Thankfully this summer we won’t be under a lockdown, so consider Glacier National Park for your post-covid summer travel plans – it is just the ticket!
We are fortunate enough to live in Flathead County, Montana home of Glacier National Park. Or what we refer to as “the Crown of the Continent.” Sitting on top of “The Backbone of the World” the park encompasses 1million acres including two mountain ranges, over 130 lakes, and wildlife around every corner. Here you can see at least 25 glaciers and hike over 745 miles of trails.
July and August are the warmest and sunniest months in the park, perfect for summer travel plans! The weather is usually around 70 degrees but can drop to 40 at night.
Lake McDonald is the largest lake in the park – running ten miles long and almost 500 feet deep.
At Lake McDonald Lodge, you can curl up in front of their lifesize fireplace, sip on a hot chocolate and enjoy the view of majestic Lake McDonald.
The Lodge’s lighting is beautiful and I’m a sucker for unique lighting. Don’t forget to look up!
The Little Red Bus is Iconic in the park.
The fleet of 33 buses is widely considered to be the oldest touring fleet of vehicles anywhere in the world! The buses take you to all of the main attractions in the Park. Since the views in Glacier are vertically oriented (with its very high mountain peaks) the roll-back tops are perfect to get the full majestic views of the Big Sky.
Fishing is a fun activity in Glacier National Park
You’ll find many areas in Glacier National Park to fulfill all of your fishing needs! Many visitors come to the park just to fish since banks are not too crowded and there is plenty of native trout. You also don’t need a fishing license if you’re just fishing inside the park.
Tour the Park in a Boat!
The Glacier National Park is colossal so if you want to take a break from hiking, a number of boating activities are offered!
You can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and rafting in the Flathead River.
Spending the summer in Glacier National Park will be well worth your time!
When hiking in Glacier:
Don’t forget your bear spray and stay in your car if you see one on the road.
If you have the time, don’t miss Many Lakes. You leave the park on the east side and re-enter into Many Lakes. The road is a little rough but worth it. The Many Glacier Compound is surrounded by mountain attractions, hiking trails, and wildlife. I’ve had the most grizzly bear sightings at Many Lakes when I’ve visited.
With over 300 Grizzly Bears known to live in the park, this is about as close as you should get one!
Wonderful Wildlife
If you’d like to encounter wildlife in the park, you can research where most of the animals are usually lurking around. It’s common to see deer and moose in the Fishercap Lake, while bears can be found on the Highline and Hidden Lake Trail. Bears are very dangerous so only view them from a distance.
Hike to Grinnell Glacier – the trails radiate in all directions!
Swiftcurrent Lake and Grinnell Point have always been my view from the Many Glacier Hotel. Built in 1914 by The Great Northern Railway, this beautiful lodge was commissioned to open the park to visitors and establish the area as the “American Alps.”
Shopping is always fun in the area so don’t forget to check out the shops and galleries there! Go home with a Pendleton blanket or a lovely native Montana sapphire if it’s only a carry-on for you!😉
Check out the Glacier National Park Travel Guide by Brian Smith for more activities and ideas!
Safe travels to all.
