Glacier National Park

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

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.

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).

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, 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.

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 accessed 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.

Wildfires are also a more or less common occurrence in the park.

In recent years, the park has become an important case study for climate scientists studying climate change. Research performed by the 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, the park's glaciers would be entirely gone by the year 2030.

• Exploring Glacier National Park, David Rockwell. 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. . 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.

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.

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. This 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 car from the Going to the Sun 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 Hwy 2 and the Chief Mtn. International Hwy 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.

• 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 - Oct. 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 possible 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 car 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 Hwy 2 and 89.
• US Hwy 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 Sun Road. This 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. 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 Hwy 89. Connects with roads going into the park at St. Mary (Going to Sun 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, the Hudson Bay/Gulf of Mexico Divide is 4.5 miles south of the Going to the Sun Highway junction in St. Mary with Divide Mountain on the west side.
• Chief Mountain International Highway. 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 US 89 Hwy, making a quick visit for a few photos possible 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.

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 - Oct. 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 possible 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 car 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 Hwy 2 and 89.

US Hwy 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 Sun Road. This 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. 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 Hwy 89. Connects with roads going into the park at [[St. Mary]] (Going to Sun 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, the Hudson Bay/Gulf of Mexico Divide is 4.5 miles south of the Going to the Sun Highway junction in St. Mary with Divide Mountain on the west side.

Chief Mountain International Highway. 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)|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 US 89 Hwy, making a quick visit for a few photos possible 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.

Leaving your car 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. Sperry Glacier Overlook can be reached 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 St 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 accessed 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, 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 reached 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, the Ptarmigan Wall, many wildflowers, mountain goats, and perhaps even grizzly bears.

Sperry Glacier. Sperry Glacier Overlook can be reached 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 St 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 accessed 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, 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 reached 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, the Ptarmigan Wall, many wildflowers, mountain goats, and perhaps even grizzly bears.

• 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 possible 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 (approximately 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, Sun 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.

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 possible 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 (approximately 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, Sun 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.

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 St 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 possible.

• 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.

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.

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.

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 rare 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 possible, 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 car 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 possible and speak to it in a loud, firm voice.

It is essential 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 can be unpredictable, and snow or rain are possible 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, 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 Go next 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 US 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 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.

Day trips: (in the early summer, 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 there from the park, take US Hwy 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 Hwy 2. It has an indoor mall in the center of the city three blocks south of the US Hwy 2 (Idaho St.)/US Hwy 93 (Main St.) junction with a J.C. Penny, Montana's Herberger Department Store, plus many smaller stores. Also, there's a new shopping complex on both sides of US Hwy 93 North just before W. Reserve Dr. (2.5 to 3 miles north of the center). A COSTCO store (members 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 Hwy 2 East, turn right just after the Home Depot onto W. Reserve Dr. and go 2.5 miles to connect with US Hwy 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, then left on US Hwy 93 at the Home Depot. Separately, Wal-Mart is on US Hwy 2 (Idaho St.) about 1.5 miles east of the center, while K-Mart is a just little further in the NW corner of the block where US Hwy 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. Hwy 2 between Kalispell and West Glacier. If arriving in Kalispell too late in the day to visit Glacier Park, the dam is a much closer and easier location. Turn from US Hwy 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-minute 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 Pizza Hut, McDonald's, 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 car dealerships for the three major U.S. car 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 car 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, the next closest city with car rental facilities is Great Falls. The next closest city with car 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 approximately 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 possible 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.

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 there from the park, take US Hwy 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 Hwy 2. It has an indoor mall in the center of the city three blocks south of the US Hwy 2 (Idaho St.)/US Hwy 93 (Main St.) junction with a J.C. Penny, Montana's Herberger Department Store, plus many smaller stores. Also, there's a new shopping complex on both sides of US Hwy 93 North just before W. Reserve Dr. (2.5 to 3 miles north of the center). A COSTCO store (members 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 Hwy 2 East, turn right just after the Home Depot onto W. Reserve Dr. and go 2.5 miles to connect with US Hwy 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, then left on US Hwy 93 at the Home Depot. Separately, Wal-Mart is on US Hwy 2 (Idaho St.) about 1.5 miles east of the center, while K-Mart is a just little further in the NW corner of the block where US Hwy 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. Hwy 2 between Kalispell and West Glacier. If arriving in Kalispell too late in the day to visit Glacier Park, the dam is a much closer and easier location. Turn from US Hwy 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-minute 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 Pizza Hut, McDonald's, 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 car dealerships for the three major U.S. car 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 car 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, the next closest city with car rental facilities is Great Falls. The next closest city with car 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 approximately 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 possible 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.