is a United States National Parks|United States National Park and a UNESCO site that is on the northern border of Montana.

Glacier National Park Halal Travel Guide

History

Glacier National Park borders Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada — the two parks are known as the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, and were designated as the world's first International Peace Park in 1932. Both parks were designated by the United Nations as Biosphere Reserves in 1976, and in 1995 as World Heritage sites.

How is the Landscape of Glacier National Park

Mountain Goat in Glacier National Park - Mountain Goat in Glacier National Park.

Glacier National Park is a stunning display of the geological processes that changed North America over the last billion years. The rock formations in the park are almost entirely sedimentary, laid down between 1600 to 800 million years ago when this area was an inland sea. They were uplifted during the formation of the Rockies beginning around 170 million years ago, and today contain some of the best Proterozoic fossils in the world. The mountains were carved into their present form by the advance and retreat of glaciers during the last ice age, and the park, as its name suggests, contains an abundance of glacial features, including lakes, valleys, and remnant glaciers (although these have diminished significantly in the last century).

Flora and fauna

The park offers many opportunities to see wildlife, and its ecosystems are almost unchanged from what they were at the time of Lewis and Clark. Different trails offer visitors close encounters with animals from mountain goats to pine martens. The park is also one of the largest remaining natural grizzly habitats, and during late summer, grizzlies will often come to lower elevations to eat the area's popular berries and catch fish in the lakes. In addition to grizzly bears and the park is also home to two other endangered species: the Canadian lynx and the bull trout. 23 species of fish live in park waters, and fishing is a popular park activity. Birdwatchers will find many species of waterfowl in addition to larger birds of prey, including bald eagles.

Coniferous forest is the predominant ecosystem, although the forest is visibly different on the east and west sides of the Divide. Trails wind through subalpine meadows full of wildflowers and alpine tundras.

How is the Climate in Glacier National Park

Granite Creek Avalance Chute - Winter conditions at Granite Creek Avalanche Chute

Weather at Glacier National Park is often different depending on your elevation and whether you are east or west of the Continental Divide. The western side of the park tends to receive the most rainfall, whereas the eastern side tends to have higher winds and more sun. The Rockies effectively disrupt the movement of air currents over the North American continent, leading to this disparity in climate. The National Weather Service issues separate weather forecasts for the two halves of the park, which may be visited online or checked a park information station before setting out. During the park's summer season, temperatures during the day can reach as high the 90s Fahrenheit (over 30 °C), but nighttime lows in the highest elevations can occasionally be around 20 °F (less than -5 °C). Snow can fall during any part of the year, as demonstrated in August 1992, when a foot of snow fell on the northeastern corner of the park. If you are planning to visit the park during the winter season, expect most of the park to be snow-covered, and make sure you have the right gear. Some trails and roads are closed off-season (and bridges removed).Always prepare for a variety of conditions and always bring rain gear. See also #Weather|weather.

Wildfires are also a more or less common occurrence in the park.According to the National Park Service, 2003 was one of Glacier's hottest years on record, and large areas of the park were shut down as 144,000 acres burned.

In recent years the park has become an important case study for climate scientists studying climate change. Research performed by the centers/norock/science/glacier-research Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center constructed parallel models of glacial melting and ecosystem change in the park based on a linear temperature extrapolation scenario and a carbon dioxide-induced global warming scenario, and estimated that in the latter case and the park's glaciers would be entirely gone by the year 2030.

Read

• Exploring Glacier National Park, David Rockwell. {{ISBN|0762723548 An insightful and well-written Falcon Guide to Glacier National Park, with essay-style information on the flora, fauna, and geology of the park.
• Hiking Glacier & Waterton Lakes National Parks, Erik Molvar. {{ISBN|1560447184. A comprehensive guide to the trails of both parks, complete with maps, difficulty assessments, elevation charts, and useful and concise information about the natural history relevant to the trail.

How to visit and travel to Glacier National Park

MK01846 McDonald Falls - McDonald Falls

By train

If you have the extra time and want to see more of the nation and the train is a good alternative for traveling to Glacier National Park. Since much of the early development of the park was led by the Great Northern Rail company and the railroad is an integrated part of the park's history (and vice versa). Rail travel in the Amtrak's Empire Builder train service runs from Seattle and Portland through northern Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin to Chicago. The Empire Builder westbound train arrives in the evening while the eastbound train arrives in the morning daily at the three stations serving the park. Travellers should arrange lodgings or waiting time accordingly.

• West Glacier Park Station (Amtrak station code: WGL) - This historic railroad depot has a small historical museum but no ticketing office or automated ticketing machines. Highway 2 and Going-to-the-Sun Rd., West Glacier, MT 59936
• East Glacier Park Station (Amtrak station code: GPK) - This station is open from May 1 through October 1.400 Highway 49 North, East Glacier Park. (After October 1 and prior to May 1, Amtrak trains stop at Browning instead of Glacier Park. Browning is not a staffed station.)

Buses can take you inside the park from West and East Glacier Park:

• Red Bus Tours (☎ +1-855-733-4522) offers a shuttle between West Glacier, Village Inn at Apgar and Lake McDonald Lodge. Reservations are required due to limited space. The fare is $6 between the Amtrak station and the Village Inn and $10 between the Amtrak station and Lake McDonald Lodge.
• Glacier Park Inc.], (U.S. number: +1 406-892-2525 Canadian Number: +1 403-236-3400), offers shuttle buses between Glacier Park Lodge near the East Glacier Park Amtrak station to Two Medicine, Cut Bank Creek, Saint Mary Lodge, Saint Mary Visitor Center, Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Chief Mountain Customs and Prince of Wales Hotel. Fees vary from $15 to $75 depending on how far you want to travel. The fee to enter the park is not included in the bus fee; you'll need to pay extra to enter the park. You will need to make a reservation if you want the bus to drop and pick you up at Saint Mary Visitor Center. The bus to Cut Bank Creek stops 5 miles away from the campgrounds and trailhead on route 89 and Cut Bank Creek Road. You will need to hike the 5 miles to Cut Bank.

In addition, trains will stop at the Izaak Walton Inn at Essex (Montana) | Essex Station, by request. The train does not wait longer than 10 minutes and therefore passengers should be ready to board immediately upon the trains arrival.

