Glacier National Park

At the end of August, Hubs and I took a four-day trip to Glacier National Park in Montana.  I went to Glacier twice as a child, and remember it being the most beautiful national park I've ever been too.  Both times, we went in August.  As an adult, this trip was great.  Glacier was as majestic as I remembered it.  However it was much colder.  And rainier.  But we made the best of it.

We arrived late at night, flying into Missoula.  We stayed at a hotel, got up early the next day and started driving north to Glacier.  Since it was sunny that day, and we knew we would get to Glacier in the afternoon at the earliest, we decided to make a pitstop at the National Bison Range.  Probably the best decision made the whole trip.

Besides Bison, the Range is also home to antelope, bears, elk, and deer.  We didn't see any bears, but we saw everything else.

Antelope Hiding

Elk on the Ridge

Two Fawns

We arrived in Whitefish in the evening.  Whitefish is a quirky little town with a number of good restaurants about a half hour drive to Glacier.  When we return, we'll probably stay there again, just because there were so many good places to eat.

After breakfast the next morning, we drove to GNP.  Of course, it was raining.  We drove past Lake Macdonald and up to Logan Pass.  And then it was snowing.  In August.  Zero visibility and blizzard conditions at Logan Pass.  Not quite the vacation we'd had in mind.

Lake Macdonald

But apparently, bears like the rain because we saw 4 of them on the first day we were there!  First we had just passed Lake Macdonald and I looked over and saw him out of the corner of my eye.  The guy driving in front of my saw him at the same time, so we both quickly turned off and went back.

Black Bear

Later, on the East side of the park we were driving and saw ten cars and about 30 people standing on the side of the street taking photos.  We knew it had to be a bear.  It was a mom and two cubs.

2 Black Bear Cubs

Momma Bear

The next day it was also supposed to rain in the afternoon, but it looked like the best day to trek the Highline Trail.  It's a seven mile trail that starts at Logan Pass.  I can't recommend it enough.  The sights are breathtaking.  You're right up in the mountains, and it's not a strenuous hike, just long.  Pack a lunch.  There's a spot about halfway through the trail when you pass through a ridge that has oodles of flat rocks perfect for lunching on.

One of Many Shots from the Highline Trail

And we saw 11 bighorns along the way:

What I Learned from the Highline Trail: 

Bring ponchos.  At one point it was hailing and thunderstorming around us.  Thank goodness for the poncho.  Also, the Highline Trail does not end at a parking lot, or anywhere that's accesible to vehicles of any sort.  We assumed that the best choice would be the 4 mile hike to a parking lot where there was a shuttle stop.  But the 4 mile trail was entirely down hill.  After going 7 miles and then getting hailed on, 4 miles downhill was...hard.  Next time, I would get to the trailhead a couple hours earlier, take less photos, and walk the entire trail back to Logan Pass.  Even though it's more miles, it would be much better on the joints.

Other Beautiful Sights at Glacier:

Two Medicine

Places to Eat in Whitefish:

Loula's:  Great breakfasts.  We ate here twice and if we stay in Whitefish again, we'll probably eat breakfast here everyday.  Terrific eggs benedict, lemon raspberry french toast, biscuits and gravy.  Everything was good.  They specialize in pies.  I tried a slice of the huckleberry.  Very good, but a little expensive for a slice of pie.

Cafe Kandahar:  This was our big splurge.  We shared a pate appetizer which I loved.  I had elk roulade for my entree.  Hubs had Bison.  Both were very good with great sauces.  We shared pear cake for dessert which I loved, and I usually like my dessert to come with chocolate.

Tupelo Grill:  This place was packed, always a good sign.  Food was delicious.

Belton Chalet:  (Not in Whitefish)  This restaurant is right outside the West Entrance to GNP.  Best mashed potatoes ever.