10 best things we did at Glacier National Park
1. Watched Sunrise and Sunset at Logan Pass and Rising Sun
When you are at Glacier National
Park, your “things-to-do list” should contain watching sunrise or sunset or
both at the mountain. We experienced the sunset at Logan Pass Visitor Center.
And I must say what an amazing experience we had. Similarly on next morning
from 4.30 – 5.00 again we watched sunrise at Logan Pass. We chose that place because
it is part of Going-to-the-sun road and surrounded by beautiful mountains. Look
at the reddish orange golden mountain tips, they are so pretty. I have just one
word for it “WOW”.
Look at the gorgeous Sunset hue at the mountain top, it just looks like Golden Crown
How about the Sunrise !!!
2. Car Camping and waking up with a view of Sunrise in mountains and lots of wildlife around us
When we were hiking at Glacier National
Park and looking for a place to camp and did not get any, we decided to not
looking for it anymore because it was nothing but waiting in the queue for
long, no guarantee you will get one and time consuming. By the way, we asked
for motel rooms in Rising Sun, they didn’t have any available but helped us to
find one at St. Mary which was $399 per night for a king bed. And our obvious
answer was thank you but we can’t afford that. We had our pillow and comforter
and Honda Accord what else we need for 6 hours sound sleep!! Oh forgot about
our pizza dinner from “Rising Sun Pizza” at St. Mary. They have unusual combination
of toppings one must try. We woke up at 4.30 in morning and started our journey
towards West Glacier. We stopped at Logan Pass again and guess what we saw a
herd of Bighorn Sheep along with the great view of sunrise. Lucky us!!
He was curious and watching us through the window
3. Drove through Going Sun Road
How many times you want to drive through
that road, I bet you can’t get enough of it. It has awestruck view both sides
of the road. We drove through it three times and after coming back still
thinking of watching this waterfall or that tunnel again and again. Be prepared
to stop frequently for different waterfalls, mountains, overlooks, cute little
tunnel, tall cedars, small creeks, greenery and many more.
4. Camped in the campgrounds inside the park
During our trip we did camping for two
days, one at East Glacier at Red Eagle Campground which was good with vault
toilet and no running water and beautiful view of mountains. Amenities and restaurants
are within few miles at East Glacier. And another was at Sprague Creek
Campground which is First Come First Serve ONLY. You find a spot, pay in an
envelope and reserve it. The campground is right beside the McDonald Lake with unobstructed
view of the lake. Some of the campsites are by the shore. All sites are within
trees. Unequivocally we liked Sprague Creek more. It has restroom facilities
with running water. Amenities and tours are within a mile at historic Lake
McDonald Lodge.
Campsite at Sprague Creek
Campsite at Red Eagle Campground at East Glacier
5. A long hike to Three Waterfalls (Baring Falls - St. Mary Falls – Virgin Falls)
Want to take a hike to experience a
waterfall? How about two? With little more effort three? You will be amazed by
these three waterfalls. We loved the color of glaciated water of St. Mary Falls
and Virgin Falls was undoubtedly prettiest amongst the three.
Baring Falls
St. Mary Falls
Virginia Falls
6. Avalanche Creek Hike
Avalanche Creek hike was one of our
favorite and thrilling experience and we wrote a separate blog on that. Click
the link below and check it out.
7. Took a stroll at Rising Sun
We were taking pictures at Rising Sun Point
with majestic backdrop of mountain and lake, suddenly I looked at an area
behind the boundary and asked Sameer to check if we can go there. That area was little hilly ground and if you
cross those small hills, you will get an awesome view of the lake along with
mountain backdrop. We took lots of pictures and while coming back, two ladies
were sitting at the overlook asked us whether I saw the bear. We got scared and
said no !! We didn’t but the view was worth anything. She laughed and told us
that she wanna pass J
J
8. Visit to Apgar Nature Center & Lake McDonald
We had a short visit to Apgar Nature Center
which is full of tall cedar trees. They have a small museum like information
center in an absolutely stunning wooden cabin. You can have hands on learning
experience of different types of animal fur. Park rangers arrange activities,
talks and discussions in an outdoor seating area into the woods. And what can I say about Lake McDonald, clear water, beautiful beach, enjoy with whatever activities you want to do.
Lake McDonald
Sameer couldn't stop posing
9. Boat tour at St. Mary Lake
Glacier National Park is full with beautiful, serene and calm lakes. The guided boat tour at St. Mary Lake was an amazing experience. The guide explains every single details about rock formation, glaciated water, their color, quality and origin. So much to learn. They also provide the option to take a short hike to Baring Falls or long hike to St. Mary Falls. The view of the lakes and mountains amazed us. We thoroughly enjoyed that tour and highly recommended.
10. Food stop at Leaning Tree Café and Campground at Babb
While coming back from Glacier National Park
we took a food stop at Babb. The Leaning Tree Café and Campground runs by
ladies from three generations of a family. The food was too good like homemade,
mom-made delicious food. I ordered a Spanish omelet which was huge, filled with
cheese, veggies etc. Sameer ordered Fish and chips. They were so friendly and
hospitable. Have some cash, it is cash only place though they have an ATM there
but I hate to pay extra fees.
Let us know how was your experience at Glacier National Park. What best thing you did there.
P.S. We did not cover Many Glaciers. We are planning a separate tour next time.
By,
Tanaya & Sameer
Our honorable mention goes to,
Buying Huckleberry Honey, beer and ice-cream and dessert
If you are in Montana, do not miss on Huckleberry products. We had Huckleberry Ice-Creams, Pies at Eddie’s Café; they were yummy, also bought Huckleberry Lager beer and chocolates from their gift center.
Hopefully I am able save some to take pictures
Let us know how was your experience at Glacier National Park. What best thing you did there.
P.S. We did not cover Many Glaciers. We are planning a separate tour next time.
By,
Tanaya & Sameer
Comments
Post a Comment