As noted above and the train ride from Seattle and Portland is overnight and arrives in Glacier National Park in the morning; the train from Chicago arrives in the evening. The seats' ample legroom and lack of seat belts make them far superior to their airplane counterparts, and in combination with the train's Sightseer Lounge Car and reasonably-priced dining vehicle contribute to a relatively comfortable journey.

A full-service Amtrak terminal (and one of their busiest) is available at Whitefish, west of West Glacier, and north of Kalispell. The station at East Glacier is also staffed May 1-October 1.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Glacier National Park

Visitors to the park may fly to Glacier Park International Airport near Kalispell|Kalispell, Montana (IATA Flight Code: FCA) (25 mi/40 km from West Glacier). It's feasible to rent cars at the airport or take a shuttle (inquire first before making reservation to a particular airport if you do not wish to drive). Also and the destination of Missoula|Missoula, Montana (IATA Flight Code: MSO) is feasible, though an additional 120 miles (190 km) must be driven. If you live near Los Angeles, San Francisco or Phoenix and there are non-stop Flights to Missoula, so, unlike Kalispell, you won't have to connect.

At Glacier Park Airport, U.S. Airlines and their connection cities include Allegiant Air (Las Vegas); Delta Air Lines (Atlanta (seasonal), Minneapolis, Salt Lake City); United Airlines (Chicago, and San Francisco—summer weekends only and Denver); and American Airlines/Alaska Airlines via Horizon Airlines (Seattle).

Those already residing in the Inland Northwest have very few options besides driving or taking Amtrak. Airline service from Spokane (the largest city in the region) to Calgary and Kalispell has been suspended. To fly, you must go through Seattle on Horizon air and then on to Kalispell, It's quite costly (relative to the direct distance) to backtrack like that.

Alberta Canada has Calgary International Airport (IATA Flight Code: YYC), 4½ hours north of Glacier National Park. YYC offer nonstop seasonal and year-round Flights from Europe (Amsterdam, Glasgow, Frankfurt, London, Manchester, Munich, Paris, Zurich), Asia (Tokyo & Seoul) with Air Transat, British Airways, Air Canada and the major USA carriers. Car rentals are available or a one way airport "charter" van shuttle service with Airport Shuttle Express of Calgary to Glacier National Park, MT and Calgary, Banff or Lake Louise. If needed, be sure you have a multiple-entry visa for Canada (if flying out from there), and a U.S. visa as well.

By car

From the East: Take I-90 freeway to about 8 miles west of Missoula and then exit at US Highway 93 north (Exit #96). In Kalispell, turn right at US Highway 2 East (Idaho St.) From there it's 32 miles to the West Glacier entrance. Or, if you're approaching from North Dakota on US 2, it's a straight shot to Glacier Park. Heading west on I-94 across North Dakota and the shortest route to Glacier is exiting at Glendive to Montana highway 200s to Circle and then north on Montana 13 to east of Wolf Point and then west on Montana 25 to Wolf Point and then US 2 to Glacier Park.

If coming from the South (Great Falls) or East (Havre) and your destination first is Waterton Lakes National Park and the quickest way is taking US 2 to Cut Bank, and then going north on Montana secondary 213 to Del Bonita, where it becomes Alberta highway 62.At the "town" of Del Bonita, Alberta (2 miles from the border) turn west on Alberta secondary 501 and go to Cardston, and then directly to Waterton Lakes on Alberta highway 5. Thit is significantly faster than US 2/89 via Browning.

For East Glacier there are various routes including the I-15 Fwy (see From the South below). However, from the freeways, East Glacier via West Glacier is about the same time and distance. The best route for those wanting to avoid Montana's freeways and save over 250 miles is to follow I-94 just inside Montana from North Dakota and exit #211. State Highway 200S becomes 200 (no turns) and later becomes shared with US Highway 87. On the west side of Great Falls where the highway merges into the freeway, take I-15 North for 12 miles and Exit #290 in Vaughn. On US Highway 89 go 105 miles to Browning in the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. At the museum, turn left and take US Highway 2 into East Glacier. (If using I-90 you can join this route via Billings. Follow State Highway 3 at Exit #450, which is later shared with US 12 & 191. Turn left at the end of the highway at "Eddies Corner" and follow as above going to Great Falls.)

Don't underestimate the huge size of the state of Montana (550 mi/880 kilometers wide). Glacier Park is actually closer to Seattle than it is to far eastern Montana.

From the West: Take I-90 freeway to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho (Exit #12, turn left) on to US Highway 95. Where US Highway 2 and 95 split north of Bonners Ferry, turn right to get US Highway 2. From there, it's 167 miles to the West Glacier entrance. Don't forget to set clocks an hour ahead when entering Montana.

A slightly more ambitious (though fully paved) short cut is to stay on the I-90 freeway up to St. Regis, Montana (Exit #33). Then turn left on State Highway 135 and go 21.6 miles, left on State Highway 200 for 8.3 miles, right on State Highway 28 for 46.7 miles, and left on US Highway 93 in Elmo on Flathead Lake. In Kalispell, turn right at US Highway 2 East (Idaho St.) Thit is a very scenic route along the Clark Fork River and Flathead Lake (which both contain all the waters of Glacier Park west of the Continental Divide) with farmlands in between. However, gas (petrol) and other services are limited between the freeway and Elmo.

Using Highway 200 east from Sandpoint, Idaho is not recommended, as all north-south connections with US Highway 2 in between Libby and Kalispell are not paved! There's just no quick and easy way to get through the Cabinet Mountains beyond 15–20 miles from the Idaho border.

From the North (Canada): If first visiting Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, take Canada Highway 2 south to the junction of the Crowsnest Highway 3. Then go west (towards BC) 43 km and turn left at Pincher Station on Canada Highway 6 for another 50 km. Turn right at the junction of Highway 5 to enter the park. Upon leaving to get to Glacier, make two right turns just after exiting the park, and follow Canada Highway 6 for 22 km to the U.S. border. This becomes State Highway 17; turn right in 23 km onto US Highway 89. The first park entrance is Many Glacier in 7 km (just after Babb).

