Anyone been there? We're going this summer-- so far it seems like a great and beautiful place. BTW, we are taking the train- 27 hours each way. Has anyone ever done a loooong train trip?

I just found this website about hiking in Glacier. Really nice detailed hike descriptions:

http://www.bigskyfishing.com/N...hiking_overview.shtm

quote:

Originally posted by Sheltieguy:
Jeez, these are wild animals - it's not a petting zoo.

Thanks for the chuckle/reality check. I always appreciate your perspective.

I don't remember the Bear Rules.

If you follow whatever the rules are, I wouldn't worry about your safety. Problem Bears are trapped and relocated and/or put down.

We were in a Grizzly Bear Traffic Jam, and it was just insane how close some people (with their kids) got to the bears. Jeez, these are wild animals - it's not a petting zoo.

quote:

Originally posted by p7eggyc:


Thanks! I'm flying into Kalispell. My friends are bringing their RV and we are staying in a campground in Hungry Horse (that name TOTALLY cracks me up).

I just saw Hungry Horse on the map. It's only about 15 miles from Whitefish- where we are staying. Seems like we will both be seeing lots of the Western part of the park.

quote:

Originally posted by GoingSkiing:

Are there grizzly bears in Montana?

Yes. They have Grizzly and Black bears. I read today that it is important to make noise as you hike because the bears leave well enough alone if they are aware of people. So far I have not read anything about no carrying food.

We also plan to stay on pretty easy trails that are (I guess) well hiked- hopefully bears are aware of "people traffic" and that danger is low.

quote:

Originally posted by Sandy:
Also wondering about carrying food as it relates to the BEARS! I keep hearing mixed info about this...

I have been very close to bears and camped many times in bear country... but only with black bears.

My brother had one living in his dumpster for a month, and then they switched to a bear proof dumpster. His neighbor had a bear come in the back kitchen door in Tahoe and mess up the kitchen as they were sitting on the deck... but didn't hurt any people.

I had a bear walk all over my car at Sequoia Nat'l Park... but it didn't break in. It just examined it very closely.

I have never ever had a problem with black bears while hiking even at Sequia or Yosemite and both have significant bear "issues". Tahoe has fewer bear "problems" as most of it is not park land... and the bears are more wild and more afraid of people (unless they decide to live in your dumpster).

You will see a LOT of guidelines about storing food and dealing with food when it comes to bears at the park. As long as you follow the guidelines... you will most likely be fine.

Are there grizzly bears in Montana? I'd be afraid of grizzly bears (I think). But black bears are not that aggressive. They are opportunistic. Like they will sleep in your dumpster if you don't have a lid that locks. Or walk in the kitchen if you leave the door hanging open.

I can pretty easily pack and organize lunches and snacks for us. I was just thinking about eating lunches in park restaurants at least a few days.

I am looking for more specifics about the restaurants and cafes from someone who's been there. It looks like we'll be using Apgar as our parking spot and we'll take the shuttle from there to other hikes. I know there's a small cafe in Apgar, but the choices are super limited. I also learned that at Lake McDonald there's are better food options.

Luckily, dh met a man at work who just returned from Glacier. We're at a point where we'd like to talk specifics around hikes, food and other logistics. Hoepfully he'll have some information to offer.

I haven't looked at this yet but I'm sure we'll take stuff from the RV so that won't help you. I do get these little packets of Almond Butter to take hiking all the time that might work well for you and/or DD and DH. If you need more brand details, let me know and I'll figure it out. You can also get that in peanut butter form but this is the only almond I've ever found (I can't eat peanuts any more).

When I was in Yellowstone years ago they had concessions in a lot of areas but I wasn't trying to eat healthy then. We have virtually nothing in Rocky Mtn Nat'l Park though.

Peg

I'm wondering about food in the park? We'll likely be in the park for lunch every day.
There are a limited number of restaurants.

Has anyone hiked and figured in lunch/snacks at the park?

Also wondering about carrying food as it relates to the BEARS! I keep hearing mixed info about this...

The podcasts contain some great information!

No, I haven't. I just downloaded some of their podcasts last night so I'm looking forward to listening to those. I'll check out the webcams too.

Peg

Have you checked out the web cams on GNP's site? It's so much fun seeing it in real life and real time!

quote:

How are you getting to Glacier, Peg?

Thanks! I'm flying into Kalispell. My friends are bringing their RV and we are staying in a campground in Hungry Horse (that name TOTALLY cracks me up).

I'm going to go to the library and see what guidebooks I see. I'll let you know if I find something awesome.

Peg

quote:

Originally posted by GoingSkiing:
I'd confirm that you REALLY have a sleeper.

We took a 20 hour train trip from Portland to San Jose... and I THOUGHT that we had a sleeper and we didn't. Just plain old train seats. It was pretty awful

We got our confirmations last week. We do indeed have a sleeper. (We paid dearly for it.)
The sleeper car includes the use of a shower as well as all meals. Also the sleeper car is restricted to other passengers so that it should be quieter and cleaner. I think there's also a lounge available.

quote:

Originally posted by p7eggyc:
Hey Sandy,
Glacier just got moved off my short list and onto my calendar for the week of Labor Day. I'm sooooo excited! Have you found any really great resources for planning on- or off-line?

Peg

The website that Sheltie shared is an awesome resource. It offers loads of info on trails, hike, safety, lodging, shuttles and more.

There are many great guidebooks too. I have found talking to others who've been there to be the most helpful.

We are not staying in the park because I wanted lodging that was less rustic. We're actually about 20-30 miles away in Whitefish Lake.

How are you getting to Glacier, Peg?

I Binged (not Googled) Glacier Park, and see that the park have a web site at:

http://www.nps.gov/glac/

BTW, if memory serves, Ken Burns is releasing a documentary about national parks on PBS this fall.

Hey Sandy,
Glacier just got moved off my short list and onto my calendar for the week of Labor Day. I'm sooooo excited! Have you found any really great resources for planning on- or off-line?

Peg

quote:

Originally posted by GoingSkiing:
[...]ds got learners permit yesterday. I'm quite certain that we are entering a driving phase. (Any person reading this, who can send a little prayer my/our way... greatly appreciated!)

Tell him he is only allowed to drive as fast as his guardian angel can fly
Good Luck!

I'd confirm that you REALLY have a sleeper.

We took a 20 hour train trip from Portland to San Jose... and I THOUGHT that we had a sleeper and we didn't. Just plain old train seats. It was pretty awful.

But, other than that, we really like train travel... but that is the only over nighter we have done. But we have done MANY day trips. Mostly, about 10-14 years ago, during our intense "Thomas the Tank Engine" and "Brio" phase of life.

ds got learners permit yesterday. I'm quite certain that we are entering a driving phase. (Any person reading this, who can send a little prayer my/our way... greatly appreciated!)