#4 Glacier

#4 Glacier Location: West Glacier, MTNPS Website: http://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm


Major Attractions:
Going-to-the-Sun Road
St. Mary Overlook
Jackson Glacier Overlook
Lake McDonald

Number of Attractions: 18+
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Apgar/Lake McDonald: Fishing Creek, Sprague Creek, Camas Creek Entrance Overlook, Huckleberry Mtn., McDonald Falls, Johns Lake, Avalanche Creek

St. Mary: St. Mary Lake Overlook, Baring Falls, Virginia Falls, Jackson Glacier Overlook

Two Medicine: Hwy 49, Running Eagle Falls, Two Medicine Lake, Triple Divide Peak

Many Glacier: Swiftcurrent Trail, Grinnell Lake


Accessibility:
Approximately 50% of the attractions listed above are accessible by road, short trails, or tram. 90% of all attractions, including the glaciers, are only accessible by backpacking during the late summer months when the snow melt is lowest (August & September). The vast majority of the park is wilderness and most trails are maintained sparingly as limited resources provides.

Maintenance of Roads/Trails:
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed between Avalanche Creek and Logan Pass due to an enormous avalanche, thus it takes approximately 3 hours traverse the two most popular areas of Glacier Park: McDonald and St. Mary. Snowfall, snowmelt, and impending weather dictate which trails and sights are accessible each day.
(http://www.weather.com/weather/monthly/MTGLAC:13)

Amenities:
There are 13 campgrounds that are accessible by road and many more sites for backpackers. Bring plenty of water and food rations if staying anywhere besides St. Mary, Rising Sun, Lake McDonald Lodge, Fish Creek, or Apgar as the sheer distance prevents access to gas, food, and supplies.

Conclusion:
Glacier's magnificence is unmatched the United States. There are countless snow-capped peaks, glaciers, creeks, and some of the clearest lakes in the world (can see up to 50' below the water surface). Majestic views from the Going-to-the-Sun road make it the most scenic in the U.S. hands down. Wildlife such as elk, deer, bear, salmon, and eagles are common. Make sure to plan on staying longer than a few days to get the Glacier experience, before they recede completely.