The international border is closed overnight between Waterton and Glacier, so via Cardston is only way in (see below). Bring US/Canadian passport, passport card or enhanced driver's license. If bypassing Waterton, take Canada Highway 2 south to Cardston and cross the U.S. border. This becomes US Highway 89. The first park entrance is Many Glacier 17 km from the border crossing.

From the South: Take freeway I-15 North to Shelby, Montana (Exit #363) and turn left onto US Highway 2. From there it's 70 miles to East Glacier. A short cut would be to exit I-15 in Vaughn, Montana (Exit #290) and take US Highway 89 to Browning in the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.At the museum, turn left and take US Highway 2 to East Glacier.

For West Glacier, transfer to I-90 West from I-15 (Exit #121) just before Butte, Montana and see From the East above.

By foot

The Continental Divide Trail, a 3,100-mile United States National Scenic Trail, has its northern trailhead in Swiftcurrent Campground, accessible by vehicle from Babb on Glacier Route Three.An alternate route starts from the Apikuni Trailhead, also along Glacier Route Three. This trail exits the park at Marias Pass to the south and runs south along the Continental Divide to Mexico.

Fees and permits

All private vehicles entering the park must pay a $25 fee that is good for seven days. Individuals on foot or on bicycle must pay a $12 fee, also good for seven days. A Glacier National Park Pass is available for $30 and allows unlimited entry for one year.

There are several passes for groups traveling together in a private vehicle or individuals on foot or on bike. These passes provide free entry at national parks and national wildlife refuges, and also cover standard amenity fees at national forests and grasslands, and at lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation. These passes are valid at all national parks including Glacier National Park:

• The $80 Annual Pass (valid for twelve months from date of issue) can be purchased by anyone. Military personnel can obtain a free annual pass in person at a federal recreation site by showing a Common Access Card (CAC) or Military ID.
• U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over can obtain a Senior Pass (valid for the life of the holder) in person at a federal recreation site for $80, or through the mail for $90; applicants must provide documentation of citizenship and age. This pass also provides a fifty percent discount on some park amenities. Seniors can also obtain a $20 annual pass.
• U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities can obtain an Access Pass (valid for the life of the holder) in person at a federal recreation site at no charge, or through the mail for $10; applicants must provide documentation of citizenship and permanent disability. This pass also provides a fifty percent discount on some park amenities.
• Individuals who have volunteered 250 or more hours with federal agencies that participate in the Interagency Pass Program can receive a free Volunteer Pass.
• 4th graders can receive an Annual 4th Grade Pass that allows free entry for the duration of the 4th grade school year (September-August) to the bearer and any accompanying passengers in a private non-commercial vehicle. Registration at the Every Kid in a Park website is required.

In 2019 the National Park Service will offer five days on which entry is free for all national parks: January 21 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), April 20 (1st Day of NPS Week), August 25 (National Park Service Anniversary), September 28 (National Public Lands Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day weekend).

Be sure to always have your receipt or permit card handy as there are several entrances to Glacier, and most people leave and re-enter several times. Thit is true even if they're lodging inside the park, and have no intention of visiting other destinations. Several popular locations such as Many Glacier, and Two Medicine are only accessible by vehicle from the Going to the Sunday Highway if you leave and re-enter. US Highways 2, 89, and 93 do not run through Glacier, but provide indirect access. (A small portion of US Highway 2 and the Chief Mtn. International Highway are within the park's borders, but there are no services or entry gates there.)

Although U.S. and Canadian currency is accepted, mixed payments are not allowed (except in the rare case when the exchange rate is exactly one-to-one). Be sure to have the full amount due in one currency or the other.

How to get around in Glacier National Park

Jammer - Take a 'Jammer' tour bus trip around the park.

Shuttles and tour buses

Getting around the different parts of Glacier National Park is easiest by car, although some shuttles and tour buses do run inside the park, particularly on Going-to-the-Sun Road. Shuttles can be expensive ($10 for each major segment of the routes, which connect the Belton Chalet to St. Mary's Visitor Center and even cross the border to enter Waterton National Park in Canada, where they terminate at the famous Prince of Wales Hotel. Red tour buses called Jammers (so named after the old training of jamming the gears in place to climb steep hills) are much more expensive but a beloved fixture of the park to many visitors. They have now been modernized to run on natural gas.

The National Park Service also operates free shuttles along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. These shuttles run every fifteen or thirty minutes. However, intervals may differ depending on road construction.

Visitors without cars should acquaint themselves well with the shuttle schedules before setting out as they run infrequently and often fill up fast.

Hitchhiking

GlacierParkMontanaNPSMap - 600px|600px

Hitchhiking is also a viable way to travel among destinations along Going-to-the-Sun Road, but be sure to thumb vehicles down from a turn out or shuttle stop so that they can safely pull over to pick you up.

Travel by bicycle in Glacier National Park

Cycling is permitted on Going-to-the-Sun Road, and though the ride may be beautiful and rewarding. However and the elevation gain makes the route strenuous and many segments are along steep cliffs without shoulders. Some portions of Going-to-the-Sun Road are closed to cyclists during high-traffic hours of the day for this reason. Bicycles are not allowed on trails.

By foot

With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier Park is best enjoyed through hiking. A good waterproof topographic trail map of Glacier National Park and Waterton National Park is available from National Geographic, complete with GPS checkpoints. Major trail-heads are located at the Swiftcurrent Motor Lodge, Logan's Pass, and at the Lake McDonald Lodge. Trails range from short, handicap-accessible paths to 8-12 mile day hikes to long extended backpacking trails. If you plan to camp at backcountry sites, reservations will be necessary (see Backcountry section). Popular trails include:

• Trail of the Cedars (0.7 miles) - handicapped-accessible, partially paved and partially a boardwalk. Beautiful views of old-growth forest and Avalanche Gorge. Trailhead at Avalanche Creek Campground on Going-to-the-Sun Road.
• Garden Wall portion of the Highline Trail (11.6 miles) - day-hike accessible even to beginners. Trail follows the Garden Wall, a striking ridge along the continental divide. Views of sub-alpine meadows and alpine tundra as you skirt the dramatic face of the Garden Wall. Trailhead at Logan's Pass Visitor's Center. The Granite Park Chalet, a no-frills historic chalet which sells food and water to hikers (and provides potable water to Muslims with reservations) and is located along the trail at mile 7.6. The trail ends at the Loop, from where you can take a shuttle back to Logan's Pass.
• The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (3,100 miles) - the least well-maintained of the triumvirate of National Scenic Trails (along with the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail) and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail runs from Waterton in Canada to Marias Pass on the southern edge of Glacier National Park before continuing south all the way to Mexico. The trail includes a variety of terrain within the park and can be accomplished in about ten days, depending on the backpacker's speed.

