Montana--Going-to-the-Sun Highway
Date: 2004-11-23
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Located within the confines of Glacier National Park is Going-to-the-Sun
Highway, one of the most beautiful of all the national parks, and a 50-mile
stretch of winding, incredibly scenic roadway. A very narrow, two-lane
road, Going-to-the-Sun Highway changes scenery, beginning with prairie
grasslands in the east to dense forests and mountain vistas in the west.
This is the only road across the park's one million acres, and much, if
not all of it, is closed by late September due to snow. Coming and going
out of West Glacier, you'll have to endure the ever-present gift shops,
budget motels, and the crush of tourists in high season.
Once you've taken to the highway, you'll be transplanted into heaven on earth. Breathtaking in every direction, Glacier National Park is truly the American Alps. West of Logan Pass is Lake McDonald, the park's largest lake. Here lies Lake McDonald Lodge, complete with restaurants, a gas station, campground, and, if you've got time, a one-hour narrated boat cruise. The most rugged of all the Rocky Mountain national parks, Glacier protects some 1,500 sq. miles. Offered for everyone's pleasure are dense forests, glacier-fed lakes, rivers and streams, cedar and fir trees lining the creeks, red rock, waterfalls, wildlife, and wildflowers. Going-to-the-Sun Highway, although a mere 50 miles, is magnificent in its breadth and depth. Visitors might even spot grizzly bears, mountain lions, deer, mountain sheep, and goats along the road, as well as in the back country.
There are several hiking trails, campgrounds, and fishing areas within the park. One is advised to follow all park rules, as there are bears and other wildlife. The lodges within the park feature visits with park rangers in the evenings, providing lots of useful information. Along Going-to-the-Sun Highway there are turnoffs where you can stop and get a good view of the park, as well as great photo-ops. Within the park, there has always been transportation offered across the highway by "jammers," red vintage, open-top buses. Because they were in such disrepair, they were pulled last year, but hopes are they will run again this summer. Two pre-WWI chalets--off the beaten track and accessible only by hiking--have been renovated and guests can stay overnight.
Starting Point:
Browning, MT
Distance of Drive:
79 miles (Going-to-the-Sun drive is 50 miles long).
Must Eat:
Glacier Village
304 Highway 2 East, East Glacier Park, MT 59434
Phone: 406-226-4464
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Summer is the only season for crossing Going-to-the-Sun Highway, as snows
come early to this part of the country. Late September through mid-October
is just about as long into the Fall as road trippers are able to navigate
the roads by car.
Points of Interest on Drive:
Glacier National Park
Logan Pass (only during summer)
The Hi-Line Trail
Avalanche Creek
Museum of the Plains Indian
Blackfoot Indian Writing Company
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