WILDFLOWERS, WILDERNESS and WILDLIFE Lakes

Home , Logan Pass

Glacier National Park is a ruggedly beautiful wilderness TO ENJOY THE PARK SAFETY PRECAUTIONS How to Reach Glacier famous for its glaciers, lakes, wildflowers, and wild National Park animals. It is a land of sharp, precipitous peaks and . . . Utilize Its Interpretive Hiking and climbing pre The park is on U.S. 2 and glacier The mountain goat—not a true Programs cautions. Accidents in the knife-edged ridges girdled with evergreen forests and goat but an antelope related to 89 and near U.S. 91 and 93. luxuriant wildflower meadows. Alpine glaciers lie in the the European chamois—is a The National Park Service mountains, even minor ones, shadow of towering walls at the heads of ice-carved marvelousiy sure-footed encourages you to become may have serious or fatal Airline service is available valleys. Streams flow northeast to Hudson Bay, south inhabitant of the crags acquainted with the park consequences. Severe to Great Falls, Montana, 230 above tree line, where it through its guided walks, east to the Gulf of Mexico, and westward to the Pacific. feeds on a variety storms come quickly, even kilometers (143 miles) south of vegetation. campfire programs, and in summer, with attendant east of the park and Visitors come to this park on the border of Canada to other activities. These ac The white-tailed ptarmi exposure to low tempera Kalispell, Montana, 32 kilo enjoy scenery, wildlife, and solitude. A vast network of tivities begin in mid-June gan, here seen in full tures, rain, snow, sleet, and meters (20 miles) west. foot and horse trails invites hikers and riders to ven and extend through August; summer plumage against lightning. All hikers and some weekend activities are a snow bank, feeds on the ture far from the roadsides to experience the pleasures leaves of willow and climbers should observe the Buses (connecting with of unspoiled nature. usually conducted in late alpine fir above tree line. following precautions: transcontinental buslines at May and in September and Great Falls and Missoula) A ROMANCE IN ROCKS October. Schedules are at Never climb alone. Regis and Amtrak stop at East all ranger stations and visi To understand the "personality" of Glacier, you must ter before and after the Glacier Park and West Gla tor centers. ... Stay In Its Campgrounds look to the geological past. The rocks that now loom so climb. Avoid steep snow- cier (Belton) Stations. Both Paved park roads provide loftily in Glacier were deposited as sediments more fields. Carry proper equip train and bus service is access to eight of Glacier's than a billion years ago. Be sure to see the orienta ment. Don't overestimate limited, and the stations are tion film and exhibits at the campgrounds—Apgar, Ava your physical ability. Start lanche Creek, Fish Creek, For millions of years thick beds of ooze solidified into St. Mary Visitor Center (open early. Avoid open high Many Glacier, Rising Sun, limestone; later sediments covered the limestone and late May to mid-October) . . . Fish Its Streams and ridges and peaks during St. Mary, Two Medicine, and became mudstone, and these in turn were overlaid with and exhibits at Apgar In Lakes lightning. Turn back in ad Sprague Creek. Trailer space sediments that compacted into additional limestone. formation Center (late May If you are an angler, you will verse weather. Move cau is provided in all except These strata show as streaks on the sides of Glacier's through mid-September) welcome the seclusion that tiously on steep or rocky Sprague Creek (tents only). 300-meter-high (1,000 foot) precipices. and Logan Pass Visitor Cen characterizes most of Gla areas. Do not allow children One of the special things about a national park is the All have fireplaces, tables, ter (mid-June to mid-Sep cier's lakes and streams. to run downhill. opportunity to see wild animals in their native environ sanitary facilities, and cold About 70 million years ago, stresses in the earth's crust tember). Twenty-two kinds of fishes ment rather than in cages. Seeing a moose feeding in running water; there are no acted on the deeply buried mudstones, sandstones, and have thrived here because Pets are not allowed on a swamp or a bear foraging in a meadow is an adven utility connections. limestones of the old sea bottom. As the tensions and ture for anyone. But in our excitement and desire for a ... Ride a Bicycle of the natural foods avail trails or in areas not acces strains became acute, the rock was warped and finally better look, we often forget that we are in a