For visitors intending to hike extensively in Glacier National Park and the Falcon Guide Hiking Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks ({{ISBN|1560447184) is a comprehensive and invaluable guide, offering trail distances and thorough descriptions.

During the winter, some trails and roads will be closed due to snow, and in the summer a one-way system may be in operation at busy times.

See Read for maps and other material to help you plan your trip.

Rental car

Dollar Rent-a-Car has pick-up and drop-off at all the major train stations, and the Kalispell airport. There's no one-way fee, if for example, you arrive by train and leave by plane.All of the Dollar Rent-a-Car locations around Kalispell, Whitefish, and Glacier Park are run by the same franchise. Some aren't fully staffed and have a key drop. If you demand full-service, Avis has several staffed locations, but it's more expensive.Always check before taking rental cars into Canada, but most companies will allow.Also, inquire in advance if you plan on driving on unpaved roads and what the company's towing policy is. Unlimited mileage is almost a must in a big state like Montana, so check online first. In a pinch and there are also vehicle rental facilities in the town of Cut Bank (see Get out section below).

If you wish to travel one way between Montana and Canada most vehicle companies will not rent you a car. Round trip yes, but not one way. Canadians usually can not hire a vehicle from Montana to Alberta Canada, one way or return. Airport Shuttle Express of Calgary Canada does provide a one way charter van service between Banff/Calgary and Great Falls, Shelby, Browning, East Glacier, Essex, West Glacier and Whitefish.

What to see in Glacier National Park

From your car

St Mary Lake - St. Mary Lake, Glacier National Park.

• Going-to-the-Sun Road - The most spectacular viewpoints in the park are along this road. It is closed to traffic in Winter and open from June - October. Depending on weather, it will be open as early as Memorial Day weekend (last Monday in May). You can check the road status online]. Highlights include Lake McDonald, Logan Pass at the Continental Divide, Rising Sun, and St. Mary Lake. Road construction is feasible in the summer with just one lane open to traffic (and opposing traffic held back).At about 6,600 feet (2,000 meters), Logan Pass is the highest drivable point in or near the park. The vehicle park at Logan Pass fills up early in the morning and becomes a chaotic fight for a space the rest of the day. Though a "must see" for anyone visiting the park, it is not a shortcut from Lake McDonald to St. Mary. Despite the distance being several times longer, it is almost always faster to go around via US Highway 2 and 89.
• US Highway 2 | On the south side of the park. Also crosses the Continental Divide, though at a lower elevation than Logan Pass on the Going to the Sunday Road. Thit is the route used by the Amtrak trains. The view of the forest, river, train tracks and a railroad tunnel all together in one location is very scenic. Several wilderness areas (no roads) are just to the south.

• Looking Glass Hill Road - State Highway 49 | Has an excellent view of Lower Two Medicine Lake from the top of the hill.Also, it's a shortcut (though narrow and winding) from East Glacier to the east side of the park, so you don't have to go all the way to Browning and back. Beware there is no guardrail on this road. If concerned, only go in the northbound direction, so you won't be driving in the outer lane above the steep edge.

• US Highway 89 | Connects with roads going into the park at St. Mary (Going to Sunday Road) and Babb (to Many Glacier). It then continues north where it intersects with Chief Mountain International Highway (see below). Excellent views of St. Mary and the lake from the hills north and south of the town. Though unmarked and the Hudson Bay/Gulf of Mexico Divide is 4.5 miles south of the Going to the Sunday Highway junction in St. Mary with Divide Mountain on the west side.

• Chief Mountain International Highway - State Highway 17 | Connects Glacier National Park with Waterton Lakes in Alberta. Bring US/Canadian pasport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license if you plan to enter Canada.

• Two Medicine Road | Begins four miles north of East Glacier, and runs on the north side of Lower Two Medicine Lake. A very easy (no hills) and short path goes to Running Eagle (Trick) Falls. Bears are frequently spotted in this area.

• Cut Bank Creek Road | An unpaved road on the park's east side 14 miles south of St. Mary. A trail (not for beginners) goes to Triple Divide Pass where the Continental Divide splits three ways between the Pend Oreille-Columbia Rivers (mouth near Portland, Oregon at Astoria), Missouri-Mississippi Rivers (mouth near New Orleans), and the Saskatchewan-Nelson Rivers (to western Hudson Bay in Manitoba). Facilities are primitive, and this area is only for the most adventurous. However, it's 5 miles west of the U.S. 89 Hwy, making a quick visit for a few photos feasible also.

• Inside North Fork Road | An unpaved road running north on the west side of the park which begins just north of Apgar at Lake McDonald. All the campgrounds on this far western side of the park are primitive, without running water. This road may be closed at times.

• Camas Road | Runs nearly parallel to Inside North Fork Road but is paved. It leads to the Huckleberry Mountain Nature Trail. Both roads will eventually take you to Polebridge, but this route is paved most of the way -- except for a section in the middle. Note that all the campgrounds on this far western side of the park are primitive, without running water.

• Swiftcurrent Lake 48.795278, -113.661389 - Swiftcurrent Lake Swiftcurrent Lake and Mount Wilbur

Out of your car

Leaving your vehicle for a day hike or extended backpack gives you access to the park's extensive trail system. Trails for all ability levels and time frames exist (see Getting Around section). Investigate the park at a more leisurely place and see its stunning geologic formations, lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, and wildlife for yourself. Sights well worth the effort include:

• Sperry Glacier 48.623055555556, -113.76222222222 - Sperry Glacier - Close up of Sperry Glacier Sperry Glacier Overlook can be visited by a steep climb up a trail from the Sperry Chalet (2.5 miles to Comeau Pass). The hike takes you by secluded alpine lakes and boulder-strewn meadows and up a stairway hewn into the rock, from which you emerge at Comeau Pass to be greeted by breathtaking views of the Little Matterhorn, Bearhat Mountain, and Mt. Reynolds. Another mile, marked (sometimes confusingly) by cairns, takes you to the edge of the glacier, where there is now a sign with information about the glacier's history. This trail is also one of the best places in the park to see families of mountain goats up close. The glacier is worth seeing, since scientists predict that it have completely disappeared between 2030 and 2050. The Sperry Chalet is also worth seeing, and has a dining hall where non-guests can purchase a hot lunch from an a la carte menu.

