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Waterton-Glacier - Montana
Descriptive:
Straddling the border between Alberta, Canada and Montanaon one axis, and the Continental Divide on the other, the 2,000 square-mile region of Waterton-Glacier National Park has been designated an International Peace Park, a symbolic bond of trust between the U.S. and Canada. The first of its kind, the two Parks, Canada's Waterton Lakes and the U.S.'s Glacier National Park, have been working as a cooperative to maintain the land since their marriage in 1932. The beautiful waters of the more than 650 lakes that dot the Park are mountainous and cold, and so clear they mirror the sky and surrounding mountains. Hundreds of waterfalls lay cloistered throughout the Park; among them are McDonald, Bird Woman, Florence, Grinnell, Trick and Virginia Falls.
Backcountry campers must register at the Park Headquarters, but will find much to see on the over 700 miles of trails in the Park. It is cautioned that some trails may become impassable at higher elevations during the winter months; it is best to check with a Ranger before beginning your trip. Fishing, by the way, is excellent in the Park, making Waterton-Glacier a Park anglers flock to; a permit is required.
This is grizzly country, so be careful: these powerful creatures can run at 35 mph and may weigh anywhere between 400 to 600 pounds. It is well-advised to learn more about these creatures before setting off into the backcountry.
The official Park flower is bear grass, and is a common sight with its grass-like leaves and small white blossoms.
Vegetation:
Larch
Lodgepole pine
Spruce
Fir
Hemlock
Birch
Cottonwood
Heather lilies
Glacial lilies
Lupine
Fireweed
Indian paintbrush
Bear grass
Wildlife:
Grizzly Bears
Black bears
Moose
Beaver
Marmot
White mountain goat
Bighorn sheep
Deer
Elk (wapiti)
Golden eagles
Woodpeckers
Water ouzel
Wren
Grouse
Pipit
Bluebird
Finch
Key locations:
The Going-to-the-Sun road is a spectacle not to be missed, although it remains closed during the winter months. An engineering feat, the road crosses the Continental Divide and is the only road bisecting the Park. There is much to see along this 50-mile stretch of road which skirts the shores of McDonald and St. Mary Lakes, and, between the two lakes, crests the summit at Logan Pass. From the summit, magnificent views unfold. Along the way, be sure to explore, McDonald Falls, Avalanche Lake, Hanging Garden and Hidden Lake.
The Prince of Wales Hotel is a unique sight and is worth a stop just to take in its stately grandeur. This picturesque chalet of grand proportions commands superb views of Waterton Lakes and the surrounding mountains.
Many Glacier, named for the neighboring six glaciers hanging on surrounding mountains, borders Swiftcurrent Valley. The trails around the lakes, or futher, to Grinnell Glacier, make this area a hiker's paradise. Also from here, a trailhead begins which leads to the spectacular Redrock Falls.
From Two Medicine, take the guided tour to Twin Falls. A combination hiking and boat launch, this trip provides a view of a double-waterfall -- a stream broken into two cascades.
Activities:
Backcountry camping
Cross-country skiing
Snowshoeing
Boating
Waterskiing
Fishing
Golfing
Bicycling
Horseback riding
Mountain climbing.
Trails:
Bears Hump Trail
Cameron Lakeshore Trail
Red Rock Canyon Loop Trail
Swiftcurrent Lake Nature Trail
Water Ouzel Trail
Campsites:
Apgar Information Center
Avalanche Creek
Belly River
Bowman Lake
Crandell Mountain
Cut Bank
Kintla Lake
Many Glaciers
St. Mary Visitor Center
Townsite
Nearby Sites:
Blackfeet Indian Reservation
Flathead National Forest
Flathead Provincial Forest
Kootenai National Forest
Lewis and Clark National Forest
