Posted by Kent Johnson on May 17, 2007 at 10:59 AM
I'm from the Mid-Alantic region and am planning a trip to Glacier National Park in September hoping to miss crowds of people. I'm looking for any ideas on reasonable lodging in the area of West Glacier. Of course any favorite photo spots would also be appreciated.
Spend as much time as possible around Swiftcurrent Lake and Many Glacier. Lunch Creek, on the way to Logan Pass is great for bear grass and flowers along a creek scenics. The attached image is Grinnel Point reflected in Swiftcurrent Lake, also a good area for grizz. There are so many locations, that it would take a guide book............good luck!
Kent, The last time I went was in "04", and I went in the last week of September, and it was great. The crowds were really down, but the "Going to the Sun Road was closed the first day and a half that I was there due to snow. It was o.k., because there is plenty to shoot elsewhere. I loved the Lake MacDonald area as well as MacDonald creek, don't miss Avalanche Creek Gorge just east of Lake MacDonald, and Avalanche Lake, if you like to hike. Also, the Saint Mary Lake area on the eastside is spectacular. Most people put Swiftcurrent Lake on their must-do list, but I recently heard there had been flooding and loss of road to the lake, so check with the Park Service first. You can check my website for my impressions of this remarkable place. I stayed at the Super 8 in Columbia Falls, but I found a Mom and Pop place in Hungry Horse that was just as cheap, nice, friendly and about 10 minutes closer to West Glacier's entrance.
Hi Kent - both sides of the Park are great, but I think i would recommend the East side of the Park. I used to work there and the best hikes are on the east side IMO. I would highly recommend spending time in the Two Medicine and Many Glacier areas. Hope this helps.
What a great trip! I'm from Montana and highly recommend while you're in the area to take a drive around Flathead Lake. Also, a great hike is to Hidden Lake at the Logan Pass Visitor Center. Of course, there is lodging in Glacier at Apgar and Lake McDonald Lodge both on Lake McDonald...they're never cheap, but sometimes worth it...if they are still open. The view from Apgar up the lake is beautiful. There is a campground at Apgar, can't remember if they have cabins available. Also, there are some huge cedar trees (I think they are cedar) on a walk off the main highway as you're driving up the Going to the Sun Road.
When I visited Glacier I stayed at the Lake McDonald Lodge, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and The Rising Sun Inn. Apgar Village Lodge is an option just inside the park near West Glacier. They have a motel and cabins. I also highly recommend the Hidden Lake Trail at the Logan Pass Visitor Center. But plan on being there by 9am to be assured of getting a place to park. My favorite area is the Many Glacier area. Lots of trails there to explore. The moraine area above the Many Glacier Hotel is good at sunrise and sunset . That area has a lot of bears so be careful if hiking early or late in the day. I lost track of how many times I ran into bears on the trails. Some very near the lodge.
Sun Point at Saint Mary Lake is good at sunrise and sunset . Their's a picnic area there and a trail going toward the lake. Climb up the steep hill for the best views.
Discussion
6 repliesWhat a great trip! I'm from Montana and highly recommend while you're in the area to take a drive around Flathead Lake. Also, a great hike is to Hidden Lake at the Logan Pass Visitor Center. Of course, there is lodging in Glacier at Apgar and Lake McDonald Lodge both on Lake McDonald...they're never cheap, but sometimes worth it...if they are still open. The view from Apgar up the lake is beautiful. There is a campground at Apgar, can't remember if they have cabins available. Also, there are some huge cedar trees (I think they are cedar) on a walk off the main highway as you're driving up the Going to the Sun Road.
Have fun,
Cynthia Spence
www.geolightphoto.com
When I visited Glacier I stayed at the Lake McDonald Lodge, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and The Rising Sun Inn. Apgar Village Lodge is an option just inside the park near West Glacier. They have a motel and cabins. I also highly recommend the Hidden Lake Trail at the Logan Pass Visitor Center. But plan on being there by 9am to be assured of getting a place to park. My favorite area is the Many Glacier area. Lots of trails there to explore. The moraine area above the Many Glacier Hotel is good at sunrise and sunset . That area has a lot of bears so be careful if hiking early or late in the day. I lost track of how many times I ran into bears on the trails. Some very near the lodge.
Sun Point at Saint Mary Lake is good at sunrise and sunset . Their's a picnic area there and a trail going toward the lake. Climb up the steep hill for the best views.