Mid-September trip to Glacier-Waterton
 

We finally figured out our September trip. 5 nights in Glacier and 4 nights in Waterton.

The question I have is this: we are trying to decide whether to break up our lodging in Glacier between Lake MacDonald and St, Mary's or just stay at Lake MacDonald. We are not long hikers but love to take photos so will be spending time driving in early am and at dusk for the right shot. It seemed that splitting the lodging would mean less driving overall.

If anyone has any suggestions that would be great.

Thanks.

Will the lodge at Lake MacDonald be open? I know they close in September. I think St. Mary's lodge stays open until the first of October.

Yes they are open through Sept 29 according to the website.

I definitely recommend staying on the St. Mary's side - it's my favorite by far! Plus it's a much easier drive to the amazing Many Glacier area which is great for scenery & wildlife viewing, and a much shorter drive to Two Medicine Lake (photo tip - that drive is FULL of beautiful bright yellow aspens that time of year, and Pray Lake provides the perfect mirror early in the morning). Lake MacDonald is obviously beautiful but for photography purposes I find that side of the park best in the daytime - fabulous deep forests and the colorful pebbles at the bottom of the lake are just unreal in the sunshine!

You guys chose the perfect time to see this amazing park - I have visited in every season and my best pictures are from a mid-September trip! Have fun.

Great-thanks so much!

September in GNP is gorgeous. Temps are perfect, although Logan Pass had about 8 inches of snow when we were there in late Sept a few years ago.

Would you recommend driving from Yellowstone,how long should we plan to stay in Glacier, and any other tips are welcome.

According to the nps website, on average GTS road closes by mid September. Hope it stays open for you.

I agree with staying on east side. Be sure to drive in to the Many Glacier area. Great scenery, beautiful lodge and some of the best trails in the park start there. It's not too far off the highway to Waterton and well worth your time.

It closes on Sunday Sept 18, weather permitting it could be closed before then

If we had only four days in the Glacier area and wanted to take pictures of the highlights, where would anyone suggest we go?

Hiking or driving? The trail of the cedars is beautiful (& short), Many Glacier is unbelievable, up near Logan Pass you just can't go wrong anywhere. I also love the Pray & Medicine Lake area, there's a great waterfall a ways below the lakes that has carved out a natural bridge though the lighting is tricky. If hiking, Ptarmigan Tunnel. I haven't been to Waterton yet but I'm pretty sure with four days you can really get a feel for the beauty of the area, anywhere you decide to go!

We will drive to most areas in Glacier,but short hikes are fine. Thanks for the suggestions so far. Does anyone know what side of Lake MacDonald has the best light for pictures of the pebbles at the lakes' edge, and what time of day is best for those shots? Thanks so much for all of your help!

Does anyone know much about East Glacier Park, Montana as a base from, or should we split up lodging?

Photogirl:
We meet again! I think the answer to your question regarding splitting up lodging depends on GTS Road. When we were there before, end of September, we were able to drive the entire road for 2 days and then they closed the section at Logan Pass.

DebInTN,
Thanks so much for your input. We are excited to get this trip going! If anyone has any other input on Glacier,Yellowstone,or the Tetons, we are open to suggestions on lodging, photo ops, etc.
Thanks again to everyone for your help.