All Alone In Glacier
Glacier National Park was incredible, if not a little isolated. The last few weeks have been a lesson in the off-season. The lodge was recommended for great views and lounging, but it was the usual National Lampoon’s Vacation scene: “Sorry, closed for the season.” The park was open for hiking, but that’s about it. We drove up to the road closure and hiked most of the Avalanche Trail through old growth trees, waterfalls and awesome rock formations. The low clouds meant we missed a lot of the beautiful mountain views, but there were small piles of snow in the parking lot that were a lot more fun for the little one.
The campsites were all closed, but camping was now allowed at the picnic area – it didn’t sound like it was encouraged. We thought about it, but it was supposed to rain and possibly snow. Jason made the call to head to Missoula, about 2.5 hours south, to take Mitch and Melissa up on their offer to split beer and pizza. The latch string was out, as they say in Montana.
The scenery was mountainous and agricultural and much different than Canada. Also, there are a lot of casinos. A lot.
We drove through Montana (west to east and back) for the first time a couple months ago. The silly little casinos make you wonder what else there is to do in Montana. Why don’t people spend more time outdoors? I hope you make it through Yellowstone (and Grand Teton); we are planning a trip there next summer and would love your opinion and pictures.
We love off season camping. In fact, I’d bet it’s our favorite time of year to camp. Glacier can be really really nuts and somewhat depressing with an overload of people. I’d love to go in winter. Good to know we could camp in the picnic area. I didn’t know that, so thanks for the info.
The casinos are plentiful and somewhat weird. I’ve only met three people since living here that go to casinos. Strangely, I hardly notice them anymore.
-Melissa
All I can say is WOW. You guys are seeing some really great country.
We are planning a trip up that way next year. We would like to do glacier,yellowstone and the grand tetons.
Neat- those pics remind me of when we did
Glacier/Y.S./Tetons in my ’70 Westy in 2000.
Went in last week of May – got pretty cold!