When we first arrived in Glacier NP, there was a sign that showed whether campgrounds were full or open. The first one we wanted to try and camp at said it was open! We were very excited, but as we drove through the campground it seemed like there was only one open site left and it was a handicap site.
We decided to ask the camp host and he said that we could have it for the night, but would need to move the following morning into another site if we could find one that was opened. First things first Wyatt helped with setting up our tent.
Next we headed to the store, poor Wyatt was exhausted from the day and fell asleep in the shopping cart.
By the time we got back to the site he was jumping off every rock he could.
Then helping us with dinner… in his own way 🙂
After dinner we did a few little hikes to Lake McDonald and a nearby Amphitheater overlooking Lake McDonald. Lake McDonald is the largest lake in the national park at roughly ten miles long and just over a mile wide.
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HISTORY:
There are four nations that work together to protect the history and the resources of Glacier and the surrounding area. These four nations are Canada, The United States, the Flathead Nation, and the Blackfeet Nation.
The Great Northern Railway gave access to the West for vacationing. This resulted in lodging and trails being put in Glacier National Park.
FUN FACTS:
- “Crown of the Continent”
- Established on May 11, 1910
- First International Peace Park, International Biosphere Reserve and International Peace Park World Heritage Site
- Four Habitats: Alpine, Forest, Aquatic, and Grasslands
- Over 1,000 campsites
- Over 745 miles of trail
- 26 glaciers, 762 lakes, 131 of which are named
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The following morning was a special day for a very special guy in my life…
We had to change our camping site then we hit the road for the day. Our plan was to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road through the National Park followed by Many Glacier Valley on the east side of the park. The Road was completed in 1932 spanning 50 miles from the West to the East of Glacier National Park. It has many turns with some narrow points and and some low passage ways, but many gorgeous views and turnouts towards hikes and viewpoints. It is really crazy to think that a road created over 80 years ago is still the main road to view this park, but it definitely does the park justice. Strongly recommend this for anyone visiting to get a general idea of the park and to get the lay of the land.
It was a LOT hotter than we were expecting it to be (mid to high 90’s), so we only went on one hike. The hike we went one was very pretty with lots of flowers and only a slight elevation change. As a bonus, it went to a waterfall!
When we finished the Going-to-the-Sun Road, we went over to Many Glacier Valley, which was recommended to me by a few people I had met so far in my travels. It was soooo clear and you really can get an idea of the “Big Sky Country.” Megan and Wyatt got their first experience with free-range cows also!
We stopped in Browning, MT to get stuff for dinner and we wanted to get something for Megan and I to have to drink once Wyatt was in bed. Unfortunately we instead were greeted by this sign in the store….
It seems that the local tribes have had drinking problems in the past and have a weekend of no alcohol sales to bring awareness to these problems. Luckily we were still able to get dinner foods and a cake for the birthday boy (and he was nice enough to share with us).
Last but never least, a picture of my Jr. Ranger badge and souvenirs!
NEXT TIME at Glacier: I would NEED to spend more time. We didn’t realize how long it would talk to go through the road, especially in early July. In the future I would want a reserved site (so I wouldn’t have to worry about moving) and I would want to go on more hikes,preferably when its a bit cooler temperature also.