Glacier National Park
(Wateron-Glacier International Peace Park)
(West Glacier MT)

Introduction to Glacier National Park

The Rocky Mountains are the backbone of Canada and the United States. Sure, we have many other mountain chains, most running north-south as the Rockies, but many others run east-west. None approach the Rockies in height or in the abruptness of their thrust from the surrounding terrain.

Glacier National Park, encompassing over a million acres of the northern-most Rockies in the United States, ensures the preservation of these beautiful mountains and their lakes, streams - and waterfalls - so all who wish to come may enjoy them.

The park is bisected from west to east (well, at a slight angle) by the primary scenic by-way: Going-to-the-Sun Road. The route joins Lake McDonald and Saint Mary Lake via 50.1 miles of spectacular vistas. Over a dozen turnouts allow visitors to stop and take in the views: waterfalls, canyons and even glaciers.

Going-to-the-Sun Road
scenic highlights west (Lake McDonald) to east (Saint Mary Lake)

Going-to-the-Sun Road
scenic highlights east (Saint Mary Lake) to west (Lake McDonald)

Other Areas of Interest in Glacier National Park

Two other areas of the Glacier National Park - that are not accessible by vehicle - in which you would be interested in viewing (if you have the time) are:

Many Glacier Area - From Saint Mary Lake Village, follow US-89 north to Babb (about 9 miles); turn left and drive to the end of the road, via the Many Glacier Entrance, to the Many Glacier Visitors' Information Center (about 12 more miles). Besides all kinds of information about the many interesting trails, eats are available (and souvenirs, of course). Apikuni Falls, Ptarmigan Falls and Redrock Falls are only one or two miles up their respective trails but there is much more. Check with the Glacier National Park for details.

Two Medicine Lake Area:
- From West Glacier, you have to get on US-2 and follow it, east, to East Glacier Park. US-2 skirts the southern boundary of Glacier National Park and is a very interesting and scenic drive (about 58 miles). At East Glacier, turn left on MT-49 and drive to Two Medicine Junction (about 4 miles); turn left and drive to the end of the road, via the Two Medicine Entrance Station, where all the activity* seems to be (about 9 miles).
- From Saint Mary Lake, turn right on US-89 and follow it southbound, to Kiowa (about 20 miles). Turn right onto MT 49 and follow it to the Two Medicine Entrance Road at Two Medicine Junction (about 9 more miles). Turn right and drive to the end of the road, via the Two Medicine Entrance Station, where all the activity* seems to be (about 9 miles).

*There is a relatively easy trail around Two Medicine Lake that goes by Twin Falls (we estimated it to be an 8 mile hike). The famous Running Eagle Falls is right by the road but a short, very easy 'nature trail' lets you get up close. They also provide boat trips on Two Medicine Lake (we didn't try this one).

Major Waterfalls in Glacier National Park:

Baring Falls
Beargrass Falls
Bird Woman Falls
Florence Falls
Haystack Falls
McDonald Falls
Oberlin Falls
Redrock Falls
Running Eagle Falls
(Two Medicine River area)
Saint Mary Falls
Sunrift Gorge
Swiftcurrent Falls
Virginia Falls
Weeping Wall

How to get to Glacier National Park
(select your expected routing):

Route A:
From I-15 (coming from Canada), drive through Glacier National Park and return to Canada.
Route B:
From I-15 (coming from Canada), drive through Glacier National Park and return to I-15 to continue in a southbound direction.
Route C:
From I-15 (coming from south of Butte), drive through Glacier National Park and return to I-15 north or south or I-90 east of Butte.
Route D:
From I-15 (coming from south of Butte), drive through Glacier National Park and depart Montana, westbound, on I-90.
Route E:
From I-90 (coming from Idaho), drive through Glacier National Park and return to I-90 westbound.
Route F:
From I-90 (coming from Idaho), drive through Glacier National Park and return to I-90 eastbound.
Route G:
From I-90 (coming from the east), drive through Glacier National Park and return to I-90 eastbound.
Route H:
From I-90 (coming from the east), drive through Glacier National Park and return to I-90 westbound.

For photos of some of the waterfalls in Glacier National Park, see:

Photo from Montana Film Office

For more information about Glacier National Park, its topography as well as its inhabitants:

Glacier National Park
P.O.Box 128
West Glacier, MT 59936

406-888-7800

Or you may email them at:

glac_information@nps.gov

Official NPS Glacier National Park web site:

www.nps.gov/glac/home.htm

Hotel and Motel accommodations, usually at a discount, are available in the following communities:

Butte

Choteau

Columbia Falls

Essex

Great Falls

Helena

Kalispell

Missoula

Polson

Whitefish

For a 'clickable' accommodations map of Montana, visit:

www.HiwayGuide.com

WATERFALLS Guide