wild en Bicycling in Glacier can be able and the nearly constant sible to automobiles. In If you desire more solitude broken; the western part, a thousand meters thick, slid vironment where the animals are not dependent upon fun, but some roads are temperature of the waters. areas where they are per and quiet, consider a camp over the eastern. The pressures continued for millions man for food—until we inadvertently make them that narrow and winding and The most memorable ex mitted, they must be kept ground along a gravel road of years until a gigantic 500-kilometer-long (300-mile) way. Think about it: every cracker tossed out takes have little or no shoulder. periences are provided by on a leash. where only fireplaces, section of the earth's crust had been moved more than away a bit of the wildness and freedom of an animal. As a result, the use of bi angling for native cutthroat tables, and pit toilets are 60 kilometers (37 miles) to the east, capping young Whether squirrel or bear, an animal spoiled by visitors cycles is restricted in some and Dolly Varden trout. Wild animals are unpredict provided—River, Bowman rock with strata more than 1 billion years old. This same is reduced to the antics of a caged animal craving some areas. Details are available able and can be dangerous. Creek, Bowman Lake, Cut process created other mountain systems throughout the attention. Did you travel all the way to Glacier just to at all ranger stations. Glacier has many good fish All wild animals will protect Bank, Kintla Lake, Logging world; few overthrusts, however, have been as great as see another zoo animal? ing lakes and many miles of themselves, their young, and Creek, and Quartz Creek. this—the Lewis Overthrust of Glacier. swift-flowing streams. Rain their territories from danger. Because the roads are nar Some rules have been established to assure your safety bow, brook, and cutthroat Potential conflict between row and rough, campers The carving of the park's rugged landscape was princi and that of the wild animals and to protect park values. trout occur in Swiftcurrent, you and wild animals can should inquire at a ranger pally the work of glaciers during the last three million It is unlawful to feed or molest any animal. Hunting is Josephine, and Grinnell be reduced if you take the station before attempting to years. The moving ice deepened the main valleys and not allowed; in fact, possession of any device designed Lakes, as well as in the following precautions: pull a trailer or camper- cut back the base of the cliffs to form U-shaped valley to discharge missiles and capable of injuring or de lakes of Upper Swiftcurrent pickup into those areas. profiles. Tributary valleys were not worn as deep and stroying animal life is prohibited. All natural features— Valley in the Many Glacier Keep your campsite and thus have become hanging valleys over which streams plants, animals, even the rocks—are protected by area and the Middle and your equipment clean, and Rugged Red Eagle and Mahtotopa plunge, sometimes a hundred meters, to the floor of the law. There are no poisonous snakes in the park; and North Forks of the Flathead A few rules are necessary, keep all food sealed in con Mountains loom over St. Mary Accommodations main valley below. Glacial ice, by plucking away the other animals are not apt to harm you, if you do not River on the park's south for your comfort and safety Lake and Going-to-the-Sun Road Hotels, lodges, and cabins tainers to reduce odors that east of Logan Pass. mountainside, has formed huge amphitheaters, called approach them. and west boundaries. as well as for park protec would attract animals. are available, both in the cirques, at high elevations. In many of these cirques, tion. Build fires only in the park and at locations ad fireplaces provided. Make recent glaciers can be seen still performing the same GLACIER'S HUMAN STORY A free folder on regulations When photographing wild jacent to it. Accommoda sure fires are out and cold kind of work, on a smaller scale, as their predecessors. Legends of the Blackfeet and Kutenai (Flathead) tribes entitled Fish and Fishing in animals, use a telephoto tions in the park are before you leave the camp operated by Glacier Park, indicate that they long held this area in awe and knew Glacier National Park is lens instead of trying to get outside the park. Transpor ground. Pour water on your Inc. Information on rates, Thus, the mountains and valleys of the park tell a story of Lake McDonald and St. Mary Lake. Over present park available upon request. A