It was stunning to me that we could enjoy our family visit to Glacier National Park as much as we did, considering this one was mostly closed the day we were there. Arriving in late September the day after our visit to Little Bighorn, we put our America the Beautiful annual pass to further good use.
Late Fall, Early Snow
Before even driving through the entrance, we had noticed the chill in the air. Glacier was expecting its first snowstorm of the season, with the higher elevations anticipating two to three FEET of snow. That’s pretty impressive considering October hadn’t even hit.
In preparation for the storm, the rangers had closed all but the first 16 miles of the road coming from the entrance nearest Kalispell. We could either make do with the first 16 miles or drive an additional few hours to another entrance. As the latter was definitely not an option, the former would have to do.
Even a Little Bit of Glacier Goes a Long Way
As disappointing as this was, the trails we took along the first 16 miles were every bit as breathtaking and rejuvenating as we had hoped. And we are thrilled to say we did not run into a grizzly OR a cougar during our short visit. The park brochure helpfully reminded us that we are in THEIR home and WE are the visitors. While fully respecting that reality, I didn’t relish the thought of stumbling upon one at any point during our visit.
Our brief family visit to Glacier National Park, though spectacular for what it was, was far too short. We didn’t come close to seeing all of the wide variety of beauty the park has to offer. With that in mind, we were eyeing up the rental cabins with ideas of future trips. And we’ll definitely be investing in some bear spray!
What is your favorite national park and why? Comment below!
Montana is one of my favorite places to visit and Glacier is a must-see see for anyone visiting! Fall is my favorite time of the year, even though a couple of times we had snow to deal with! Looks like you had a wonderful visit!
What a great visit and the pictures are beautiful. Not sure which one is my favorite. Haven’t traveled to many national parks so don’t have a favorite – but am living vicariously through your pictures for sure. Thanks for sharing.
Montana is on our bucket list! Glacier National Park is a must visit when we do get out West!
I would love to go to Glacier and then up to Banff! I hope I get to go in the next couple of years!
We camp once a month regardless of the weather. Nature is gorgeous in all conditions!
Looks like an amazing park to visit. Loving your photos!
Looks like amazing scenery. Thanks for sharing the awesome photos!
This is on my list to visit! Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos!
Looks like another beautiful place to visit! Thank you for sharing!
Definitely a place we want to visit someday! Thanks for sharing!
This looks amazing even with the impending snow. Can you tell I am sick of the heat in Florida?? LOL
I don’t blame you one bit. Florida can be nasty in August!
I have only been to Big Sky in Montana but I would love to explore more of it. Beautiful!
I’ve never been and would love to go. I would definitely be terrified of running into a bear or some other wild animal that would eat me though. I don’t know if the desire to go outweighs the fear of bears. (I’m slightly terrified of them.)
It’s breathtaking! I’ve never been to Glacier National Park, but would love to go. The water looks so smooth and the boardwalk is charming. I agree, I’m glad you didn’t run into any grizzly!! 😉
I can’t wait to go here. I have seen so many photos lately and it looks amazing.
This looks gorgeous! Would love to go
Glad you had a great time despite the rain.
Would love to go to Glacier National Park! I too, will be a little anxious about running into a bear or a cougar tho!!
Great pictures. I love the foliage shots that you captured. I also love the fact that you didn’t let the weather stop the fun..That’s a life lesson we seem to forget as we get older.
Wow that looks amazing! Hope to make it there someday.
This is huge on my list to visit this year. Thanks for sharing. What time of year would you recommend going based on your experience?
I would say early September after Labor Day would be a good bet. Right after the crowds disperse, but before the snow hits.
What a beautiful park!
The rain only adds to the glamour & beauty. So lush, green, & vibrant. A wonderful experience in a beautiful location.
I just ordered my lifetime National Park Pass. I’m looking forward to visiting more.
The lifetime park pass is a great deal! You’ll have a lot of fun travel ahead.
A walk in the rain always rejuvenates me. What beautiful scenery to be rejuvenated in!
What an absolutely beautiful place! I love that walk in the rain picture so much!
The fungi look like they came from another planet, lol. So interesting to look at!
We loved the fungi! Bonus science lesson for us. 🙂
Looks like a beautiful area to hike through!