Glacier Itinerary: Any Comments?

“I just found out that me and some old college buddies got our backcountry trip in Glacier. Woohooo!! Having never been there, I was hoping to get an idea of what to expect.

Here's what we got:

7/25 - Elizbeth Lake FT
7/26 - Gable Creek
7/27 - Glenn Lake HD
7/28 - Kootenai Lake
7/29 - Goat Haunt Ranger Station

Any thoughts or comments on these sites would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!”

“Looks great, make sure you plan ahead with the any alternative sites you might use in case any of the assigned ones are closed when you get there.”

“Do you have permits”

“yea, we have permits.”

“You will have a great time.

But thanks for reminding me why I stay away from National Parks. Permits, assigned camping spots? Are these required in Glazier everywhere or just in the popular areas? I don’t care for crowds and 3 other people within a mile of me is a crowd to me once I am away from the trailhead. I will be doing most of this summers backpacking in the Frank. No fees, no permits, no people and much with no decent trails.”

“You only need them for backcountry camping.
And yes, i agree permits suck. but i understand their importance in maintaining the parks natural environment. And its nice to know that the sites/trails won't be over-run with people.”

“Kootenai is a cool spot! Last summer we saw moose mamma with youngster and a family of swan on Kootenai Lake.”

“I haven't been to any of those spots so I can't comment on your itinerary. But, I am jealous. Glacier was my first backpacking trip and I absolutely loved the place.

I don't like crowds so much myself. But, the camping areas are pretty small, at least where we stayed, so the crowds were minimal (three tent pads on night one). And, we were able to meet and have dinner w/ some very kind, interesting folks that night. So, it wasn't all that bad.

Enjoy your trip!”

“Okay dammit... I'm getting impatient. I haven't heard anything about my permits yet. I have money... Koomer, any interest in selling that Elizabeth Lake FT site LOL.

Rob

Olddog... I'll let you know as soon as I hear something.”

“yea, i think we got lucky considering we have a "large group" (9 people), supposedly they only give 5 large group permits a year.

We had already bought our airfare so i was sweatin-balls that we were gonna have to be tourons for the week.”

“Just as good, perhaps.... we may do 4-5 individual hikes should we not get the permit. That will give us the chance to see more areas in the park - but of course will be restricted to 16-18 mile days at best.

rob”

“so ,the trip will still happen, permits or not”

“I sure hope so. I'm not letting some dumb permit stop me! My other buddy in Indiana is a bit more interested in wandering the park as opposed to a set loop.

I'm game for either. What I'll do - and you can as well if you like - is start looking at some day hikes. I should hear over the next few days since a few people have already.

Rob”

“We'll be in Glacier the same time. I'll be the one on the trail with the shirt that says "Got Koomer" - stop and say hello.

Rob”

“ha, i'll keep an eye out for you. did you get your permits yet? if so what's your iternary?”