Sunday, May 16, 2021

Glacier National Park, MT

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED: 9,777

Montana’s Glacier National Park preserves 1 million acres of glacier-carved peaks and valleys, pristine turquoise lakes and streams, and dense ancient forests. It is an enchanted wilderness that will instantly uplift your spirit.

Here are some fun facts about Glacier:

1. Glacier National Park is a part of the world’s first international peace park. The vision for a park was to celebrate peace and friendship between the United States and Canada.

2. Glacier straddles the Continental Divide, allowing for extreme weather. That’s because the opposing Pacific and Arctic airs meet at the Divide, creating a dramatic clash of weather. In one instance just outside the park’s eastern boundary in Browning, Montana, the temperature was noted as dropping 100 degrees in just 24 hours.

3. Going-to-the-Sun Road is a spectacular marvel and a must see. Going-to-the-Sun Road connects the east and west sides through the middle of the park, crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. Covering 50 miles of awe-inspiring landscapes, glaciers, and cascading waterfalls, this drive is certainly a quintessential part of visiting Glacier.

4. Evidence of human use in the area dates back over 12,000 years. Archeological evidence shows human occupation of this landscape dating back to the retreat of the Ice Age glaciers 12,000 years ago. These mountains still hold spiritual significance for the local Blackfeet, Salish, and Kootenai Tribes.

5. The largest glacier in the park is 0.7 square miles. Of the 26 glaciers present, Blackfoot Glacier is the largest glacier in the park.

6. Glacier’s wildlife has hardly changed since it was first discovered. Home to 71 species of mammals, Glacier’s ecosystem has essentially remained intact and undisturbed. This is mostly because of its large acreage and early protection efforts, but nonetheless the park’s preservation of species since early European explorations is quite impressive.

7. Lake McDonald is a favorite. Ten miles long and nearly 500 feet deep, Lake McDonald is the largest lake in the park. The clear blue lake is surrounded by high peaks, making it a picturesque spot. It’s most striking feature: the lake’s colored rocks in shades of red, green, and blue.

Source: doi.gov

Photo Gallery

Click image to enlarge.

Video Gallery

Travel with us:

Travel Diary

Travel

This is a daily log and photos of what we’re up to.

Day 66: New Orleans, LA

Jan 1, 2021

Friday, January 1, 2021New Orleans, LAODOMETER: 81,630 | MILES TRAVELED: 3,685 by GrantIt’s a quiet start to the day. Jack and Ellie are sleeping in and Jana and I decide to take a walk down to the riverfront. New Orleans is relatively quiet as it nurses its...

Day 65: Jack’s 16th Birthday and NYE | New Orleans, LA

Dec 31, 2020

Thursday, December 31, 2020Jack's 16th Birthday & NYE | New Orleans, LAODOMETER: 81,630 | MILES TRAVELED: 3,685 by GrantIt is New Years Eve, but more importantly it is Jack’s Birthday! He is 16 today and Jana and I could not be more proud of the fine young...

Day 64: Travel Day: Navarre Beach, FL to New Orleans, LA

Dec 30, 2020

Wednesday, December 30, 2020Travel Day | Navarre Beach, FL to New Orleans, LAODOMETER: 81,630 | TODAY'S MILES: 229 | MILES TRAVELED: 3,685 by GrantThe dogs LOVED the beach park in the morning. We usually have to keep them on leash because of the number of dogs...