I'm considering a trip to Glacier National Park next month

[Der Blaue Engel]

Anyone have any tips? I'm taking my 15-yr-old son who wants to "see something cool and outdoors, like when we went to Yosemite and Yellowstone." I'm in Northern California, so I'm weighing the benefits of just seeing one of the natural wonders nearby, or going out of state to see something I've always wanted to see.

BTW, did anyone feel the quake?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=2838818&mesg_id=2838818

[Ptah]

1. My favorite part of Glacier might be Lower McDonald Creek

http://www.nps.gov/glac /



With live webcams:
http://www.nps.gov/glac/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm

[Der Blaue Engel]

2. Oh, my, that's beautiful

Do you have to hike in deep or is it pretty accessible? The kid and I aren't in the greatest shape. :blush:

[greendog]

3. June "might" be a little early for Glacier

A lot of the high country will still be snow covered so some of the great day hikes won't be available yet (Hidden Lake, The Highline Trail).

"Going to the Sun Road" won't be open till early July. We had an avalanche that wiped out part of the road and construction is expected to last through June. You'll still be able to access much of it from either side, but to cross from one side of the park to the other you'll have to go over Marias Pass on US 2. A nice drive but a bit inconvenient.

Also, June is normally pretty rainy.

Late July and August are usually very nice. September and early October are sublime!

If you do decide to visit in June there's still plenty to do, weather permitting. "Avalanche Lake" is a nice hike on the west side of the park.

Grizzly Bears can often be seen in the "Many Glacier" area (east side). They hang out and forage on the north side of the road - sometimes they'll cross the road and go for a swim in the lake. Not unusual to see momma griz with a couple of cubs in tow.

In the North Fork area (remote northwest part of the park) the hike to Numa Lookout is really nice. The author, Edward Abby was stationed as a fire lookout there many years ago. Good food is available in Polebridge at the Northern Lights Saloon.

[Wetzelbill]

4. Go in July

Also try to hit, Indian Days in Browning. They have a good get together, lots of Indian Dancing, a rodeo, Parade, etc.

As for the park, take a drive up Going To The Sun Highway, then come out in the Lake McDonald area. You can stop at a place called Apgar and get something to eat and kick back by the lake afterwards.