Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Glacier National Park, Montana
Backcountry skiers and snowboarders looking for a taste of the eclectic will have their choice of trails and slopes in Glacier National Park, located in Northern Montana in Blackfeet Nation Lands. From gently rolling terrain to avalanche passes, all riders will find something to help them happily pass the winter days away. Topographical maps and rescue equipment are a necessary part of enjoying the powder at Glacier National Park.
Upper Lake McDonald is one of the most popular ski areas in the park, and for good reason, as the varied terrain gives way to stunning views of waterfalls and pure conifer trees on the 11.6 mile roundtrip trails that visitors can explore, such as "Sacred Dancing Cascade" which originates in language of the Blackfeet Nation, whose tribal lands border the park.
Polebridge area, which includes the ranger station, is a series of unpaved gravel roads left to grow thick with powder. "Big Prairie" will lead you through meadows of trees indigenous to the area to fantastic views of the mountain range. The "Corey Meadow Loop," which is a roundtrip trail of about 3 miles in length, is recommended for families with younger children. Residual views of the great fire of 1988 can be viewed on the "Lone Pine Prairie" loops.
Apgar, or the "West Glacier," has varying levels of terrain, ranging from the fairly level "Rocky Point," a rousing, six mile roundtrip, looping trail with lovely views of the creek, to the thigh burning, uphill "McGee Meadow Loop," which is more suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers.
While it can be very windy and even icy on certain trails at Glacier National Park, Maria's Pass often has the best snow here relative to the other areas. However, as there as several avalanche passes located here, riders must exercise caution when passing through. It would be wise to have had an avalanche safety training course, obtained at various centers around the country, before attempting Maria's pass. If you haven't trained for awhile, you may want to consider getting a refresher from the local ranger station at Polebridge.
Try the "Divide Creek" trail, home to the Blackfeet Tribe, while drifting down the narrow, steep hillside. There you can see the beautiful valley of "Two Medicines," which is located on the East side of the Glacier and is home to Running Eagle Falls and Two Medicine Lake. Both of these are vigorous trails that are well worth the effort, should you make it.
There are 13 "primitive" rated campsites, meaning that they have no running water available during the winter months, from around September 14th to as late as May. There are tent and RV hookups at all the park sites, but this is bare camping at its best. It's advisable to bring jugs of water and enough provisions of food to last you for at least one day longer than you intend to stay at Glacier National Park. Backcountry camping, not at the designated parks, requires a permit which can be obtained at the Ranger Station or at the Apgar Visitors Center, which also houses a casual restaurant, gift shop, and camp store.
The town of St. Mary's is located less than 15 minutes away from St. Mary's Pass, another run in the Glacier National Park. It hosts the St. Mary's Lodge and Resort for visitors who want more than just a tent over their heads. Offering motel rooms, and cabins with fireplaces and Jacuzzis, reservations are a must! There are also two restaurants within with regional specialties of fish, prime rib, and huckleberry dishes served up piping hot! Over 25 different culinary options exist in this tiny but vibrant town. There are also around 12 options for lodging, ranging from hotels and motels, to bed and breakfasts.
Culturally, it would be remiss to not take a side visit to the Blackfoot Nation's territory and their onsite museum. Avisit here will enrich the local towns with flavor and give you a greater depth of insight into the mountains that surround you. However, a full casino, golf course, and various other museums are also nice options when spending the night in the Glacier National Park area.
Whatever your pleasure, uphill, downhill, leisurely, or exciting, Glacier National Park is where it all converges in a beautiful mountain top with local cultural flavor you may have never been exposed to previously. The Blackfeet Nation have been living here and enjoying this territory for hundreds of years. Don't you think it's time you paid them a visit?