realbtl
Contributors
I've been lurking here for a while and devouring everything so, since I'm doing the ATC/FWC tour in 1 month to convince my wife of our need for one, I thought I ought to introduce myself.
We've been here in NW Montana for about 10 years and have completely fallen under the spell. We live about 40 mi from Glacier and go up at least 20/year. It is a magical place but can be trying during the annual running of the Winnebagos from June 1 through early Sept. Since you all have shared so much good info I thought I'd pass along some of the things I've learned.
Going to the Sun road- Spectacular but can be a mess for traffic. I do the Sun/Hwy 2 loop several times per season and always get to the West entrance of GNP by 8:00 AM at the latest. This puts you at the top by 9:30 or so and the traffic/parking is pretty good. Head up while everyone else is eating breakfast. They also open up the road in stages for non-motorized travel (walking and bikes) starting in mid-May. This is a great ride made even more interesting when you encounter fresh bear scat on the road.
One of my favorite of the developed areas is Two Medicine by East Glacier. The campsites are much nicer than in the main part of the park and I have seen empty ones on July 4th. I don't care much for the camping around Lake McDonald.
There is very nice camping on Hungry Horse Reservoir just west of the park. You can stay close in and be in the park in 20 minutes or take the 100 mi loop to the head of the reservoir. Usually only locals here.
If you are coming to the park from the south, avoid Hwy 93 unless you are in a hurry; very crowded during the summer. Hwy 83 (Swan Hwy) is much prettier and relaxed with some nice camping along the way. Watch out for deer. Actually this goes for all of NW Montana. The speed limit may be 70 but since I don't like Bambi-bumping I roll at 55-60 unless the roadside is cut back 100' on each side.
Enough! If you want restaurant tips etc. let me know. Thanks, Barney
We've been here in NW Montana for about 10 years and have completely fallen under the spell. We live about 40 mi from Glacier and go up at least 20/year. It is a magical place but can be trying during the annual running of the Winnebagos from June 1 through early Sept. Since you all have shared so much good info I thought I'd pass along some of the things I've learned.
Going to the Sun road- Spectacular but can be a mess for traffic. I do the Sun/Hwy 2 loop several times per season and always get to the West entrance of GNP by 8:00 AM at the latest. This puts you at the top by 9:30 or so and the traffic/parking is pretty good. Head up while everyone else is eating breakfast. They also open up the road in stages for non-motorized travel (walking and bikes) starting in mid-May. This is a great ride made even more interesting when you encounter fresh bear scat on the road.
One of my favorite of the developed areas is Two Medicine by East Glacier. The campsites are much nicer than in the main part of the park and I have seen empty ones on July 4th. I don't care much for the camping around Lake McDonald.
There is very nice camping on Hungry Horse Reservoir just west of the park. You can stay close in and be in the park in 20 minutes or take the 100 mi loop to the head of the reservoir. Usually only locals here.
If you are coming to the park from the south, avoid Hwy 93 unless you are in a hurry; very crowded during the summer. Hwy 83 (Swan Hwy) is much prettier and relaxed with some nice camping along the way. Watch out for deer. Actually this goes for all of NW Montana. The speed limit may be 70 but since I don't like Bambi-bumping I roll at 55-60 unless the roadside is cut back 100' on each side.
Enough! If you want restaurant tips etc. let me know. Thanks, Barney
