Glacier National Park is a 1,583 square mile wilderness area in Montana's Rocky Mountains. Situated along the US-Canadian border, the park includes parts of two separate mountain ranges and has more than 130 named lakes and 25 active glaciers. It is inhabitied by more a dozen fish species, hundreds of bird species, and numerous large mammals, including grizzly bears, moose, wolverines, and mountain goats.
Glacier National Park offers a variety of recreational activites. Hiking is one of the most popular activities. The park has over 700 miles of trails. Note that dogs are not permitted on any trails due to the presence of predatory animals. Camping is another popular activity. Backcountry camping is allowed, although a permit, which can be obtained at visitor centers, is required. Campgrounds, such as St. Mary and Apgar, are open year-round. Fly fishing is also common in the park, and a permit is not required. Note that winter activities in Glacier National Park are somewhat limited. For example, snowmobiling is not allowed in the park. Cross-country skiing is permitted, but only in lower altitude valleys.
There are a number of must-see attractions in Glacier National Park: Going-to-the-Sun Road, Lake McDonald, and Logan Pass, to name a few.
Going-to-the-Sun Road spans the park, from east to west, covering 50 miles. The road connects Apgar Visitor Center on the west side of the park to the Saint Mary Visitor Center on the east side. A third vistor center is locateed at Logan Pass. The route includes five campgrounds, a number of picnic areas, and, of course, stunning view ofr the park.
Lake McDonald is the largest lake in Glacier National Park, and it provides a variety of activites for park visitors. Four campgrounds are near the lake, including Apgar Campground, which has close to 200 sites. Boat rentals (non-motorized) and guided horseback rides are also offered.
Logan Pass is the highest vehicle-accessible point in the park. Elevation is 6,646 feet. It's oommon to see a variety of wildlife at Logan Pass, including mountain goats and an occasional grizzly bear. A number of wildflower meadows dot the location, and the Clements Mountains and Reynolds Mountains provide a scenic backdrop. Logan Pass is also the starting point for two of the most popular trails in the park: Highline Trail and Hidden Lake Trail.
