Glacier Natl Park - summer '06

“embear
When are you going, we're doing the 4-pass loop and if time permits heading down to Alma to do some 14ers. If I make it back, I'll do a trip report, got snowed-out last year while at Kite lake.”

“I am going in late September....the 4-pass loop over 2 days. Let me know how it goes! I hope I wont get snowed out....”

“There you go robertr. Once you go to Glacier, you'll know exactly where to move to. LOL!

It's hands down my favorite NP. I love that balsam pine smell. mmm.”

“I'm pretty new to this site, although not new to bp'ing. I was wondering if I might join the trip? Glacier is on my life list of places to hike, along with the Tetons and others.”

“FT of course just sign up!”

“Be careful, bears in Glacier get grouchy sometimes. Here's an article of a grizzly attack that just happened in Glacier.

http://www.dailyinterlake.com/articles/2005/08/26/news/news01.txt”

“I'm also interested in going to glacier next summer,only later in the month of august for a week . One week seems to be what most can fit in. My having to drop out of last week's trip, has only made me more determined for '06. I will watch this thread.”

“I'll be sure to keep an eye on this one, and see what you plan. I could possibly do a week long trip if the dates work”

“What is the mileage on the route you discussed above - roughly? It does look very appealing on the map.

I'm considering taking two weeks myself - but reserving one week for group travel. Due to the distance and the country to cover, I'd like to spend more time there.”

“I've been meaning to go to Glacier. I was planning a trip this year, but my crew fell through (working dogs!).

I am a Sierra Club backpack leader, 48, male and live in Sonoma County, CA. I'll watch this thread, for a year.

Don”

“wonderful trip ,did it clockwise get Warren Ohlrich, 3rd edition (Aspen/Snowmass ,Trails, Hiking Trail Guide) we would have been lost a couple of times without it . Wild flowers were everwhere,seen lots of deer/elk and other smaller had wonderfull weather(No Rain for 7 days at all) if you don't get the guide here are some notes, after crossing Snowmass creek turn left at the the T after crossing a tree bridge, then you will go to the secound faint trail going left up the moutain,also there are nice lake camp sites just before Trail Rider Pass which is a real bear of a climb , two ladies and I did the trip in three days

have a nice trip,VIEWS are great

oldog”

“Hi. If your group is larger than 4 you will probably not be camping at the same sites. the park will accomodate larger groups, but they only do so for 3 groups for the entire season. If you choose to hike on the Highline you will almost certainly not be hiking together.

I would suggest exploring the Nyack. From what i hear the views aren't the greatest but you can set up camp just about anywhere.”

“Donsluck2001, where in Sonoma County? I live in the west county.”

“I'm checking my schedule and my hiking books for a hopeful addition to this trip.”

“Any of you who are still contemplating this - have you any suggestions to routes? There's a new thread someone started - between the two, there are a few routes suggested. I'm still working on it.

Let it be known that it is difficult to get permits for large groups - we may need to split into a few smaller groups for permits - then perhaps meet up when we're there.

Rob”

“Robertr --
I'm interested and will do some research. My plan was to do a week in Glacier next summer and I'm looking at taking the train out there from Chicago. I'll need to get some more info before signing up but this looks good.”

“been wanting to hike here for a long, long time....put me (and jan) down as a strong MAYBE for this trip....depending on the dates we can probably get there for a week....”

“bump, any word on this trip”

“oldog...

I took a recent hiatus on planning but am getting back to it shortly. Expect the planned route in about a week or so. I am going to check on permits this week as well.”

“Thanks ,this will be a great trip”

“Just some advice make sure you look at all the backpacking restrictions and plan at least 2 other routes. Don't let the group size get to big because everyone can not go on the same trail (Glacier limits the amount of reserved campsites). Also everyone will more than likely have to partner up for tents unless you have an odd sized group. Glacier only allows so many TENTS per site. So say a site will allow 8 people well Glacier will state only 4 tents are allowed to be placed at that site which will force groups to double up in the tents. Hope this helps on planning your trip.”

“On a note about getting your permits in early (while it is wise to do so) all the permit applications are bunched up and drawn at random. They do not do first come first served. I put in two routes last year and faxed mine in the first available day at the time the office opened. I got neither choice but because I put I would accept a different route I got one that was close to my second choice.

Also to make sure I say this all sites have a max amount to be reserved to. The rest are kept open for people that just show up and hike. So keep that in mind even if you didn't get your trip there still is the possiblity of getting it just by signing up the day of the trip.”

