For years, hubby and I have wanted to visit Glacier National Park. Twice we even attempted to visit. Once we diverted due to thunderstorms and bad weather. The second time a raging fire was sweeping through the park making the air hardly breathable. So when we thrice again planned our visit Glacier we were determined to make it stick. And we succeeded!
However, our previous plans had always imagined us backpacking through the wilderness and taking in Glacier's stunning scenery in peaceful solitude far from the masses of tourists and the crying of small children. But, as you already know if you've been reading this blog, that vision was not to be realized -- at least not this time around.
Instead, we opted to invite our niece (age 6) and nephew (age 8) along for some quality Auntie/Uncle time in the good ole out-of-doors. With me recovering from two broken feet, having two smallish kids along expunged my guilt over not being able to hike far or fast. That is, the kids provided a handy limiting factor for distance and speed.... Although, truth be told, sometimes I held up the crew.
So, in anticipation that you too may be interested in exploring Glacier at a somewhat less challenging pace, I'm sharing here our itinerary in hopes that it might inspire others to take their kids (or someone else's kids--with proper permission of course!) to visit the majestic landscape that is Glacier National Park.
Day 1: Arrive in Glacier National Park via West Glacier!
Camp at Fish Creek (last spot available!)
Swim in and Sail on Lake McDonald
Day 2: Hike to Avalanche Lake
Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass
Build snowman and play in snow at Logan Pass
Play in hammocks and camp at Avalanche Creek
Day 3: Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road to St. Mary Lake
View Jackson Glacier from the road
Camp at Rising Sun
Sail on St. Mary Lake
Day 4: Hike to St. Mary & Virginia Falls
Attend Ranger-led programs for kids and laugh
Camp again at Rising Sun
Day 5: Drive to Many Glacier and check out lodge
Sail on Sherbourne Lake
View wildlife through spotting scope
Camp at Many Glacier
Day 6: Hike to Redrock Falls
Play in Redrock Lake
Drive to and ogle Two Medicine Lake
Exit via East Glacier and call it a successful adventure!
If you haven't been to Glacier yet, I encourage you to give it a go! And in case you suck at making reservations like we do, no need to stress.... most of the campgrounds are first-come anyway.
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