Glacier National Park - Aug/sept
May 4th, 2003 | 04:00 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 7
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Glacier National Park - Aug/sept
Hey folks,
We are two thirtysomethings looking for some ideas on backcountry camping, good strenuous hikes, and possibly some kayaking/river rafting in the Glacier National Park area. We'll go as remote as it takes to see some amazing scenery! Would love some thoughts on timing (late/aug, early sept)as well as above topics from anyone. Want to avoid the maddening crowds, but would also welcome recommendations for a nice lodge/cabin to recover at end of trip! THANK YOU!!
We are two thirtysomethings looking for some ideas on backcountry camping, good strenuous hikes, and possibly some kayaking/river rafting in the Glacier National Park area. We'll go as remote as it takes to see some amazing scenery! Would love some thoughts on timing (late/aug, early sept)as well as above topics from anyone. Want to avoid the maddening crowds, but would also welcome recommendations for a nice lodge/cabin to recover at end of trip! THANK YOU!!
May 4th, 2003 | 05:03 PM
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,019
Likes: 0
OHH. Glacier is the place to be. If you have just one car, let me make this suggestion.
First head for Waterton, on the Canadian side. Take the boat to Crypt Landing and hike to Crypt Lake. That is about a 10 miler with climbing.
If you want to backpack and camp out, hike from the east side of the park over Gunsight Pass to Lake Ellen Wilson. There are campgrounds along the lake, if you are lucky enough to get one. The next day climb over the pass to campground near Sperry Chalet. Set up there and to up to where the Sperry Glacier precariously clings to its existence. The hike up is over an old glacial path, complete with the characteristic stair step landscape of a retreated glacier. Pools, ledges, and cliffs greet you as you ascend. The last pitch goes up through the cliff on a narrow passage way. Just be sure to share it with the goats.
Then you can pick your way over the snow fields to the trough where some glacial ice may remain.
Then retrace your steps to the camping area. Hike out, about 11 miles, the next day.
Another area is to start at Logan Pass and hike all the way to Many Glacier. You can catch the shuttle bus back, if it is in operation this summer.
Or you can go as far as Granite Park shelter, camp there, in grizzly country which is why I recommend the shelter. Then the next day go north about as far as you can before retracing your steps.
Another option is to get the permits and go all the way to Goat Haunt and take the boat out to Waterton. The problem there is getting back to where you left your car. Perhaps you can hitch a ride or work out a share the ride arrangement with like=minded hikers.
First head for Waterton, on the Canadian side. Take the boat to Crypt Landing and hike to Crypt Lake. That is about a 10 miler with climbing.
If you want to backpack and camp out, hike from the east side of the park over Gunsight Pass to Lake Ellen Wilson. There are campgrounds along the lake, if you are lucky enough to get one. The next day climb over the pass to campground near Sperry Chalet. Set up there and to up to where the Sperry Glacier precariously clings to its existence. The hike up is over an old glacial path, complete with the characteristic stair step landscape of a retreated glacier. Pools, ledges, and cliffs greet you as you ascend. The last pitch goes up through the cliff on a narrow passage way. Just be sure to share it with the goats.
Then you can pick your way over the snow fields to the trough where some glacial ice may remain.
Then retrace your steps to the camping area. Hike out, about 11 miles, the next day.
Another area is to start at Logan Pass and hike all the way to Many Glacier. You can catch the shuttle bus back, if it is in operation this summer.
Or you can go as far as Granite Park shelter, camp there, in grizzly country which is why I recommend the shelter. Then the next day go north about as far as you can before retracing your steps.
Another option is to get the permits and go all the way to Goat Haunt and take the boat out to Waterton. The problem there is getting back to where you left your car. Perhaps you can hitch a ride or work out a share the ride arrangement with like=minded hikers.
May 4th, 2003 | 05:35 PM
#3
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,023
Likes: 0
Hello from Northwest Montana.
We have had a mild winter so the park should open early this year.Late August early September is a grea t time in the park. You will need to secure a permit for any backcountry camping and so should apply as early as possible.This can be done online.The whole of Glacier is grizzly country so advise picking up bear spray before heading out. As a matter of fact a grizzly was spotted this week on the golf course here in the valley which is 30 miles from Glacier park. Scenery on any trail will be breathtaking even in a car driving over Going To The Sun highway. For more info.
WWW.nps.gov/glac/home.htm
www.nps.gov
Hiker shuttle buses should be running in August but most likely will be discontinued after Labor day. They are few and far between,expensive and fairly unreliable. If your party consist of just 2 peoplr hitchhiking is done often in the park with excellent results.
Come on out!!!
May 6th, 2003 | 03:10 PM
#4
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Previous posts on this topic are exellent. I have frequented the Many Glacier area staying mostly in the auto campground there. This is an area with great dayhiking trails and some backpacking too. Cracker Lake is a short 6 mile hike though the woods that ends at one of the most stunning lakes in the park and has a a back country campsite as well. Make sure you register and get the orientation from the rangers. Hiking and camping in Glacier is very safe but you need to follow the proper procedures to keep it that way. Happy traile s and be safe.
May 6th, 2003 | 03:33 PM
#5
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,019
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Let me jump back in. Cracker Lake = yes, go. Also Iceberg Lake and the Grinnel Glacier hike and right up there with the good ones in the park.
From the picnic area near the end of the lake, the Grinnel Glacier round trip is anywhere from 11 to 13 miles depending on how far out on the old terrain you venture.
I was there first in 1967. The Grinnell ice field was still extensive. I returned there 5 years ago. Where we walked on glacial ice in 1967, we walked that day on bare rock. The big chunk of ice of 1966 was reduced to less than one third of what it had been, and much of the ice was a big pool of meltwater. It was a dramatic illustration of global warming.
For a day hike, a long one at that, walk from Logan Pass out to Granite Park and back, with a detour by the "notch" where you can climb up and overlook the Grinnel Glacier from about 1,000 feet above it. The day will be about 16 miles, but the scenery along the Highline Trail is stupendous, awesome.
It is even pretty in places. If you are lucky and get to dance with the big horn rams, a little wildlife viewing can be added in. The sheep frequent that area and often come along the trail in a group. Just move over and motion them to go by. They will detour if you will.
And don't trip over the marmots. The are oblivious at times to humans.
From the picnic area near the end of the lake, the Grinnel Glacier round trip is anywhere from 11 to 13 miles depending on how far out on the old terrain you venture.
I was there first in 1967. The Grinnell ice field was still extensive. I returned there 5 years ago. Where we walked on glacial ice in 1967, we walked that day on bare rock. The big chunk of ice of 1966 was reduced to less than one third of what it had been, and much of the ice was a big pool of meltwater. It was a dramatic illustration of global warming.
For a day hike, a long one at that, walk from Logan Pass out to Granite Park and back, with a detour by the "notch" where you can climb up and overlook the Grinnel Glacier from about 1,000 feet above it. The day will be about 16 miles, but the scenery along the Highline Trail is stupendous, awesome.
It is even pretty in places. If you are lucky and get to dance with the big horn rams, a little wildlife viewing can be added in. The sheep frequent that area and often come along the trail in a group. Just move over and motion them to go by. They will detour if you will.
And don't trip over the marmots. The are oblivious at times to humans.
May 6th, 2003 | 05:05 PM
#6
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,023
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You can hike the Highline trail from Logan pass and then leave granite chalet back to the "sun" road via the loop trail saving you a few miles and differnt scenery. After reaching the road hitch hike back to Logan pass for your car. Always a fun trail!!
