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Haw Creek

Camping, Travel, and More... 

Lower slope of Paintpot Hill on the Artist Paint Pot Trail, Yellowstone National Park, September 13, 2007





U. S. National Park System: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Glacier National Park

Located in northwestern Montana, Glacier National Park borders Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park.  Glacier National Park was established May 11, 1910.  In 1932, Waterton Lakes and Glacier National Parks were designated as the world’s first International Peace Park. Designated as Biosphere Reserves in 1976 and World Heritage sites in 1995, the parks are jointly referred to as the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.

A mountainous park, Glacier contains many waterfalls, small and large lakes, and a number of relatively small glaciers dwindling in size since the end of the Little Ice Age, accelerated, according to many, by global warming.

The Continental Divide extends north to south through the middle of the park and Triple Divide Peak marks the point where three major watersheds meet, with its runoff flowing, eventually, to the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Hudson Bay.

from The National Parks Portfolio (pub. 1931)

The park’s largest lakes are Lake McDonald, Two Medicine Lake, St. Mary Lake, and Lake Sherburne.  Another 300 or so lakes are located throughout the park.

While the park was established in 1910, it didn't become a tourist destination until id not become a tourist destination until James J. Hill's Great Northern Railway began advertising Glacier National Park as a destination. Hill's advertising suggested that Americans see Glacier National Park before traveling abroad. The campaign worked and two rail stations were used to bring train loads of tourists to the park.

Camping:

Thirteen "frontcountry" campgrounds are available to motorists and RVers, 3 of which are classified as primitive. (see Frommer's description)

There are several dozen backcountry campgrounds along the trail system.

Trails:

Over 700 miles of trail provide many outstanding opportunities for both short hikes and extended backpacking trips.

Hikers need to assume individual responsibility for planning their trips and hiking safely. Before setting out on your hike, stop by a park visitor center to obtain needed warnings and recommendations. You will increase your odds of a safe hike, decrease your disturbance to park wildlife, and lessen cumulative damage to resources.

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.

Visitor center bookstores carry a complete line of trail guides, topographic maps and field guides to aid the hiker. Publications are also available by mail.

Glacier Park Inc., offers a shuttle service to various locations and trailheads along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, as well as to West Glacier, East Glacier, Many Glacier, Two Medicine, Chief Mountain, and Waterton Townsite (in conjunction with a Canadian service).

Fishing:

No license or permits are required to fish inside the boundaries of Glacier National Park. Fishermen need to stop at a Visitor Center or Ranger Station to obtain a current copy of park fishing regulations.

Other Activities:

  • Glacier Park, Inc.—a concessionaire authorized by the National Park Service to serve the public in Glacier National Park.
  • Mule Shoe Outfitters—guided horseback trips are available inside the park at Many Glacier and Lake McDonald.
  • Glacier Wilderness Guides & Montana Raft Company—guided day hikes and backpacking trips into Glacier's backcountry for one to seven days. Custom trips are available. Camping equipment is available for rent at their West Glacier office.
  • Glacier Park Boat Co.—Glacier National Park is a land of big lakes. Boat tours with commentary are available to take visitors deep into the park at Many Glacier, Two Medicine, Rising Sun, and Lake McDonald. Optional guided hikes are offered on some cruises at Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and Rising Sun. Small boat rentals available at Apgar, Lake McDonald, Two Medicine, and Many Glacier.

Travel:

Lodging:

  • Glacier Park, Inc.—a concessionaire authorized by the National Park Service to serve the public in Glacier National Park. (Other companies making reservations for National Park Service lodging must go through Glacier Park, Inc. and may charge an additional non-refundable reservation fee.)
  • Apgar Village Lodge—offers 48 rustic cabin and motel units, all with private baths and electric heat.
  • Belton Chalets—Glacier National Park has two backcountry chalets that visitors can hike to for overnight accommodations.
  • Frommer's—30 Hotels rated

Restaurants:

Links: