We are heading over to GNP from Coeur d'Alene, staying at Hidden Moose Lodge on W. side (3 nites), then Resort at St. Mary's on E. side (2 nites). Is Hidden Moose too far from hiking trails? It seems there are more trails on the E. side. Any opinions appreciated!

I don't know, but wear your bells!

Read "Blood Lure" by Nevada Barr. Will make you respect the bears!

Our favorite was Iceberg Trail. It is not far from the Many Glacier Lodge. We also did two great hikes near the Glacier Park Lodge, but I didn't record the trail names...got the recommendations at the ranger station. We did at least one rangerled hike everywhere we stayed. We are all fit and enjoy hiking but have found the rangers can show you lots you will miss otherwise.

We only spent 1.5 days in Glacier, and our favorite hike was to Avalanche Lake. Avalanche Lake is this beautiful blue green color from glacial silt, and it is surrounded by mountains with waterfalls cascading down.

We didn't feel we had enough time in Glaicer, so we're returning this August! I think Glacier is the most beautiful National Park.

Why bells? You want to annoy other hikers?

Those bells are worthless.
There is an old joke on how to tell grizzly bear droppings from black bear droppings. How? The Grizzly leaves behind little bells.

If you want to ring a bell that will do some good, get a big Swiss cow bell.

I kid you not, there is no evidence that those little jingles and jangles will do any good at all. the bear will have smelled you long before you get close enough for those bells to be audible.

To let him know the 44 Magnum is headed his way

Which do you prefer?

If there's just a teeny weeny chance that he will hear me coming and stay out of my way, then it's worth tying some little bells on.

Why would you have a problem with that?

I spent a summer as a park ranger leading hikes throughout Glacier back in the 80's and we never used bells as all the experienced folks said that they just don't work. Instead, clap your hands ever now and then and talk loud, even call out from time to time. It works a lot better. The trail to Iceberg Lake is awesome, as is the hike up to Grinell Glacier. The Highline Trail follows the continental divide and is spectacular as well. You really can't go wrong on any of them. During my four months in Glacier, some of it spent looking for grizzlies, I never saw one. Lots of black bears, but no grizz. It is a beautiful park.