Glacier National Park: 9 Things You Didn't Know

President William Taft signed a bill creating Glacier National Park into law on May 11, 1910. Montana's Glacier, the country's tenth national park, protects 1 million acres of glacier-carved peaks and valleys, beautiful blue lakes and streams, and deep old woods. As we commemorate the Crown of the Continent, learn more about this magnificent national park.

1. Glacier National Park is a part of the world’s first international peace park. A park was envisioned to commemorate peace and friendship between the United States and Canada. The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park was established in 1932 in Alberton, Canada, by combining Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks. In terms of preservation, fire management, and research, the parks now work together flawlessly. Learn more about the international designations given to Glacier.
2. The Continental Divide is straddled by the Glacier, allowing for harsh weather. Because the opposing Pacific and Arctic airs collide at the Divide, a dramatic weather battle occurs. A temperature decrease of 100 degrees in just 24 hours was recorded just outside the park's eastern edge in Browning, Montana. Bring rain gear and additional clothing if you're going to the park for the day.
3. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a breathtaking sight to behold and a must-see on every journey to Glacier. The Going-to-the-Sun Road runs across the park, connecting the east and west sides and crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. This 50-mile drive through awe-inspiring scenery, glaciers, and gushing waterfalls is unquestionably a highlight of your trip.

 

4. The area has been used by humans for over 12,000 years. Human habitation of this landscape can be traced back to the retreat of Ice Age glaciers 12,000 years ago, according to archaeological data. For the local Blackfeet, Salish, and Kootenai tribes, these mountains still carry spiritual significance.
5. Over 100 million people have visited Glacier National Park. The park's yearly attendance has been steadily increasing over the last five years, reaching a peak of 2,946,681 in 2016. Glacier has come a long way since 1911 when only 4,000 people visit each year.
6. The park's greatest glacier covers 0.7 square miles. The park's greatest glacier, Blackfoot Glacier, is the largest of the park's 26 glaciers. Discover how glaciers shaped the park's landscape.

 

7. There is nearly 700 km of hiking routes on the Glacier. Over half of tourists to Glacier National Park take to the trails to take in some of the park's spectacular scenery. There is something for everyone, with options for both long backpacking adventures and shorter hikes. Hiking isn't your cup of tea? There’s a lot to do at Glacier, from biking and fishing to cross-country skiing and red bus trips.
8. The wildlife of the Glacier hasn't altered much since it was discovered. Glacier's environment, which is home to 71 animal species, has largely stayed intact and unspoiled. This is primarily due to its huge size and early conservation efforts, but the park's success in preserving species since early European discoveries is noteworthy.
9. Lake McDonald's is a popular tourist destination. Lake McDonald is the park's largest lake, measuring ten miles long and approximately 500 feet deep. In a gorgeous setting, the crystal blue lake is flanked by lofty peaks. The lake's colored rocks in colors of red, green, and blue are its most remarkable feature. Take a look at Glacier and see what else there is to see.

 

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK WEATHER
The weather in Glacier National Park varies dramatically throughout the year. Rainfall is heaviest in the park's western reaches, but it can fall at any time and in any location. In the summer, high temperatures can reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit, while low temperatures can drop to 20 degrees Fahrenheit or even lower. The east side of Glacier National Park receives a lot of sun and has a lot of wind.
CAMPING AND TOURS
Glacier National Park offers a variety of camping options, with 13 separate campgrounds and a total of 1,000 campsites. There are several campgrounds to choose from, including two rustic sites.
Official excursions are offered, and visitors taking official Glacier National Park tours can take advantage of scheduled transportation between park lodges. There are also guided tours available from outside firms that are not affiliated with the park. Bring a Glacier National Park Map with you when you visit or camp in the park, and ask park rangers for safety advice.
WILDLIFE IN THE PARK
Mountain goats, wolves, grizzly bears, and wolverines are among the mammal species found in Glacier National Park. The park is home to about 300 kinds of birds, including golden eagles, and offers excellent birdwatching possibilities. Glacier is also regarded for having some of the best fly fishing in North America, and while there are limitations, fishing in Glacier National Park does not require a permit.