Photo By: Jacob Lips
Glacier National Park is a million acres of protected natural resources in Montana, covering two mountain ranges and over 130 lakes. It is often referred to as the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem because of its diverse and immaculate ecosystem.
The park lies on the Canada-U.S. border. Close to three million people visited the park in 2018.
History
The mountains in the area were carved through the huge glaciers of the Last Glacial Period, which is pegged at 16,000 to 31,000 years ago.
Originally occupied by Native Americans over 10,000 years ago, the area was eventually conquered by the Europeans. The Blackfeet tribe eventually ceded control of the lands to the American government, through a treaty in 1895.
The Glacier National Park was established on May 11, 1910, which spurred economic activities in the area like the building of many hotels and chalets, and the construction of the Great Northern Railway. A lot of those buildings have been listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo By: Jacob Lips
Places to go
There are so many beautiful spots in this expansive park. There is something for everyone—beautiful sights for families with children and challenging adventures for hobbyists. Here are some of the spots visitors should not miss.
Many Glacier
This is really what the park is about—if it isn’t obvious from the name. Visitors will see active glaciers that reflect in the crystal clear waters of the lakes. It is a sight to behold and a perfect subject for drawings, paintings, and photography. This is the perfect time to capture the Many Glacier because experts believe global climate change could melt all glaciers in the park by 2030.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
For those looking to have a scenic drive and enjoy panoramic views of the park, this is the road to be on. The scenic road covers 50 miles and can be traversed in two hours. However, visitors have several chances to stop because of the many viewpoints of the park. One of the most popular stops is the Jackson Glacier Overlook. There is a shuttle service available for those who don’t want to drive.
Lake McDonald Valley
This area was once a range of massive glaciers. Following the melting of the glaciers, the area is now a picturesque tourist destination with hiking trails and diverse ecology and the stunning Lake McDonald, the largest lake in the park. The once-massive glaciers in the area can be imagined by looking at the high peaks surrounding the lake. The area is a favorite among hikers, but other activities include horseback riding and a scenic boat tour. There are also chalets in the area that have been entered into the National Register of Historic Places.
Logan Pass
During the summer, the region is vivid and colorful from the blooming wildflowers on the ground, with Reynolds Mountain and Clements Mountain in the background. There is a large meadow in the part of the park, which is why it is a favorite among wildlife like bighorn sheep and mountain goats. Sometimes, even grizzly bears come looking for food in the area.
St. Mary
The St. Mary Lake reflects a different color: teal from the glaciers that source its water. Aside from the unusual lake watercolor, this area gives another stunning view of the park, as the teal waters are surrounded by green forests and colorful prairie.
The North Fork
This is a serene part of the park with unpaved roads, but with lively forest and spectacular views of the Bowman and Kintla Lakes. This is the perfect place for visitors to immerse themselves in nature because there is no cell reception here. This area has been a victim of various fires over three decades, which means that its forest population differs largely in age. Rare kinds of woodpeckers love to nest at the North Fork’s forest.
Two Medicine
This is a popular destination among backpackers and campers because of the true wilderness experience. In general, this area is yet to be completely discovered compared to the other parts of the park. But it doesn’t mean that its scenery is any less beautiful. Sceneries include the Two Medicine Lake, waterfalls and other sparkling lakes.
Goat Haunt
This is the park’s most remote spot. It provides a different view of the glaciers with an intimate crowd. Visitors who want to check this place out should check the advisory from park management, as some services are not available in some seasons.
International designations
The International Dark Sky Association has designated the park as an International Dark Sky Park, which means that artificial light pollution is limited in the area and is perfect for stargazing and planet watching.
Other important recognitions for the park include World Heritage Site, Biosphere Reserve and Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. The Glacier National Park is the only place in the U.S. that has all four designations.
Photo By: Jacob Lips