• Lake McDonald and Street Mary Lakes | The first and second largest lakes in the park, on the west and east side of the continental divide, respectively. The lakes provide opportunities for various activities like boating (canoe and rowboats may be rented from concessions in Apgar and other locations), swimming, fishing, and some of the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises in the park. Both can be visited by Going-to-the-Sun Road and each is home to campgrounds and historic lodges.

• Glacier Park Lodge Lobby - Built in 1913 on the eastern edge of the park and the Glacier Park Lodge was one of Great Northern's luxurious hotels that provided an entrypoint from the railroad into the park. The lobby is an impressive display of the park's early aesthetics.

• Iceberg Lake | Iceberg Lake is a beautiful and popular destination that can be visited by a 4.5-mile (7-km) hike out of a trailhead at Swiftcurrent Inn. The Lake is aquamarine with glacial silt, and surrounded by steep, glacier-carved cliff faces. On the hike you will have the opportunity to see the Ptarmigan Falls and the Ptarmigan Wall, many wildflowers, mountain goats, and perhaps even grizzly bears.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Glacier National Park

Red Eagle Mountain Glacier - View of Red Eagle Mountain

Visitors and Mountain-Goats at Glacier National Park - Visitors to Glacier National Park observing Mountain Goats

• Biking - Bicycles are restricted to bike paths, roadways, and parking areas. Check the National Park Service's Glacier website for path, and road closures. Bikes are forbidden on trails. Bicycle rental is not available in Glacier National Park. It is feasible to bike the length of Going-to-the-Sun Road, but the park limits bike access during peak traffic hours since many portions of the road do not have shoulders. The best times of day to go are the early morning or late afternoon.Although it is easiest to bike the road from east to west, be prepared for a steep elevation gain as you approach Logan Pass and cross the Continental Divide from either direction.
• Boating - Boat tours are available at Many Glacier, Two Medicine, Rising Sun, Waterton Lake, and Lake McDonald. Personal motorized boats are permitted on some of the park's lakes, but usually limited to 10 hp motors. Rafting is available on the rivers bordering Glacier National Park through companies in West Glacier.
• Camping - There are several dozen backcountry campgrounds along the trail system, and frontcountry campgrounds available to motorists and RVers.
• Winter activities - Park visitors during the winter (roughly December - April) may explore the park using skis or snowshoes. Some trails may be closed due to avalanche or snow-related hazards, and visitors should check conditions with a ranger before departure and check out after return.
• Fishing - Glacier is famous for its great trout fishing. Fishermen may fish without permits and can keep any fish they catch (except bull trout), but are advised to clean fish carefully: throw entrails into water far from shore, as the smell of fresh fish will attract bears.
• Hiking - Over half of the visitors to Glacier National Park report taking a hike along some of the park's 700 miles of trails. Hikers can purchase topographical maps, trail guides, and field guides at visitor centers. Guided day hiking and backpacking treks are available through local outfitters. Check the National Park Service's Glacier website for more info.
  The Trail of the Cedars, Huckleberry Mountain, Hidden Lake, Sunday 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.
• Horseback riding - Most of the park's trail system is open to horses. Guided trips and horse rentals available at Many Glacier, Waterton Lake, Two Medicine, Rising Sun, and Lake McDonald Lodge.

Halal Restaurants

Several of the park lodges have restaurants, but better options may be found outside of the park in the towns of Babb, Polebridge, West Glacier and St. Mary. Note that if you want to purchase specialized backpacking food some of the camp stores in Street Mary, Rising Sun, West Glacier, and other major points of entry sell a limited selection. By the end of the season (early September), however, most of these stores will be closing and your choices will be grim or nonexistent. Therefore, bring your own food if feasible.

• Eddies Cafe - Apgar Village ☎ +1 406 888-5361 - Very good food for dinner and breakfast.

• Swiftcurrent Italian Garden - Italian-style lunch and dinner and early breakfast possibility. Reasonably good food but not as good as it used to be.

Bars are outside of the park in the town of Babb and West Glacier.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Glacier National Park, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Glacier National Park. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Glacier National Park and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Glacier National Park. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Glacier National Park. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Glacier National Park: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Glacier National Park.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Glacier National Park: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Glacier National Park, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Glacier National Park.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Glacier National Park, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Glacier National Park, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Glacier National Park and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Glacier National Park, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Glacier National Park, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Glacier National Park without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Glacier National Park is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Glacier National Park.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Glacier National Park is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Glacier National Park, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Glacier National Park Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Glacier National Park

eHalal Group Glacier National Park is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Glacier National Park. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Glacier National Park.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Glacier National Park ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Glacier National Park. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Glacier National Park, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Glacier National Park are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Lodging

ManyGlacierHotel-p02 - Many Glacier Hotel

Additional hotel options can be found outside of the park in the nearby towns of Essex (Montana) | Essex, East Glacier, West Glacier and Babb.

• Apgar Village Lodge - 48.527921, -113.994047 - Cabins on edge of wood near to lake and river. Have showers and toilets.

• Granite Park Chalet - 48.77077, -113.77206 - This historic chalet, dating from ca. 1914, is accessible only through hiking trails. It is the only chalet remaining of the original six operated by Great Northern, and is supplied by weekly or biweekly mule trains. The Granite Park Chalet ($70 first person, $68 each additional person) can be most easily reached by a 7.6 mile hike from Logans Pass along the Highline Trail, and is now a simple backpacker's lodge. A kitchen and composting toilets are available to guests, as well as potable water (which guests are asked to assist in fetching themselves). Accommodations are spartan, and linens are provided for an extra $15. The chalet offers complimentary hot drinks for their guests in the evening. The season is from July to September, and reservations should be made months in advance. All trash must be packed out.

