Considering Glacier National Park

[Angel Eyes]

My wife and I are considering a trip to Glacier National Park this September. I'd appreciate the input from any members who have been there.  Suggestions on where to stay, which parts of the park are most worthwhile to visit,  and nearby attractions would be quite helpful.

Thanks.

[Monkeyleg]

I've been there twice on my motorcycle. One time I came in from the east on US89. That's coming in on the high end of the mountains and going down the sides. The roads are narrow, rough and in some spots a bit muddy. Not a problem in a car. Traffic was always pretty heavy on that road, but I went each time in July. There's some spectacular views, though. Many areas to get out and walk out to see the glaciers up close. It's like looking down on the world.

Another time I came in from the west. As I recall, the ride up to the park was prettier on US2.

In the lower parts, there's plenty of rivers, lakes and streams. A lot of the attractions require climbing trails, but they're worth it.

I stayed in Kalispell once, as there were reasonably priced motels there. As you might expect, prices go up the closer you get. Browning isn't a place I'd recommend. My experience staying there was pretty bad.

[BobR]

How much hiking are you up for? That will determine the best areas to visit. I prefer the east side of the park. If you want to camp and avoid crowds, or at least really big crowds, Two Medicine Lake campground is a little out of the way, but close enough to the park. If hoteling it, the Glacier Park lodge in East Glacier is nice, but rustic. No elevators, etc. I would avoid staying in Browning at all costs. Glacier is a big park, you can enter at either side and drive the Going to the Sun Highway and end up on the other side. Plan on a few hours, at least 4 or so, depending on how many times you use the pullouts to go WOW!!! Staying in Many Glacier will put you right at the east entrance to the park. So, I guess the real question is what are you looking to do there? West Glacier is the touristy part, rafting, helicopter rides, civilization, etc.

bob

[BobR]

Browning isn't a place I'd recommend. My experience staying there was pretty bad.

I lived there for 4 years, it never gets any better.

bob

[charby]

I lived there for 4 years, it never gets any better.

bob

Ditto x10000

Stay south of the park, like Kalispell.

Glacier basically only has one road that transects the park, most of the park is only accessible by hiking. The road is very scenic and worthwhile if you are just driving folks.

[BobR]

Whitefish is a nice little (hipster, yuppified) town. Columbia Falls has a few decent places to stay, and you aren't that far away from the park. If coming the other way, Great Falls is a good place to launch into the park from, and if you just need a place to rest your head, Conrad has a nice hotel. Driving the highline (US2) is pretty boring from the east, it gets better as you head west from Browning to Kalispell. Just make sure you include time for a stop at Goat Lick, yep, that's a place. If you do go in Sept, make sure you have a survival kit in the car, it is not unheard of to get snow in September.

bob

[41magsnub]

I lived there for 4 years, it never gets any better.

bob

And if you do stop in Browning - don't eat a hot dog 

[Monkeyleg]

And if you do stop in Browning - don't eat a hot dog 

I had a cheeseburger at the motel I stayed at in Browning, and it was so overcooked it cut the roof of my mouth.

[BobR]

The Chinese place that operated out of the single wide trailer wasn't too bad. He must have been a pet lover also, every few days he would have a new dog tied to the porch and would be feeding it. Which makes me wonder, why do so many Koreans run Chinese restaurants?!?          


bob

[Angel Eyes]

Okay, stay away from Browning.  I get it.   

We do some light hiking.  At Yosemite, we usually do the short hike to Vernal and Nevada Falls.  We won't be backpacking.

We're kinda leaning toward the Columbia Falls area.  It's close to the park and tripadvisor lists a couple of resort-type places that the missus might like.  Now to convince her boss to give her the time off ...