Has anyone been to Glacier National Park in Montana? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

JustJess · 03-31-2005, 01:37 PM

My husband, brother, and sister-in-law are going camping there this August. We'll be there for 4 days, and we're just camping/hiking, nothing too complicated. Tho I think my bro is going to fish a bit too.

Any info - reviews, great/awful campsites, weather thoughts, how hard is the backcountry, etc etc etc would be appreciated.

Thanks!!

jhkayakr · 03-31-2005, 06:57 PM

When I was there, I remember alot of bear sightings near the campgrounds. And I mean grizzly bears, not black bears. I dont know if I would venture backcountry with food anyway. The backcountry fee is 4 dollars.
As far as camping, it gets cold (near freezing) every night, even in the summer. There are 10 major campgrounds and numerous backcountry sites. These campgounds normally fill before noon in July and August. This is a good site link: http://www.glacier.national-park.com/

ratbastid · 03-31-2005, 07:30 PM

I was there once as a teenager. I remember it was gorgeous. Lake Louise was spectacular.

shakran · 03-31-2005, 08:22 PM

Glacier is freaking gorgeous. It's gonna blow you away, (and no, your photos will NEVER do it justice) but jhkayakr is right. Montana is grizzly country, and if you don't take that seriously, you could find yourself in a lot of trouble.

Keep the food in sealed bags and containers - doublebagged ziploc bags that won't let the smell out. Never have ANY food or enticing smells (deodorant, perfume, toothpaste, chapstick, water bottles, etc) in or near your tent. Never sleep in the same clothes you cook in. Change outside your tent and do not bring the cooking clothes in your tent. If a bear smells them in your tent, he won't know the difference between that and real food, and he'll come looking for it.

Cook fires should be at least 100 yards away from your tent (farther if you can), and you need to invest in a bear canister. It's collapsible (the titanium ones are the best 'cause they're lightest). You put all your food in it at night, then suspend it from a tree a minimum of 10 feet in the air.

Don't worry about the bear bells a lot of people wear on their ankles - they don't work and they just make you look and sound like one of Santa's elves

It is a good idea to talk loudly though, and if you do see a bear, don't stare at it (it will see that as a threat) and slowly back off until its out of sight and then get out of the area. Never run from a bear. First off, they're a hell of a lot faster than you, and second, when you run, you're acting like prey.

Also, if you come across any carcasses, get out of the area immediately, and be very alert. Bears sometimes store carcasses and feed on them for days - and they'll interpret your presence as a threat to their meal.

If a bear attacks, get out your pepper spray. This should be specifically grizzly pepper spray - it's a big can, always have it handy on your belt. Spray the bear in the eyes. If that doesn't work, curl up into a ball, don't stick any limbs out, and try to protect your vitals while staying as still as possible. If the bear keeps mauling you, you may have to fight - use anything you have handy. . . knife, hatchet, whatever, and give it your all.

With all that said, keep in mind that grizzly encounters are extremely rare - you probably won't even see one - - I haven't any of the times I've been to Glacier, Teton, or Yellowstone, much to my disappointment, so it's not like you need to be terrified your whole trip.

Above all, have a blast and tell us how it was when you get back!

StanT · 03-31-2005, 08:37 PM

I've been to Glacier several times over the last 30 years, including a pair of 7 day backpacking trips. I have pictures laying around somewhere. The hiking is incredible, though I'd probably pass on the fishing. I prefer camping in the Many Glacier area. Excellent hiking, on the drier side of the park, and somewhat apart from the tourist path. Of course, Going to the Sun Road must be seen to be believed. Glacier can get cold and rainy at any time, I've experienced snow in the back country during August. There are also a pair of back country chalets, you might consider. These would allow you to experience overnght in the back country without the tent or load. I have stayed at the Granite Park Chalet on 3 occasions. We spent the evening using spotting scopes to watch grizzlies wander around the trails we just hiked.

flstf · 03-31-2005, 09:08 PM

I have ridden my Harley over the Going to the Sun road 7 or 8 times. When the weather is nice it is beautiful but be aware that the weather can change quickly. One year I rode over the pass and could not see my outstretched hand because the fog was so thick and it was snowing in July.

JustJess · 04-01-2005, 06:15 AM

Wow, thanks for all of this info!!! This will really help me figure out what way we should go, and all. that's Awesome.
do you think someone who doesn't have a lot of camping experience can handle backcountry camping??

shakran · 04-01-2005, 06:26 AM

not unless you have someone who has experience with you. The back country out there is awesome, but it's not very forgiving either. If you don't have enough water or the means to safely filter it, you can find yourself in a lot of trouble. If you don't know how to avoid wildlife (it's not all bears) you can get in trouble too. When I back country camp I'm a day's walk away from anything at my first campsite. Depending on how much time i have to camp, I might wind up farther out than that. If I got hurt, I'd be in a whole hell of a lot of trouble. I'd recommend taking someone who's done it before with you.

StanT · 04-01-2005, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustJess

do you think someone who doesn't have a lot of camping experience can handle backcountry camping??

I wouldn't suggest a first backpacking trip there. Glacier can be unforgiving. I'd strongly suggest the Granite Park Chalet, though.

It's an awesome 7 mile hike along the continental divide through some dramatic scenery. You can count on having to chase the mountain goats off of the trail. The chalet provides beds and a kitchen. You must carry in your own food. This chalet is 1/4 mile from where "Night of the Grizzlies" occured. You can sit out on the porch at night with a Bear Ranger and watch grizzlies through a spotting scope. The chalet has changed management since I was there last, but they ought to be easy enough to find on the web. There is also the Sperry Chalet. I've hiked by it, but have never stayed the night.