close. tation to and within the park fires before you leave. opening dates, types of of great oceans millions of years ago; of gigantic forces trails came western Indians to hunt bison on the plains, license is not required to for those arriving via public accommodations, and serv which elevated, crumpled, and broke the earth's sur and in the cool mountain uplands they fished, hunted, fish in the park. Never try to feed any wild transportation is limited. Iceberg Lake nestles in a A digest of camping regula ices may be obtained from face; of the ceaseless erosion of the mountains by and found relief from the summer heat. basin below Mount Wilbur animals. Unless you are traveling on and Iceberg Peak, near tions is available at Park Glacier Park, Inc. (May 15 streams and their modification by vast glaciers; of the prearranged tours, intra- Many Glacier Hotel. Headquarters, entrance sta to September 15 write: East melting and recession of the great glaciers that had Today the Kutenai live on a reservation southwest of Do not approach bears or park travel on buses of Gla tions, ranger stations, visitor Glacier Park, MT 59434; formed the broad, U-shaped valleys. The valleys, in turn, the park, the Blackfeet on a reservation just to the east any other animals. Such ac cier Park, Inc., is on a space- centers, and information September 15 to May 15 were partially filled with water, forming the lakes for of the park. The Kutenai once controlled a vast area ... Go Horseback Riding tions will be interpreted as available basis. Rental cars centers. write: P.O. Box 4340, Tuc which Glacier National Park is so well known. immediately east of the Rocky Mountains but were Scheduled horse trips rang aggressive behavior. should be arranged for in driven west and over the mountains by the Blackfeet. son, AZ 85717). Reserva ing from two hours to all day advance. Unlike many western and Plains tribes, the Blackfeet . . . Take Its Trails tions are advised; deposits are operated out of Many Bears often become danger have no clearcut record of migration or origin. An auto or bus tour of the are required. Glacier, Lake McDonald ous when surprised. An park can be exciting and Forest Fire Management Lodge area, and Apgar. For nounce your presence by Program A clue to their origin is their language, one of the Algon- rewarding. But to appreciate persons bringing their own using a small bell or by Lightning-caused forest fires • quian family spoken by many North American Indian stock, Glacier's Backcoun- fully the park's grandeur, to Y.GPO 1975 585 437 58 talking or singing when on are a natural and necessary For sale by the Superintendent of Documents tribes. From this evidence and certain legends, students try Map & Trail Guide, a experience the sense of US GovernmentPrintinyOff.ee trails. part of forest life. Areas of Indian culture deduce that this once great nation peaceful solitude it offers, Washington D C 20402 free folder providing restric adapted to natural cycles of migrated from the east, probably through the Lake Listen for the whistle of you must sample the back tions and regulations, is the hoary marmot, a dwell burning and regrowth are States into southern Canada, and spread southward country. Leave your car and Vehicles are not allowed on available. er of talus slopes and prime habitat for many wild into eastern Montana, driving lesser tribes before them. take the time for a half-day trails or off the roads. alpine meadows near tree life species including elk This Indian nation now resides on four reservations in line. hike at least. With a back . . . Take a Boat and deer. Glacier National southern Alberta and northern Montana, gradually losing packing outfit, a reasonably While safe and well de Boating is permitted on signed, the Going-to-the- Park was established in the ways of their forefathers and taking on modern . . . See It In Winter good pair of legs, and some Glacier's waters. Motorboats Sun Road is narrow and part to preserve the various dress and the English language. At Browning, 21 kilo Winter use is encouraged for time you can reach remote are permitted only on Kintla, winding as it ascends the ecosystems present by al meters (13 miles) east of East Glacier, a museum is those who enjoy the out-of- parts of the park the car- Bowman, McDonald, Water- Garden Wall toward Logan lowing natural processes to maintained by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Depart doors in snow. Park roads borne traveler is not even ton, Sherburne, St. Mary, Pass. Vehicles wider than occur. Soon lightning- ment of the Interior, to interpret the customs and ways remain unplowed in winter, aware of. More than 1120 A cow moose and her and Two Medicine Lakes. 