“I took my name off this trip since it is still such a long shot, that I'd hate to put anyone out, especially since your starting to talk about permits. I expect to see 1,000 pictures! Enjoy. I'll be thinking about you all.”

“let me try that again,

I will be glad to plan a week long trip and coordinate with the two week trip to meet up. I tried this once before and it sort of worked out. We only missed one person. (I don't remember what happened to that guy)

I will check the board every so often to see what people are saying. You can always email me if you are interested in the week trip. Clajus1@aol.com”

“I am in. First year as a full time high school teacher after a career change. Looking forward to using the summers as they should be- on the trail. Anyway, I will be driving from South Bend, IN if anyone needs aride that is on my way (or close to it). Looking forward to seeing some route info...”

“Hey BFB, I'm from Indy and might take you up on it”

“I need to go get some reading material on Glacier. When I plan a trip, I like to try and make at least one day off trail. Last time, most people followed the trail and it was me and another that went off trail. I have to say, it made the whole trip. I will post in a few weeks.”

“sounds good oldog. BFB”

“I've seen this route proposed in the past and after some research and discussion, this is what I've come up with.

Start at Many Glaciers and follow the Ptarmigan Trail north to Elizabeth Lake. Continue north to Dawn Mist Falls then head west toward Cosley Lake. Continue southwest on Stoney Indian Pass to Glennis Lake, then Mokowanis Lake. Continue on Stoney Indian Pass to the Continental Divide and follow it back south to Many Glaciers.

I don't have the total miles and campgrounds planned yet, but will be working on that. Of course, alternative routes and /or campgrounds are in the works.

Any feedback.

Rob”

“I'm definately interested in your Glacier hike.
I want to do a week long hike this summer out west and thought Glacier would be awesome. I hope I can do it. I'm a very serious maybe.”

“Were will we fly into , also any word on the permit”

“I'm told to fly into Billings and get a ride (rent, whatever) from there, about 50-70 miles, I guess??”

“Rob,

That plan looks good. I just checked out some photos of the various stops along the way. Look forward to hearing more as a solid plan comes together.

Brian”

“If I were to go, I could fly from New Orleans,LA (MSY) to Spokane, WA (GEG)for just under $300 bucks. The problem would be renting a car for two weeks. The weekely rate is only $104 but the total cost with tax and fees is listed at $404. Not too bad if you could split it two ways though. It is about 250 miles from Spokane to Glacier. All the other airports I searched were about twice the price.

Flights into Kilispell-Glacier (FCA) are a little over $600 from New Orleans. Problem then is how do you get to the trailhead without a car? Maybe a shuttle van.

http://www.fgtrans.com/shuttle.html

The chances of me getting in a week trip between late May and mid-August is almost nil anyway. I'm mister mom in the summer months. Last week of August or so look out Rockies, here I come.”

“I will be driving from California and could possibly drive North to Spokane, then East into Montana. If you're truly interested, we could talk further.

Rob”

“Hey Rob I appreciate it. It just is not likely, I could get away for two weeks in that time period. I do plan take a one or two week end of summer trip somewhere out west late August to early October. If it seems at all probable that I could make this trip, I'll definitely get back in touch.

Thanks,

Bateaux”

“Let me know when you head out west, depending upon where you go (if you want company)

Rob”

“Is this a one or two week trip, I don't think I can make a two week”

“That sounds like our route, robertr.

You'll love it. Wish I could go, but work beckons.

If you can't get the campground at the (south?) end of Elizabeth Lake, be aware that the trail to the campground further up the west side of the lake is an up and down affair. I couldn’t tell that from the topo. I thought it would be a flat walk around the edge of the lake, but steep hills come right down to the water’s edge. It made for a moderately strenuous end to the day.

Cosley Lake campground is beautiful, as is the much smaller Mokowanis Lake. The trail from Cosley to Mokowanis is pretty flat and easy. Mokowanis Lake makes a good staging area for the long, steep climb up to Stoney Indian Pass.


The Belly River country is spectacular. Enjoy your trip.”

“word to the wise. i have hiked numerous times in glacier. it is awesome. some of the camp sites you have chosen dont open until late july. also some of them are very popular and fill up fast. make sure....really make sure you get your permit application in early. by april 1st i think. you should call the backcountry office and confirm.

if you are out more than 5-7 (forget which) days you will need to renew your permit along the way. you can do that along the way. at goat haunt, two medicine, and probably belly river and maybe other ranger stations also.

you need to fly into kalispell not billings. kalispell is only 20-25 miles from apgar which is where you would get your permits.

get the book by eric molvar and also topo maps. in those mountains a 10 mile day is big. keep it 5-10 miles perday.”

