mcjones

Hi,
We are spending 4 nights in Glacier in 10 days. We originally got the last reservation available in Park- its in the Apgar motel - very small basic motel room on McDonald Creek.
No frig - I can still cancel without a penalty.
I then found a cabin 7 miles away that we could rent - it has a kitchen which would be very helpful as I need to buy and /or make my own food.
The only thing I am hesitant about is I think some people would say staying in the park is so much better, no matter what!

Anyone have an opinion they could share?

Thanks!
Melissa

monpetit

In Apgar, there are
-or Apgar village inn, on the lake Mc Donald, with view directly on the lake, highly recommanded
-and Apgar motel and cabins, not on the lake but very near-donńt know on the standard rooms as we were always in The Village inn for the view.
Both are reserved by Glacier incorporation.
Effectively nights in the park and particulary on or near the lake is a must...
Both village inn and apgar cabins could have kitchen facilities for the village inn, outdoor bbq for the cabins. No frig effectively
ErikEnjoy your stay in Glacier

wave725

Staying in the park is definitely nicer because of the views, but it can also be pricey if you have to eat out everyday. If you plan on spending your days hiking in the park and seeing spectacular scenery all day, then I would take the cabin of you're looking to economize.

However, I would strongly suggest trying to get something on the east side of the park. The Many Glacier area is the most scenic area of the park and has some of the best hikes in the park. We've also stayed in East Glacier Park near Two Medicine and made the hour drive to Many Glacier when we couldn't get lodging in the Many Glacier/St. Mary area. There's plenty of mom & pop places in East Glacier. We've stayed at Jacobson's Cottages and they have a few cottages with full kitchens.

The drive from Apgar Village to Many Glacier will take 2.5 to 3 hours one way whether you take the Going to the Sun Road or go around the park via highway 2, which will eat up lots of your time driving. There's still construction on the Going to the Sun Road which causes delays too. This map will give you an idea of the layout of the park.

http://www.hikinginglacier.com/glaci...trail-maps.htm

We arrive in Glacier the end of the month...can't wait!!

monpetit

I completely agree with wave...
Many Glacier is magic. And trails ate easier. I will spend 2 nights in Apgar and then in West or Rising Sun or Many Glacier..
Rising sun motor inn and Swiftcurrent motor inn are the choice...
Erik

mcjones

Thank you both of you.
Its too late for us to change to East Glacier - we are hooking up with family in W. Glacier - they will camp out and we only have these 2 choices.
Seeing as our Apgar motel faces MacDonald Creek we can't say we are staying there for the view.
Can anybody say WHY nights in the park are a must even if you have no view?

Thanks!

spirobulldog

I would still try for Many Glacier.

Because you can literally walk out your door and have tremendous views and just drive down the road early morning or late night and you are likely to encounter bears and/or moose.

monpetit

In Many Glacier area while having a room in Swiftcurrent motor inn or cabins as said Spirobullfog you park the car for 3-4 days and the trailheads are at your doors and so the wildlife.
In West Glacier , Apgar has aldo a nice atmosphere. You woke up and in less than 2-3 mn you are on the lakeshore with all the moutains in back...
Some small details but which make the difference...
Erik

spirobulldog

Ranger-led activities all throughout the day too. From dusk to dawn. I always try to stay at one of the historic lodges when I visit the national parks. I make it a point to try and dine at the ones I don't overnight in. I've been to most of the lodges in the west. Even off the wall places like Oregon Caves Chateau. Glacier certainly has plenty of interesting lodges that are great. I did not make it to the back country chalets, but I do plan on returning and doing that sometime.