2.5 meters (8 feet), includ caused forest fires may be Going-to-the-Sun Road at Logan of life of the Plains Indian. except for the Going-to-the- kilometers (700 miles) of calf feed on aquatic Pass reaches an altitude of Motor size is limited to 10 trails await the explorer of ing mirrors or extensions, or allowed to burn themselves vegetation. Sun Road between Park 2,026 meters. h.p. or less on Kintla, Bow this wilderness. vehicles in a combination of out, providing they do not The area of the park was probably seen by members of Headquarters and Lake Mc man, and Two Medicine units longer than 9 meters endanger human life and Sperry and Granite Park the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1806, but it was not Donald Lodge. Over-the- WILDFLOWERS, WILDERNESS AND WILDLIFE Lakes. Boats can be rented (30 feet) are prohibited on property. Chalets are open for the explored by frontiersmen until 1846 when Hugh Monroe, snow vehicles are permitted All backcountry travelers Because of Glacier's size and range in elevation, a wide at Many Glacier, Apgar, Two Going-to-the-Sun Road be use of backcountry travel a Canadian trapper, visited St. Mary Lake. In the 1850s on selected unplowed road who intend to have a fire or variety of plant and animal life finds suitable habitats Medicine, and the Lake tween Avalanche Creek and Man-caused fires, however, ers from July 1 through railroad surveyors made tentative explorations into the ways. Ski touring and snow- to camp overnight must ob within its boundaries. Only the hardiest plants and ani McDonald Lodge area. When Rising Sun Campgrounds are undesirable since they Labor Day. Both are acces mountains. shoeing are becoming more tain a Backcountry Camp mals are able to survive the alpine environment on the boating in Glacier keep alert during July and August. Be do not follow any natural sible by trail only. Sperry popular every year. For ing Permit. This permit can windblown mountain summits; lower, in the westside for weather changes. Moun fore July 1 and after August cyclic pattern. Such fires Chalet is a steep 10.5 kilo those interested in winter be obtained from any ranger valleys, luxuriant Pacific-type forests support a large tain storms can be sudden 31, vehicles with a maxi can have a devastating ef meters (6.5 miles) from activities, write to the park or at any information center and diverse plant-and-animal community. Plains on the and severe. Always carry ap mum length of 10.5 meters fect when they occur in Lake McDonald Lodge; for more detailed informa during summer. In winter Atlantic drainage side of the Continental Divide provide proved lifesaving devices. (35 feet) and a width of 2.5 areas not adapted to fire. Granite Park Chalet is a tion. There are no accom and generally in late fall an expansive view of grassy, flower-covered meadows meters (8 feet) may travel PLEASE BE CAREFUL relatively level 12 kilometers modations within the park and early spring it is neces that are a soft contrast to the rugged defiles seen in the Excursion boat cruises are the road over Logan Pass. WITH FIRE. (7.6 miles) from Logan Pass. during the winter months. sary to go to Park Head distance. offered at Many Glacier, For rates and reservations Rising Sun, Waterton Lake, Motel accommodations and quarters or to St. Mary contact Belton Chalets, Ranger Station to obtain the The eastern slopes, more exposed to cold winds and Two Medicine, and Lake dining facilities are provided West Glacier, MT 59936, permit. These permits are receiving less moisture, have open forests of Engelmann McDonald Lodge. in nearby communities. PROHIBITED PERMISSIBLE 406-888-5511. issued on a "first come" spruce, subalpine fir, lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, and The bighorn lives on high, open slopes in summer, where like basis, and no earlier than limber pine. The western slopes, benefiting from warmer, Privately operated camp the mountain goat it feeds on 24 hours before departure moister Pacific winds, have denser forests of larch, grounds with utility hookups both woody and herbaceous time. fir, spruce, and lodgepole; and in the Lake McDonald plants. It moves to lower eleva are near Glacier National Valley redcedar and hemlock. tions in winter. Park; campgrounds within Trails at lower elevations the park do not have hook The park's brilliant floral displays begin in early spring are usually open by mid- ups. and progress up the