“This trip is looking sooo awesome. Wish I could get away for 2 weeks. :(”

“I just got my book on Glacier. I will check out the your route. Somehow I will need to cut the trip into a week long hike.

Have you thought of firm dates as to when you are going in and getting out.

I am thinking about driving from Ohio. If there is anyone I can pick up, let me know.”

“I've actually reconsidered but didn't realize I didn't post it. I'm planning a 7-8 day hike, but going to take 2 weeks off to drive as well as venture into other areas along the way (possibly drive down to the Tetons for a couple days).

I have been working on permits - I'll post more detail by the end of the weekend.

Songbyrd - I'll consider only a week and a half (the drive plus 7 days in the backcountry) if you'd like to ride with me. I know you're good company (and can hold a tent up for hours in 100 mph winds).

Rob”

“Thanks for proposing the route - seems it's recommended by others as well. Do you remember what your mileage was? I haven't calculated it yet - awaiting additional resources. Approximately would be great.

Thanks,
Rob”

“Permits are available April 1st. It may be wise to break up into groups of 4 or so and have one person in each group apply for a permit. We could always meet up on the trail in the morning or evening should we get different campsites.

I highly doubt that many people will go through with this. I did the Tahoe Rim Trail last year with numerous people interested in it's conception, but I ended up going solo.

Rob”

“Rob, youve got mail.”

“I live on the west side of Indy and would be willing to share the cost of gas and help with the drive .That will be a long drive”

“I have our trip itinerary SOMEWHERE. But I’m in the process of reorganizing my home office and my files are a mess.

I’ve got my books so I can figure approximate mileage and my impressions. I usually try to plan my trips around 7-8 mile day averages. Because we didn’t want to stay out longer than 7 days, we pushed a couple of days.




This trip is described, beginning on page 162, as The Northern Circle in the book, Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park (a complete recreation guide) by Vicky Spring. I also found these books helpful:

Hiking Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks (Erik Molvar)
Guide to the Continental Divide Trail. Volume 1: Northern Montana (James R. Wolf)
Hiking Montana (Bill & Russ Schneider)
Montana Handbook including glacier national park (W.C. McRae & Judy Jewell)
Best easy day hikes Glacier & Waterton Lakes (Erik Molvar)


The Northern Circle
Total miles: 55.8
Elevation gain: 8108 ft
Hiking time: 5-7 days

From Many Glacier to Lake Elizabeth head (foot campground is 9.8 miles from Many Glacier): about 11.4 miles and a strenuous day. We couldn’t get the campground at the foot of the lake. Being at a crossroads, apparently it fills fast. Pick the campsite further up the lake for your second choice on your permit.

From Lake Elizabeth to Cosley Lake: Approx. 6 miles. An easy day.

From Cosley Lake to Mokowanis Lake: Approx. 6.2 miles. The trail doesn’t have a lot of ups and downs. It’s an easy day.

From Mokowanis Lake to Stoney Indian Pass: Approx. 7.1 miles. It looked like a ball-buster but I can’t help you here because I took a different route out while my two companions hiked on.

From Stoney Indian Pass to Fifty Mountain campground: Approx. 8.1 miles.

From Fifty Mountain campground to Granite Park: Approx. 11.9 miles.

From Granite Park to Many Glacier: Approx. 7.9 miles.





If you can make it, you REALLY, REALLY need to stay at the Many Glacier Lodge. It’s a little pricey for its rundown condition, but it’s a spectacular place. The four (?) story lobby, with huge tree columns, provides one of the great National Park hotel experiences. The second story porch looks out over the lake right in front of the hotel. There are mountains all around. If you bring a pair of binoculars out onto the porch you may be able to spot grizzlies feeding on the mountain slopes. It has the most spectacular view I’ve ever seen from ANY hotel in the world. We stayed there before and after the hike.

Lake McDonald Lodge is nice but lacks the spectacular views of Many Glacier. DON’T MISS DRIVING GOING TO THE SUN ROAD. No matter which direction you come from, you’ve got to drive the entire road. And take your sweet time doing it.

We also took a dayhike to Mt. Siyeh. There we were, seven miles from the car, in an open field with a full grown Grizzly. It was one of the most spectacular moments of my life.




I’ve also some recommendations (and books) for the Wind River Range if you decide to go there as well.
last edited: 1/18/06 8:51:35 PM”

“I am a definite for this trip and am in South Bend, IN. I am also willing to drive/ride with a group. BFB”

“Hey I would like to jump in on this trip if it is okay, Oldog I am in Milwaukee so we could carpool”