Glacier National Park

Let’s Talk…

I have to be honest. I was expecting to be mesmerized with spectacular views of glaciers. Instead we found crowds, congestion, and parking areas already full by 9:00 AM. Even the shuttle service is too crowded to be useful and efficient. Six people wait and when the shuttle finally pulls up, there are only 2 seats available. But I am getting ahead of myself…

Maybe we are just tired out. After all, this is the 3rd national park we are visiting this month. Perhaps if we had started out with Glacier, my reaction would be totally different.

We are spending 7 nights at the North American RV Park &Yurt Village in Coram, 5 miles from the West Entrance to Glacier National Park. So… I have more than enough time to explore, experience, and change my first impression .

northamericanrvpark.com

Glacier National Park shares a border with Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada. In 1932 the governments of Canada and the United States linked these 2 parks and created the world’s first International Peace Park. Waterton-Glacier is a place for all peoples to set aside their differences to work collectively in the interest of all life for all time.

In the late 1970s Glacier and Waterton Lakes were named Biosphere Reserves. And in 1995 the International Peace Park was designated as a World Heritage Site. (national park brochure)

A Sneak Peek

Since we arrive in Coram in the early afternoon, we get settled and head to the Apgar Visitor Center just inside the West Entrance. Unfortunately the parking lot is full and cars are parked along the road. After circling through the lot a couple of times, we head east on the Going-to-the-Sun Road and follow Lake McDonald before turning around and heading back to the RV.

We park in a couple of pull-outs and walk down to the lakeshore. Lake McDonald is a crystal clear glacial lake. And I have to be honest… It IS beautiful!

Have a look…