mountainside as the snow recedes, Efforts to preserve the natural wonders of Glacier as a June, but many of the high country passes may not be culminating in the unrivalled alpine summer show. They national park really began in 1885 when George Bird ADMINISTRATION are most accessible near Logan Pass, along Going-to- Grinnell, ardent naturalist, conservationist, and editor free of snow until late July. Glacier National Park is adminis the-Sun Road. These high-altitude wildflowers must of Forest and Stream, became captivated with the re tered by the National Park Service, survive in a severe climate with only a few summer gion. Returning annually for many years, he saw the All hikers are advised to U.S. Department of the Interior. months in which to grow. Some plants to look for in the possibilities of the area as a park. For 25 years he stay on marked trails and to A superintendent, whose address is West Glacier, MT 59936, is in alpine gardens are heather, gentian, beargrass, glacier labored courageously to have it set aside, contending avoid crossing steep snow DETACHABLE MIRRORS WE'RE JOINING THE METRIC banks. immediate charge. lily, and stunted subalpine fir. against the opposition of those who wished to further extending more than 15 WORLD The National Park Service is in their private interests and the arguments of congres centimeters (6 inches) be As the Nation's principal conser troducing metric measurements Beargrass, a beautiful, showy member of the lily family sional committees. At campgrounds build fires vation agency, the Department of yond the side fender line of in its publications to help Ameri only in the fireplaces pro the Interior has responsibility for and a characteristic plant of Glacier, provides a spec the motor vehicle must cans become acquainted with the vided. Self-contained stoves most of our nationally owned pub tacle beginning in June on the valley floors and reach Finally, in the spring of 1910, after previously rejecting metric system and to make inter be removed except when lic lands and natural resources. ing the higher slopes in August. At lower elevations two bills to make the area a national park, Congress (not wood fires) are recom pretation more meaningful for actually towing a second This includes fostering the wisest occur representatives of the Great Plains flora—pas passed a bill establishing Glacier National Park. mended and are required at park visitors from other nations. many backcountry sites. vehicle. use of our land and water re queflower, shooting star, Indian paintbrush, red and President Taft signed it on May 11. sources, protecting our fish and white geraniums, gaillardia, and asters. Make sure fires are out and Trailers may be parked tem wildlife, preserving the environ But this area is more than a national park. Trails cross cold before leaving camp. mental and cultural values of our porarily at Rising Sun on You can do your part to help perserve the park's fragile the international boundary; the distribution of the na national parks and historical the east side or in regular plant communities by staying on the trails. Admire the tive plants and animals shows that ecological rather Pets are not permitted on places, and providing for the campgrounds on either side enjoyment of life through out flowers—but do not pick them. than political boundaries control them; a glacier has trails. of the park while you drive door recreation. The Department carved one valley in two nations; and the Rocky Moun Three men hike the trail to to the other side and return. assesses our energy and mineral Glacier's wildlife includes the bighorn, mountain goat, tains are a single physiographic unit and a great scenic Mount Lincoln. Oversized vehicles and resources and works to assure moose, wapiti (American elk), grizzly and black bears, resource spanning two nations. With this in mind, Rotary that their development is in the trailers must go via U.S. and white-tailed and mule deer, all living in a natural International promoted the idea of a U.S.-Canadian best interests of all our people. environment relatively untouched by man. The beaver, park. In 1932 the Waterton-Glacier International Peace 2 to get from one side of The Department also has a maior hoary marmot, river otter, marten, pika, and other Park, comprising Glacier National Park in the United the park to the other. responsibility for American Indian smaller mammals are important members of Glacier's States and Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada, reservation communities and for fauna. Among the more noticeable birds are the osprey, was established by Presidential proclamation, as au Please do not hold up the people who live in Island Ter ritories under U.S. administration. water ouzel, ptarmigan, Clark's nutcracker, thrushes, thorized by the United States Congress and the Cana traffic behind you. Take ad and sparrows. dian Parliament. vantage of scenic turnouts. National Park Service U.S.DEPARTMENTOFTHE INTERIOR DRIVING GLACIER'S ROADS