• Lake McDonald Lodge & Complex - 48.617352, -113.879243 ☎ +1 406 892-2525 - Lake McDonald Lodge Lake McDonald Lodge 1 Lake McDonald Lodge & Complex is 11 miles inside the park from the west entrance on the Going To The Sunday Road. This hotel has 100 rooms, ranging from motel style to upmarket hotel suites. The main dining room overlooks Lake McDonald and has an excellent, moderately priced menu. Televisions, elevators and air conditioning are not available.

• Many Glacier Hotel - 48.796758, -113.657802 ☎ +1 406 732-4411 - Many glacier hotel . Many Glacier Hotel is Glacier National Park's largest hotel with 208 rooms and is in the northeast area of the park and is eleven miles west of Babb on Highway 89. Premier service as the flagship lodge of the Park in beautiful location. Tries to give a Swiss style look, impressive looking building but of basic construction so do not expect modern hotel comforts. One good restaurant, one diner/bar and one snack outlet. Also souvenir shop.

• Swift Current Motor Inn - East Glacier Park 48.797970, -113.676941 ☎ +1 406 732-5531 - Offers basic cabins and motel style rooms. Renovated old wooden buildings, some have showers and toilers, none have refrigerators or TV but oddly an ironing board and iron. The onsite restaurant has Italian style cooking and good breakfast.

• Village Inn At Apgar - 48.529115, -113.994326 ☎ +1-855-733-4522 - Motel style rooms in very good condition. All have showers and toilet, some (ground floor) have cooker and refrigerator. View from room is spectacular.

Camping Places

There are 13 developed campgrounds in the park. These campgrounds may be visited by car. Unless noted as "primitive", all contain a disposal station for trash. The sites are generally for a maximum of one vehicle, two tents, and eight people. Payment seems to be mostly on the honor system (the National Parks system doesn't ask much and needs more), though you must register within half an hour of arrival. Plan to keep your food and scented items in your vehicle. Campers without vehicles may find the larger developed campsites more like a suburban cul-de-sac with SUVs in every driveway than a wilderness retreat; if you backpack in you can feel outnumbered by other park visitors who brought their own firewood, fresh ears of corn, none-alcoholic drinks, cosmetics, and other heavy luxuries. Nightly fees are per campsite.All dates listed are for 2006.

• Apgar - southern end of Lake McDonald From Going-to-the-Sun Road, turn onto Glacier Route 8 (Camas Road). A short distance along this road will bring you to Apgar Village. $15/night Largest campsite in the park, with 194 sites (25 can accommodate a trailer or RV), flush toilets, sinks with running water, and summer evening programming at the Apgar Amphitheater. Apgar Village has a restaurant, gift shops, and a ranger station. Swimming and boating feasible in Lake McDonald, and boat rentals and horseback ride reservations are available nearby. No showers or reservations. Open May 5-Oct 16.

• Avalanche - On Going-to-the-Sun Road. $15/night Popular campsite providing access to Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Creek trailheads. Flush toilets, running water, evening programs at Avalanche Amphitheater. 85 sites (50 accommodate RV). No showers or reservations. Open June 9-September 5.

• Bowman Lake - North Fork Area From Going-to-the-Sun Road, take Glacier Route 8 to Glacier Route 7 (Inside North Fork Road). Shortly after passing through Polebridge, where there is a ranger station, take a right onto a bumpy dirt road for Bowman Lake. $12/night Primitive campsite right on Bowman Lake, with access to Quartz Lake Loop, Bowman Lake, and Numa Ridge Lookout trailheads. 48 sites, RVs and trailers not advised. Potable water and pit toilets. First come, first served. Open May 26-September 15.

• Cut Bank - (not to be confused with the town 50 miles to the east), eastern side of park From Highway 89, take a 5 mile dirt road to the campsite. $6/night Primitive and secluded campsite, with access to Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. 14 sites, RVs and trailers not advised. No potable water (bring your own water or some means of purifying water from Cut Bank Creek). Open May 26-September 25.

• Fish Creek - on western shore of Lake McDonald, an area recovering from a large forest fire in 2003 From Going-to-the-Sun Road, take Camas Road to turn on Glacier Route 7 (Inside North Fork Road). Campground will be on right. $17/night Large campground near but not directly on Lake McDonald offering flush toilets, running water, and nightly evening programs at the Fish Creek Amphitheater.Access to Howe Lake, Howe Ridge, and McDonald Lake trailheads. 178 sites, 18 of which accommodate RVs or trailers.Advance reservations may be made online or by phone +1-800-365-2267 but are not required. Open June 1-September 5.

• Kintla Lake - North Fork area From Going-to-the-Sun Road, take Glacier Route 8 (Camas Road) north until reaching the righthand turn onto a dirt road that leads to Kintla Lake. $12/night Glacier National Park's smallest campground, with only 13 sites. It is also one of the most remote, and therefore is usually pretty empty. Non-motorized boats allowed on lake, and lake is full of trout. Site is primitive but has a potable water source. No reservations. Open May26-September 15.

• Logging Creek - North Fork area From Going-to-the-Sun Road, take Glacier Route 8 (Camas Road ) to Glacier Route 7 (Inside North Fork Road). $6/night Very small, primitive, secluded campground with 7 sites and no potable water (bring your own).Access to Logging Lake trailhead. No reservations. This site is temporarily closed.

• Many Glacier - From Highway 98, take Glacier Route 3 west into park. The large lake on the left is Lake Sherburne. $15/night Large, popular campsite near the Swiftcurrent Motor Lodge, restaurants, token-operated showers, and the Swiftcurrent Pass, Piegan Pass, Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake, and Ptarmigan trailheads.Also useful for backpackers through-hiking the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (of which Switftcurrent Pass and Piegan Pass Trails are a part). Flush toilets, sinks, and nightly ranger-led programming. 110 sites, 13 accommodate RVs and trailers. Very popular place to spot bears. Open May 26-Seo 25.

• Quartz Creek - North of Logging Creek campground on Inside North Fork Road. $6/night This primitive campground is the smallest developed campground in the park, with only 7 sites and accessible only by a long, winding dirt road (RVs and trailers not advised). Quartz Creek trailhead is easily reached from the campsite. No potable water or reservations. Pit toilets. Open June 30-Jul 17.

