Over 2 million people visit Glacier National Park every year. With seemingly endless stretches of natural wilderness to explore and so much natural history to soak in, experiencing all that Glacier Park offers can at times be overwhelming to first-time visitors. Often times tourists come to experience all of Glaciers natural wonder, but find that they are not sure where to even begin. If you find yourself in this precarious predicament you’ll be happy to find that there are many guided tours that can make your visit more organized and enjoyable . Your Glacier adventure can be as big as your mind can dream… from a wild river adventure down the rapids of the middle fork of the Flathead River, to a leisurely ride down a mountain trail on horseback, Glacier Park tours and activities are sure to satisfy your wanderlust.
Many gorgeous stretches of road leading through wildflower meadows and glacial mountains are open throughout most of the peak summer season. Full vehicle access is usually allowed in the park from July to September. Easily the most famous road within the park, and probably one of the most famous roadways within the entire pacific northwest is the Going to The Sun Road. This 50 mile stretch of highway is carved right into the side of some of the most impressive rocky mountains you will ever see. The road straddles the Continental Devide winding its way past dozens of waterfalls, multiple lakes, and some of the most stunning panoramas you will probably ever see in your life.
Glacier’s shuttle system is a free service provided by the National Park System. Buses run every 15 or 30 minutes depending on the stop. The Logan Pass, St. Mary, and Apgar Visitor Centers are facilities on the shuttle route where people can obtain more information about the park. There are also extensive hiking and nature trails, picnic areas, and phenomenal areas for photography along the way.
For a more unique and historic tour of the park, you might try out one of the famous “Red Jammer” busses. These 1930s vintage-style coaches hold up to 25 passengers and offer interpretive tours of passing landmarks as well as cultural history of the area. People can view many of the park’s mountains and glaciers on the way to Lake McDonald, which is the largest lake in the park.
Sun Tours is another great option to take you through Glacier. While this private tour company doesn’t quite offer the nostalgia that the Red Jammers provide, their buses are a bit more modern and offer air conditioning and nice big windows that provide for great viewing opportunities of Glaciers magnificent scenery. These shuttles offer guided tours by Native American descendents of the Blackfoot tribe, who have lived in Glacier for centuries.
Fishermen and paddlers will appreciate the more than 1,500 miles of rivers and streams within the park. The Flathead River is by far the most popular river for recreation among tourists here. The banks of Middle Fork and North Fork of the Flathead River serve as boundaries for the park.
For whitewater rafting, the Middle Fork is known as the wildest river, ranking class 2 to 4 in rapid ratings, depending on the month. This river forms the western boundary of Glacier National Park. There are several rafting tour companies in the area that provide trips down the middle fork. This river passes through stunning glacial valleys and rocky canyon peaks. The upper wilderness area of Middle Fork is only reachable by foot. Mountain Goats are a common sight along this river due to the mineral salts produced here. June and mid-July is considered the best time to raft or float the Middle Fork. If you are looking for a more extreme adventure, plan your rafting trip for earlier in the spring, when the waters are at their peak in late may and early June the rapids swell to become even more grueling. Experienced rafting guides will lead you and a group through the rapids with instructions to keep you safe.
If you are more interested in river kayaking than rafting but your not sure if you are quite ready for the rapids yet, you will want to check out the North Fork of the Flathead River. The North Fork is a bit more tame than the Middle Fork, and offers a more entry level floating experience. North Fork has a high silt content, which gives these waters an emerald green color. Floating and canoe trips are ideal in the North Fork from mid-July to mid-August. Fly fishing is another popular activity on the North Fork. Rainbow, Brook, and Cutthroat Trout are most common fish species in the Flathead River. Whitefish is another fish found on the west slope of Middle Fork.
Lake boating tours with commentary are also offered through the National Park Service at various lakes including St. Mary Lake, Two Medicine Lake, and Lake McDonald. Many tours will include guided hikes of the surrounding area.
Another very popular way to explore the park is on horseback. Horseback riding in Glacier Park is generally not very difficult (suited to beginners) and it is a great way to see some very beautiful back-country. Several horseback tours are available, you can either choose rides that lead up mountain trails into the higher elevations for some fantastic panoramas, or trail rides that lead back into the Flathead Forest. Choose from shorter trips only lasting a couple of hours, or half-day trips. Some companies combine horseback riding with rafting, fishing, or other activities and offer full or multi-day trips.
Of course one of the most popular ways to see the park is on foot. More than 700 miles of hiking trails exist within the park, with trails leading to many of the most scenic spots within the park. There are also guided hikes available for those who don’t want to go it alone.
To learn more about Glacier National Park activities and lodging options visit www.NationalParkReservations.com/glacier.htm If you would like to learn how you can save thousands off all your future vacations, and actually get paid to travel and take unforgettable adventures, visit Resorts 360 at www.Resorts-360.com
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