A hurried trip across the park winter is that between West more primitive campgrounds. between sunup and dusk, Glacier and Lake McDonald This is the place for quiet and though a scenic treat, will Lodge. solitude! hardly be a good introduction to Glacier—much less give The following are scenic park The North Fork Road is a you an understanding of its routes that branch off main narrow gravel road from Fish natural and human history. highways: Creek Campground to the Take the time to enjoy the North Fork area. Primitive park's tranquil forests and Picturesque Chief Mountain campgrounds are located beautiful lakes, to see its Internationa/ Highway climbs along the route to Kintla Lake, famed wildlife. Heed the over glacial debris and where the North Fork Road words of Scottish-born natu through aspen groves with ends. ralist, mountaineer, and con Chief Mountain as a beacon servationist John Muir, who on one side. As the road The Camas Creek Road leads said, after a visit to Glacier, crosses the international from Apgar through forested "Give a month at least to this boundary to Waterton Lakes land and past a moose precious reserve. The time National Park in Canada, it swamp, providing alternative HIKING DISTANCES (oneway) offers a clear view of 3,190- access to the North Fork area. will not be taken from the Here is a partial list of hikes from a few hours up to a day: sum of your life. Instead of meter high (10,466-foot) shortening, it will indefinitely Mount Cleveland, Glacier's U.S. Highway 2 follows the from to kilometers mile Grinnell Glacier (B.N) 8.0 5.0 lengthen it and make you highest peak. southern boundary of the Many Glacier Hotel Cracker Lake 9.6 6.0 truly immortal." park between the towns of around Swiftcurrent Lake (S) 2.6 1.6 The Two Medicine Road East Glacier Park and West Swiftcurrent Campstore Iceberg Lake (N) 8.0 5.0 The Going-to-the-Sun Road, leaves Montana Highway 49 Glacier, a distance of 90 kilo Red Rock Falls (N) 4.8 3.0 which crosses the crest of the about 6.4 kilometers (4 miles) meters (55 miles). Glacier's Baring Falls (S) 1.3 0.8 Rockies through the center of north of East Glacier and interior roads are not high Sun Point St. Mary Falls (N) 3.3 2.1 the park, is among the most leads to Trick Falls and Two speed highways. They are Virginia Falis (via Baring spectacular roads in the Medicine Lake. Here is an designed so that you can Falls and St Mary Falls) 7.0 4 4 world. From west to east, the unforgettable view of an enjoy nature as you drive. Scenic Point (N) 5.0 3 1 80-kilometer-long (50-mile) expanse of lake, mountain, Rockwell Falls (N) 5.6 3.5 drive skirts mountain-rimmed and forest. Observe the speed limits— Two Medicine Campstore Cobalt Lake (N) 8.9 5.5 Lake McDonald, gains the 70 kilometers (45 miles) per Upper Two Medicine Lake (B) 8.3 5 2 high country along the Gar The Many Glacier Road leaves hour unless otherwise posted. Twin Falls (B.N) 6.4 4.0 den Wall, crosses Logan Pass U.S. Highway 89 at Babb 14 Dawson Pass 8.8 5.5 at treeline, and descends kilometers (9 miles) north of Keep gears meshed and out West Glacier Park Apgar Lookout (drive toward St. Mary Lake. St. Mary. The 19-kilometer of overdrive on grades. Entrance 4 Km to trailhead) 5.2 3.2 (12-mile) drive up Swiftcur- Avalanche Creek Avalanche Lake and Logan Pass is closed by snow rent Creek from Babb is well Vehicles pulling trailers should Picnic Area Trail of Cedars (S) 3.2 2.0 from mid-October to early worth your time and effort, use lower gear on grades. June. Normally the only road as there are many things to Lake McDonald Lodge Snyder Lake 6.7 4.2 open to automobiles in mid do and places to see. Vehicles are not allowed on Logan Pass Hidden Lake Overlook (S) 2.4 1.5 trails. Goat Haunt (take boat Rainbow Falls 1.3 0.8 A graveled road leads into from Waterton Park) Janet Lake 4J3 3.0 Cut Bank Valley, containing IN) Naturalist also conducting trips along this route Check schedule IS| Sell guiding leaflets at [railhead one of the park's smaller, (B) Concession boat fan shorten distance Inquire at ranger stations and visitor centers for information on other short hikes