• Rising Sunday - on Street Mary Lake On Going-to-the-Sun Road. $15/night Amenities include showers, flush toilets, a disposal station, camp store, restaurant, and nightly programming. Shuttle stop. 83 sites, 10 of which can accommodate vehicles up to 25 ft. No reservations. Open May 26-Feb 18.

• Sprague Creek - On Going-to-the-Sun Road. $15/night About a mile south of Lake McDonald Lodge and the Sprague Creek campground is sandwiched between Lake McDonald and Going-to-the-Sun-Road. Only 25 sites, with towed vehicles and RVs prohibited, and one group site reserved until 10PM for bicyclists or backpackers. The beauty of Lake McDonald is marred by the campground's proximity to the highway - traffic, including motorcycles, is both visible and audible well into the night. The campsite is not convenient to any trailheads so if you want to hike, plan to drive first. Flush toilets, picnic tables, and a communal bear box are provided. Evening programming at Lake McDonald Lodge. No showers or reservations. Open May 12-Sept 18.

• St. Mary - On Going-to-the-Sun Road. $17/night Large campground on St. Mary Lake near the St. Mary Visitor Center. Beautiful views of the lake, flush toilets, running water, shuttle service, and the small town of Street Mary about half a mile away, outside the park. 148 sites, 25 of which can accommodate RVs/trailers.Advance reservations can be made online or by calling 1-800-365-2267. Open 5/26-9/26.

• Two Medicine - $15/night 99 sites, 13 of which can accommodate RV/trailer up to 35'. Campstore in only building remaining of historic Two Medicine Chalet. Flush toilets, no reservations. Open 5/26-9/18.

Backcountry

Glacier National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the U.S. for backcountry camping, and backcountry sites offer great opportunities for extended trips through some of the park's more remote areas. Backcountry camping permits ($4/night/person or $50 for the park for the year) are required and can be obtained from any of the visitor centers before 4:30 PM and within 24 hours of your departure on a first-come first-served basis. To be issued the permit and the member of your party designated as the "trip leader" will have to watch a 15-minutes movie about safety precautions in Glacier National Park.All of the backcountry sites require reservations, and some sites fill up months in advance (especially Gunsight Lake, Lake Ellen Wilson, and Sperry campgrounds, along the Gunsight Pass Trail, among others). Advance reservations can be made by calling +1 406 888-7800. These cost extra. Trail status, campsite availability, and general information on Glacier's backcountry is available at a National Park Service website]. Campgrounds generally have designated sites with tent pads and separate areas for cooking and eating, bearpoles (a convenient way to hang your food and scented items out of the reach of bears), and pit toilets (in which no toilet paper or other trash may be thrown). Campers are required to pack out all of their garbage; when you receive your permit a ranger will give you plastic bags for this purpose.

To ensure a safe and comfortable stay in the back-country of Glacier National Park, visitors are urged to bring their own backpackers' stove (not all campgrounds allow fires, and firewood may be hard to find in the winter), rope (about 40 feet to hang bags from bear pole), and water purification system (pump filter of 1 micron or less, chlorine or iodine tablets). None of the backcountry campsites have potable water. See section on Safety for more detailed information.

Outfitters in West Glacier can arrange all-inclusive guided backpacking trips.

Telecommunications in Glacier National Park

Most of the park is outside cell phone range, close to towns on the border of the park you can get a weak signal. If you are staying at one of the lodges or cabins in the park you can get wifi access but it is very low band width. The point of coming here is to get away from the modern always connected life.

Stay Safe

Wildlife

Glacier National Park is the rare area of the United States where all of its pre-Columbian predators are still alive and well. The most dangerous of these are bears - both grizzly bears and the smaller black bears. The park is a great habitat for bears, and signs at every major trailhead warn that you are "entering grizzly country". Most hikers in the park prefer to buy bear spray (~$50, available at camping stores in West Glacier and St. Mary), which has a range of 30–40 feet and is known to deter a bear in the rare case that it becomes aggressive. The best precaution against bears, however, is to make noise while you are hiking to avoid surprising one and to allow it to identify you as human. When entering thickets or rounding corners, simply start talking to let any animals know you are coming. Some people carry whistles or bells to make noise on the trail, but others consider this measure useless or even counter-productive. Should you encounter a grizzly bear, avoid eye contact, turn sideways to appear smaller and less threatening, and slowly back away. It is common that a bear would become aggressive, but if a grizzly bear charges, clacks its teeth, makes woofing or huffing noises, or waves its head from side to side, drop to the ground on your stomach or in the fetal position, protecting your face and neck (big backpacks are helpful for this). Most grizzly charges are "mock" charges, and while terrifying the bear normally turns away. During black bear encounters, gather your group together to appear as large as feasible, and make noise to help the bear identify you. In the very rare case that the bear becomes aggressive, fight back. When you get your permit, you will be given up-to-date information about recent bear activity on your planned route. Pets are prohibited on trails because they may provoke bears.

Most bear encounters occur as a result of incorrect food storage. Bears are attracted to odors, so do not leave your pack unattended and be sure to hang any food, cooking equipment, scented toiletries, and clothes used for cooking from bear poles at night. Do not wash dishes or eat near your sleeping area as bears may come into camp looking for scraps. When leaving a vehicle in the park overnight, remove all scented items (including toiletries) and store them in bear-proof lockers.

Other predators include mountain lions. While more reclusive than bears, mountain lions have still been known to maul hikers. If you encounter a mountain lion, make your self appear as large as feasible and speak to it in a loud, firm voice.

Water

It is crucial to drink lots of water while you are hiking to avoid dehydration. Unless you are going on a very short hike, you should consider carrying at least 2 liters of water with you. If you will be going a long distance, make sure you know where you can get more water. Lakes, streams, and waterfalls are good sources but all water obtained in the backcountry should be purified with a hand pump (filter of at least 1 micron) or iodine or chlorine tablets to remove contamination by Giardia lamblia, a common parasite caused in Glacier Park mainly by beaver feces. Infection causes giardiasis, a type of gastroenteritis that manifests itself with severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Other symptoms can include bloating, flatulence, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and weight loss.

