Going to the Sun Road
One of the things we love most about our explorations of the National Park system is how
different they all are from each other. It seems like every time we visit a new park we are left with this feeling of awe and wonder. We are very fortunate that people in our past took the steps needed to protect these lands for future generations.
This time we found ourselves in Glacier National Park. Last year when we went to Alaska, we had actually stopped at Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada and learned it shared a border with Glacier, so we made a point to plan to visit there on our way out west.
We had heard from many of you that this was a must see, you were right.
We stayed at a little RV camp near West Glacier Montana called Moose Creek RV Resort. This was a very nice family run RV camp that offered great access to the park. One of the things we were worried about was would we be able to get in. You see the parks have become increasingly busier ever since the pandemic, and the Park Service is trying to control the overwhelming number of people that can be in the park at one time.
So, to help ease the flow of people, they started a policy where you had to purchase a $2 dollar vehicle pass for certain parks. We ran into this in Arches last year. Well, I signed on to Recreation.gov back in April, and it was sold out already for the dates of our visit! Luckily, they keep a certain amount that they release the day before for the following 3 days.
On the morning we left Glasgow MT. heading towards West Glacier, at 8 AM when they released the next days tickets, I was on and scored our 3-day pass!!!! I had been watching it every day since we left Michigan and saw that they usually had a few, in our case 200 Ish open tickets a day, so I was not going to take any chances.
With digital ticket in hand (well, on my phone) Jan and I ventured into the park via the West Entrance, prepared to take what has been described as one of the most beautiful drives you can take, the Going to the Sun Road. Let’s start with just WOW.
This part of the world was formed when the last Ice Age was coming to an end and the Ice sheets melted over many thousands of years, carving the land and creating the jagged vistas that you see as you make your way up the road.
You start by Lake McDonald and start to wind your way up through a forest of large trees, streams, and waterfalls. Then, you start driving up to the Sun. As the road twist and turns, hugging the side of the mountains, you climb ever higher. The views are spectacular, but if you’re afraid of heights, you will have some uncomfortable moments. Drive slowly, keep your focus on the road, and use pullovers where you can to see the scenery and you’ll be fine.
With Lake McDonald on your left make sure you make time to stop at McDonald Falls, it’s a beautiful falls and one I know you’ll enjoy. A Little further and you can see Sacred Dancing Cascade as the waters make their way down to the lake from the mountains ahead.
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Sacred Dancing Cascade and McDonalds Falls
I could sit here for hours and detail every stop, but I would most likely just ramble on for hours about how amazing it is. Other must see in my opinion, The Weeping Wall, The Loop, Logans pass and the hike to avalanche lake, St. Mary’s Lake. And of course, our dally lunch spot in the Paradise Meadow Overlook.
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Along the Going to the Sun Road
Every time we visit a National Park, we are constantly reminded of how beautiful this country of ours is. And as I listen to the different languages of the people around us it highlights that people from all over the world come here to see these sights. I can’t state enough, everyone should come out and enjoy our countries legacy of the land and animals in our park system.
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Avalanche Lake
Jan's Fun facts of Glacier
The larger mammals who make their home in Glacier include grizzly bears, lynx, black bears, moose, wolverines, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, coyotes and wolves.
Well after reading this, I was sure we would see some bears. They say there are over 1000 bears in Glacier. This includes both grizzly and black bears. The only one we seen is the photo below.
Do you think we lost our MoJo?
Well, I'm not sure about our mojo, but I know we will get to see more wildlife along the way. We know we will be back, but for now its time to head to Seattle and see a totally different area and wildlife. Until next time stay safe and we hope as always to see you on the road.
Please let us know what you think or any suggestions by emailing us.