We will be traveling into Montana in our 32 ft. Motor coach late July. Has anyone been to Glacier National Park in Montana? What sights are must see? Any special tours we need to take? Thanks for the information.
Be sure to take at least one "Red Bus" tour. Before you say you don't like tour buses, these aren't buses. They are large open touring cars built in the 1930's for the park which were restored a number of years ago by Ford. They are unique to Glacier Park and are a very enjoyable way to see the park while an experienced driver deals with the hairpin turns and sharp dropoffs.
Also, at the west entrance there are a number of companies who run white water rafting tours. They are fun, but you will probably need a wetsuit (even in July).
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The Going to the Sun road is probably the prime attraction at Glacier. You cannot drive it in your RV as there are length/width restrictions. You can take your toad, a Red Bus tour or rent a car. Lots if nice trails if you enjoy hiking. The west side of the park is much more commercial than the east side, with a number of towns, also more private campgrounds. IMO the east side is more scenic.
The East side is considerably windier too. However, from there you can easily drive to Waterton park in Canada--about an hour away from St Mary's. Don't miss "Two Sisters Near Babb" restaurant in Babb for really fun eats!
We've stayed on the West side in Hungry Horse and inside the park at St Mary's campground in our 37 footer. We prefer the less commercial East side. GTTSR is obviously not to be missed in your toad or a red bus, and don't forget your camera. Enjoy!!
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We really liked the boat ride on the lake (but was it St Mary's or McDonald?): http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/boat-trips-and-rentals.htm
The one we took motored up one lake, then we took a short hike (maybe 1/2 mile) to the 'upper' lake, and took another boat up to the end of that lake. The 2nd boat 'left us' there for a few hours - it gave us a break, almost no one else around, and it was one of the most memorable parts of our stay! Check into it.
There are a number of different Lake tours from both the west and east side of the park. The Many Glacier area has several lakes and some tours include a boat trip, hike to a different lake then another boat tour (and return, of course). Makes for a nice day without much exhausting effort. If you enjoy hiking there are several hiking trails that start in the high country and go up to the HIGHcountry
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I stayed in Apgar over the 4th of July weekend & at St Mary Campground a week later.
If you have a toad, drive out to Polebridge Mercantile for a sticky bun & Cinnamon Roll. Take a "Jammer" (Red Bus) or your toad to see the Going to the Sun road, something you will never forget. Watch a sunrise or sunset over Lake McDonald. There are 700 miles of trails in the park, ranging from the wheelchair accessible "Trail of the Cedars" to overnight back country hikes.
The hike to Avalanche Lake, though tiring, was very enjoyable. I would recommend it.
Many Glacier CG is quiet and nicely wooded, with plenty of wildlife and views of mountains all around. Here is a pic of a visitor to my campsite; she wandered right between me and the folks I was talking to in the site next door.
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