Eco Adventures - Hiking in Glacier National Park, Montana

Exploring on foot is the best way to explore ecosystems and a surprising place to explore and understand the majesty of nature is actually right here in the United States at a place called Glacier National Park in Montana. Glacier National Park offers nature enthusiast miles of trails, and each trip offers hikers, of all levels, an enjoyable romp. Unlike Yellowstone with its million of visitors per year, Glacier National Park is less of a tourist trap and more of an outdoor adventure.

A Pristine Ecosystem

The opportunities to see wildlife are amazing and the variety of animals that call this ecosystem their home is enormous. A photographer's dream with opportunities to photograph a variety of animals from the smallest fox to the largest Grizzly Bear, Glacier National Park offers its visitors a look into the uncorrupted past that was once all of North America.

Glaciers in North America

Hikers will be surprised to learn that there is still are over fifty glaciers actually in the park. These glaciers feed the various lakes and streams throughout the park, so finding water on a trail, taking a swim to cool off, or even finding trout to eat is not a problem. For those of you planning on live off the trail while you hike, make sure you visit the ranger's station before starting. The park does have regulations about fishing and other sports.

A First Stop

The first point of entry for any hiker visiting the park should be one of the visitor's centers, located in areas of Apgar, Logan Pass, or St. Mary. There you can find up to date information on possible trail hazards, find out about the area hikes, and pick-up maps. It is also a good idea for those high tech hikers to get the GPS longitude and latitudes for trails at the stations. Remember, it is important that hikers carry a good compass and map. Getting lost in this park will ruin a trip and some of the trails lead into Canada.

A Variety of Hiking Trails

The Glacier National Park offer hikers a variety of trail options for hikers of all levels. For those new to hiking offer self-guided walks. These trails have brochures that can be picked up at the stations and there are signs along the trails to point out key features. The trail of the Cedars is also wheelchair accessible so that everyone can enjoy the wonders of the park's natural beauty.

For the more adventurous or advanced hikers, day hikes or multiple day hikes are plentiful at Glacier National Park. The park's stations provide free trail maps and on some trails, there are numerous campsites for weary hikers to rest. One great campsite is Hole in the Wall, which is surrounded by waterfalls and cloaked in beautiful wildflowers. The campsite got its name because of the waterfall that pours itself out of a natural hole in the rock.

The Ultimate Adventure

For experienced hikers, seeking the ultimate camping adventure, a backpack expedition from Canada is the ultimate. This ecological wonder trip starts by a crossover from Canada, which crosses Brown Pass and ends in the United States at Bowman Lake. Hikers taking this trip are reminded to take their passports along.

Glacier National Park is a wonderful place to hike and a dream come true for environmentalists. Its natural beauty is unsurpassable from its untouched state to its panoramic views. The awe-inspiring setting of sun over Lake MacDonald alone creates memories that are well worth the trip.

References

Trails.com

Glacier National Park