wjb485

I'm planning a trip to Glacier N P next year and looking for advice in several areas. I'm interested in taking some hikes and taking photographs. Here's what I'm thinking:
I'm planning to spend one night at Lake McDonald and then two nights at Many Glacier. Is this enough time at each place or will staying at another spot be more beneficial to the hiking and photography?
It looks like flying into Kalispell is my best bet. Any ideas on that?
When to go: my travel plans are fairly flexible but I was thinking either late June or early September(late August). Any advantage to either of those times or would going in July or August be better?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

karens

I really don't have time to justice to your request, but I quickly wanted to tell you that we have been to Glacier in July and in early Aug. and both times were great. I think Glacier is the most beautiful of national parks.

My favorite hikes were Avalanche Lake, along the lakeshore of St. Mary's Lake and Grinnell Glacier Trail.

brookwood

I agree, not enough time, but maximize what you have.

The Grinnell Glacier trail is a long one, so be prepared for various trail conditions. I have done it in the cold and in the heat. You need good foot gear, and the right clothing and supplies. If the day is hot, don't underestimate how much water you will need. One quart per person will not cut it. You will suffer from thirst.

Unfortunately the trek to the Grinnell is not what it once was. Not much ice remains from when I first did it in 1966. The last time, about 6 years ago, where there was ice there is now bare rock.

The one best hike for me is the walk from Logan Pass along the Garden Wall trail. You can go as far as you like, or cut it off at any number of places and still feel rewarded.

I do recommend that if you fear exposure on a narrow trail, where the cautious hang onto a covered cable, stay off!!

I am not bothered, but some people freeze to the rock.

Great chance for wildlife on this hike. My photograph of 12 young mountain rams is memorable.

If you have incredible stamina, hike to the Sperry Glacier and back. It is a long hike, and includes about 5,000 feet of vertical climb, but the scenery is awesome.

tovarich

The hike from Logan pass to Hidden lake is nice.We were there in Sept.2000 and the weather was great. You may expect some more bear warnings around that time.The bears are in search of the berries then.Spectacular photos can be taken in Glacier.The one from Lake Mary is a classic.Paul

kureiff

Early September/late August will be a better time to visit than late June. Your weather will be better.

sharondi

I spent a summer in the park quite some time ago and hiked countless trails. My favorites were the trail to Iceberg Lake and the Highline Trail. The trail to Hidden Lake from Logan is also nice although usually a bit crowded but you can often see mountain goats hanging around.

wjb485

Thanks for the great information on Glacier. One more question- I've set up reservations at Lake McDonald (1) and Many Glacier (3). Do I need more time and are these locations ideal for hiking and photography?

OnVacation

I think this is a good itinerary. Depending on what time you arrive on your first day, you might want to add a night at Lake McDonald. This will give you a day to get your bearings and a day to hike near Lake McDonald. On your way to Many Glacier, you could do a piece of the Highline trail. Many Glacier is a great base for several very nice hikes, including Iceburg Lake and Grinnel Glacier. Did you consider adding on a few days and going to Waterton?

wjb485

My travel plans are very flexible; I thought about going to Waterton- I have read somewhere that it is not worth going to for more than a day. Are there interesting hikes etc.? Also, as of now , my reservations are for early August- I assume that quite a few areas will still retain their snow (for photo purposes. Any strong opinions on when to go?