Weather

Weather can be unpredictable, and snow or rain are feasible throughout the summer. Make sure to have a waterproof layer. In cold weather, bring a warm layer, and make sure if you're camping that your sleeping bag stays dry.

Rainfall can be frequent in the spring, late summer, and fall. The driest time of year is around the July 4th holiday. However and the highest elevations frequented by visitors normally have snow on the ground every month of the year except August (i.e. trail to Hidden Lake from Logan Pass). If you do come in August (the most popular month), have alternate plans in case it rains (see Get out section below). The east side has less rainfall than the west side does, so sometimes it can be wet on one side and sunny on the other. Go all the way east to the U.S. 89 Hwy; just traveling a mile or two down the mountain pass is not sufficient.

Calling +1-800-226-7629 will provide you with information about weather and road conditions.

Wildfires

Wildfires are a natural part of the ecosystems in Glacier National Park. They are allowed but controlled by the National Park Service and fire response teams. Before you set out, check for fire warnings with a ranger. Trails in dry areas are sometimes closed due to high sensitivity to wildfires.

Travel Next

Day trips: (in the early summer and the sun doesn't set until after 9:30PM)

• Blackfeet Nation Indian Reservation - The reservation is home to the Blackfeet Nation and borders Glacier National Park to the West. Its northern border is shared by Canadian province Alberta. The seat of government is Browning.
• Waterton Lakes National Park - Bring US/Canadian pasport, passport card or enhanced driver's license.
• Whitefish - Whitefish is a small city of 5,000 west of Glacier National Park about 27 miles southwest of West Glacier. To get from the park, take US Highway 2 south from West Glacier to MT-40. This will take you to US-93, which leads into Whitefish. The city draws tourists during the winter for its ski resorts, including Big Mountain Ski Area. During the summer, you can golf on five courses or catch a performance by the Alpine Theater Project (a professional Equity summer theater group).
• Kalispell - In case of rain (which happens frequently), Kalispell is a nice small city of about 20,000 (Metro 80,000) 32 miles west of West Glacier on US Highway 2. It has an indoor mall in the center of the city three blocks south of the U.S. Highway 2 (Idaho St.)/US Highway 93 (Main St.) junction with a J.C. Penny, Montana's Herberger Department Store, plus many smaller stores.Also and there's a new shopping complex on both sides of US Highway 93 North just before W. Reserve Dr. (2.5 to 3 miles north of the center). A COSTCO store (member only) with a gas station is located here, as well as a Target store on the other side. For getting back to Glacier Park on Highway 2 East, turn right just after the Home Depot onto W. Reserve Dr. and go 2.5 miles to connect with US Highway 2 called "La Salle Dr." (turn left toward Wendy's). Likewise, coming from Glacier turn right on to Reserve Dr. just after Wendy's Restaurant (about 5 miles south of the airport), go 2.5 miles and then left on US Highway 93 at the Home Depot. Separately, Wal-Mart is on US Highway 2 (Idaho St.) about 1.5 miles east of the center, while K-Mart is a just little further in the Northwest corner of the block where US Highway 2 turns left to the north and becomes La Salle Dr.All shopping in Montana is tax-free.
• Hungry Horse Dam - Montana's highest dam, 4 miles south from the small town of Hungry Horse on U.S. Highway 2 between Kalispell and West Glacier. If arriving in Kalispell too late in the day to visit Glacier Park and the dam is a much closer and easier location. Turn from US Highway 2 on the east side of the town where a large sign points to the exit for the dam (West Side Road).
• Cut Bank - (Not to be confused with the campground inside the park) - One problem with Glacier National Park is that many of its prime attractions are east of the Continental Divide (Glacier Park Lodge, Many Glacier Lodge, Two Medicine, St. Mary, road access to Waterton) but the closest "major" cities (by Montana standards) are on the west side (Kalispell and Whitefish). While not a tourist destination unto itself, Cut Bank, a 45-minutes drive from East Glacier Park has many services tourists may find useful. Cut Bank has two major grocery stores (Albertson's, IGA), both on the west end of town; Albertson's has a pharmacy and IGA is in a shopping center with a pharmacy; Both grocery stores have a deli. The shopping center ("Northern Village") also has a Ben Franklin, a dollar store, a western wear outlet, Candy Bouquet, a restaurant, and other food outlets. Fast food franchises in town include Pizzas Hut, McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant), Subway, and Taco John's. One of only nine remaining JC Penney stores in the state of Montana is in downtown Cut Bank. Cut Bank also has vehicle dealerships for the three major U.S. vehicle companies: GM (Bell Motor), Ford (Northern Ford), and Chrysler (Northern Chrysler). The GM and Ford dealerships, as well as Rent-A-Wreck will rent cars.Amtrak stops in Cut Bank (though the station is not staffed) and vehicle rental agencies will arrange to meet the train with prior notice. Car rentals in Cut Bank are more expensive than in Great Falls, but east of the divide and the next closest city with vehicle rental facilities is Great Falls. The next closest city with vehicle dealerships for service is Conrad, about midway between Cut Bank and Great Falls. Cut Bank also has two auto parts stores and other auto repair facilities, as well as other restaurants, bars, a campground, motels (the Super 8 and Glacier Gateway Inn are recommended). Far from being a shopping mecca, Cut Bank at least offers many goods and services tourist might need less than an hour from Glacier National Park, and considerably closer than the only other alternative east of the divide: Great Falls.
• The Flathead National Forest - is named after the Flathead Indians who lived in the area. The forest is located just south of Glacier National Park in the Rocky Mountains with elevations ranging from less than 4,500 feet to over 8,500 feet (1400 to 2600 m). The forest provides habitat for roughly 250 species of wildlife and 22 species of fish. As with most of the national forest system, parts of the forest's 2.3 million acres are designated wilderness and parts are not (these latter may be privately owned and commercial activities including logging can take place there), and visitor activities are much less regulated than in the National Park system. Camping is feasible in most of the forest without a permit, although there are also designated campgrounds and cabins available for rent. Hike 2,800 miles of hiking trails or pick up to 10 gallons of berries (over 10 requires a permit). Two commercial downhill ski resorts are also available. +1 406 758-5200.

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