Glacier National Park has that wow factor and is one of the most scenic National Parks. I have been to many of the national parks quite a few times and for me Glacier ranks near the top of the list. The scenic Going to the Sun Road (yes it really is called that), with all its bends and twists, and the serene Lake McDonald are just two of the reasons Glacier is one of the most scenic national parks.The National Parks Service ranks Glacier National Park as #35 of the most visited national parks and recreation areas.
Location and History
Situated on the Canadian border of Montana, Glacier National Park occupies over a million acres or 1584 square miles. It connects with the Canadian National Park of Waterton Lakes and together these two parks comprise what is known as Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Over 2,200,000 visitors experience the park every year, spending an average of three or four days here.
As you can glean from its name the park was formed by mountain glaciers, and today there are over 50 glaciers in the park. The largest of these is Blackfoot Glacier, covering three square miles. Some of the highest mountains are here, most notably Mount Cleveland with a peak of 10,438 feet, and there are three other peaks which are also over 10,000 feet. Over 250 lakes are inside the park, with Lake McDonald being the largest.
Lake McDonald
This serene lake is one of the more popular destinations in the park. At eleven miles long and almost a mile and a half wide, Lake McDonald is a result of glacial carving and is 472 feet deep. It is surrounded on three sides by mountains.
Another popular spot here is the awesome Lake McDonald Lodge, but for something more remote there are also cabins and chalets which require hiking.
Wooden boats are available for tours on the lake during the summer at reasonable prices ranging between $15.80 for adults and $7.90 for children over the age of 4. Rowboats and 8 hp motorboats are also available for hourly rentals here.
Going to the Sun Road
This beautiful stretch of road which follows Lake McDonald on its south side, is only 48.7 miles but seems to last forever as you are driving its steep twists and turns. It was so interesting to me to notice the stark contrast of the flora from one side of the road where the wind was merciless and the other side which did not receive the harshest weather.
You will feel the changing altitude as you climb to the highest point on the road at 6646 feet elevation. Naturally there is a turnoff where you can park and get out of your car to admire the panoramic vistas and take advantage of the amazing photo opportunities.
Free park shuttles as well as bus tours are also available if you choose not to be in the driver’s seat. Red Bus Tours offers a variety of tours in varying price ranges.
Along the road there are no less than five campsites and three visitor centers. Apgar Visitor Center is at the western end, on the shore of Lake McDonald. Logan Pass Visitor Center is midway between the two entrances to the road, and at the eastern end near St Marye’s Lake is the St Marye’s Visitor Center.
Entrance Fees and Hours
The park is open 365 days a year although due to weather and seasonal changes, some of the roads are closed at times as well as some of the facilities. Glacier National Park is remote and the area is subject to very harsh winters and lots of snowfall.
Entrance fees for cars are $25 for seven days from May to November and $15 from December to April, and annual passes cost $35. Individuals on foot, bicycle or motorcycle pay $12 during the summer months and $10 during the winter.
On certain weekends the park features free admission, typically during Martin Luther King weekend and Veterans Day weekend. During National Park Week in April entrance fees are waived, as well as the first day of summer (June 21) and Public Lands Day (September 24).
If you would like to get away from it all and can manage without any wifi access for a few days, Glacier National Park is a good reprieve where the solitude and beauty of nature will captivate you as it did me.