03-31-2005, 01:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
JustJess Unencapsulated Location: Kittyville	Has anyone been to Glacier National Park in Montana? My husband, brother, and sister-in-law are going camping there this August. We'll be there for 4 days, and we're just camping/hiking, nothing too complicated. Tho I think my bro is going to fish a bit too. Any info - reviews, great/awful campsites, weather thoughts, how hard is the backcountry, etc etc etc would be appreciated. Thanks!! __________________ My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'.

03-31-2005, 06:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
jhkayakr Insane Location: under the skirt	When I was there, I remember alot of bear sightings near the campgrounds. And I mean grizzly bears, not black bears. I dont know if I would venture backcountry with food anyway. The backcountry fee is 4 dollars. As far as camping, it gets cold (near freezing) every night, even in the summer. There are 10 major campgrounds and numerous backcountry sites. These campgounds normally fill before noon in July and August. This is a good site link: http://www.glacier.national-park.com/ __________________ ........gotta need for speed....

04-01-2005, 06:15 AM	#7 (permalink)
JustJess Unencapsulated Location: Kittyville	Wow, thanks for all of this info!!! This will really help me figure out what way we should go, and all. that's Awesome. do you think someone who doesn't have a lot of camping experience can handle backcountry camping?? __________________ My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'.

03-31-2005, 07:30 PM	#3 (permalink)
ratbastid Darth Papa Location: Yonder	I was there once as a teenager. I remember it was gorgeous. Lake Louise was spectacular.

03-31-2005, 08:22 PM	#4 (permalink)
shakran Tone.	Glacier is freaking gorgeous. It's gonna blow you away, (and no, your photos will NEVER do it justice) but jhkayakr is right. Montana is grizzly country, and if you don't take that seriously, you could find yourself in a lot of trouble. Keep the food in sealed bags and containers - doublebagged ziploc bags that won't let the smell out. Never have ANY food or enticing smells (deodorant, perfume, toothpaste, chapstick, water bottles, etc) in or near your tent. Never sleep in the same clothes you cook in. Change outside your tent and do not bring the cooking clothes in your tent. If a bear smells them in your tent, he won't know the difference between that and real food, and he'll come looking for it. Cook fires should be at least 100 yards away from your tent (farther if you can), and you need to invest in a bear canister. It's collapsible (the titanium ones are the best 'cause they're lightest). You put all your food in it at night, then suspend it from a tree a minimum of 10 feet in the air. Don't worry about the bear bells a lot of people wear on their ankles - they don't work and they just make you look and sound like one of Santa's elves It is a good idea to talk loudly though, and if you do see a bear, don't stare at it (it will see that as a threat) and slowly back off until its out of sight and then get out of the area. Never run from a bear. First off, they're a hell of a lot faster than you, and second, when you run, you're acting like prey. Also, if you come across any carcasses, get out of the area immediately, and be very alert. Bears sometimes store carcasses and feed on them for days - and they'll interpret your presence as a threat to their meal. If a bear attacks, get out your pepper spray. This should be specifically grizzly pepper spray - it's a big can, always have it handy on your belt. Spray the bear in the eyes. If that doesn't work, curl up into a ball, don't stick any limbs out, and try to protect your vitals while staying as still as possible. If the bear keeps mauling you, you may have to fight - use anything you have handy. . . knife, hatchet, whatever, and give it your all. With all that said, keep in mind that grizzly encounters are extremely rare - you probably won't even see one - - I haven't any of the times I've been to Glacier, Teton, or Yellowstone, much to my disappointment, so it's not like you need to be terrified your whole trip. Above all, have a blast and tell us how it was when you get back!

03-31-2005, 08:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
StanT © Location: Colorado	I've been to Glacier several times over the last 30 years, including a pair of 7 day backpacking trips. I have pictures laying around somewhere. The hiking is incredible, though I'd probably pass on the fishing. I prefer camping in the Many Glacier area. Excellent hiking, on the drier side of the park, and somewhat apart from the tourist path. Of course, Going to the Sun Road must be seen to be believed. Glacier can get cold and rainy at any time, I've experienced snow in the back country during August. There are also a pair of back country chalets, you might consider. These would allow you to experience overnght in the back country without the tent or load. I have stayed at the Granite Park Chalet on 3 occasions. We spent the evening using spotting scopes to watch grizzlies wander around the trails we just hiked.

03-31-2005, 09:08 PM	#6 (permalink)
flstf Easy Rider Location: Moscow on the Ohio	I have ridden my Harley over the Going to the Sun road 7 or 8 times. When the weather is nice it is beautiful but be aware that the weather can change quickly. One year I rode over the pass and could not see my outstretched hand because the fog was so thick and it was snowing in July.

04-01-2005, 06:26 AM	#8 (permalink)
shakran Tone.	not unless you have someone who has experience with you. The back country out there is awesome, but it's not very forgiving either. If you don't have enough water or the means to safely filter it, you can find yourself in a lot of trouble. If you don't know how to avoid wildlife (it's not all bears) you can get in trouble too. When I back country camp I'm a day's walk away from anything at my first campsite. Depending on how much time i have to camp, I might wind up farther out than that. If I got hurt, I'd be in a whole hell of a lot of trouble. I'd recommend taking someone who's done it before with you.