: Glacier Adventure

Trip Summary

Known to the Native Americans as the “Shining Mountains” and the “Backbone of the World,” Glacier National Park preserves over a million acres of old growth forests, alpine lakes, rugged mountains and sweeping wildflower meadows. Boasting more than 750 miles of maintained trails, one of the most scenic stretches of paved road in North America and a river equally as suited for rafting as it is gazing at the surrounding beauty, the Park’s unique, glacier-carved terrain is an adventurer’s paradise. Hike backcountry trails for a jaw-dropping view of history laden sedimentary cliffs and jagged ice fields reflected perfectly in the azure blue waters of Iceberg Lake. Step into the set of The River Wild as you raft the unspoiled waters of the Flathead. By day, witness the wildlife and natural beauty of the park up close and personal. By night, raise a glass to your day’s adventure before retiring to the comfort of your historic mountain resort, chalet, or lodge.

The toughest part is going home.SM Montana: Glacier Adventure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Kalispell | Glacier National Park | Lake | East Glacier

Kalispell Arrival: Welcome to Montana! Your guides will pick you up in the morning from your pre-trip hotel. Transfer Time: 2 Hours Glacier National Park: An American gem of a park boasting some of the best views the Rocky Mountains have to offer, Glacier National Park is home to nearly 26 glaciers. Rugged peaks, stunning alpine spreads, glistening glaciers and lakes, splashes of color from wildflowers, and wildlife cropping up in the landscape views are all elements of the Glacier environment. With one million acres of wilderness, there’s plenty of places to make memories and snap a perfect picture. Two Medicine Lake to East Glacier Bike Ride: Feel the mountain breeze on your face as you bike 12 miles from Two Medicine Lake to East Glacier. Your trip will be flanked with steep mountains that serve as the perfect backdrop for an active adventure. The ride will be mostly mild and easy to accomplish, with one notable hill in the last mile. Accommodation: (L,D)

Day 2: | Iceberg Lake

Many Glacier: An area in northeastern Glacier, Many Glacier features some of the most stunning hikes in a corner of the national park deemed the “Switzerland of North America”. Immerse yourself in the incredible and epic scenery at different vantage points, like Iceberg Lake and Grinnell Lake. Iceberg Lake Hike: Explore deeper into the park to Iceberg Lake, considered by many the “Crown Jewel” of hiking trails in Glacier. This 9.6 mile out-and-back trail with 1,200 feet elevation gain guarantees magnificent panoramic views. Watch for mountain goats, bighorn sheep and of course, bears. Your reward at the end of the trail is a jaw-dropping view of giant limestone cliffs and ice fields shooting up from the pristine blue waters of the alpine lake below. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, take a dip into the iceberg-clad lake! Accommodation: Many Glacier Lodge (B,L,D)

The toughest part is going home.SM

Day 3: Grinnell Lake

Grinnell Lake Hike: Hike alongside and soon after Lake Josephine for about seven miles round trip with a 250 feet elevation gain. Upon reaching Grinnell Lake, kick back and relax as you reflect on the stunning scenery around you. The lake is named after George Bird Grinnell, an early American conservationist, explorer, and founder of the Audubon Society, who was so inspired by the scenery during his first trip to the area in 1885 that he spent the next two decades working to establish it as a national park. Night on Your Own: Enjoy a night on your own this evening for dinner. Your guides will give you restaurant options to choose from in the area and will provide ideas on things to do on your own time. Alternatively, feel free to just relax tonight after a wonderful activity-filled day! Accommodation: Many Glacier Lodge (B,L)

Day 4: Going-to-the-Sun Road

Going-to-the-Sun Road Bike Ride: The famed Going-to-the-Sun Road bisects Glacier National Park and is the highlight of any trip to the “Crown of the Continent”. Today, we bike the road east to west, cresting the Continental Divide at an elevation of 6,646 feet. Our 31-mile ride includes 12 miles of pedaling uphill with 2,200 feet of elevation gain and 19 miles of coasting downhill with 3,380 feet of elevation loss. As the sun lights up the peaks, enjoy this challenging ride to Lake McDonald with frequent stops along the way to snap photos of the awe-inspiring mountain scenery. Accommodation: Lake McDonald Lodge (B,L,D)

The toughest part is going home.SM Day 5: Flathead River | Whitefish

Flathead River Raft: Shuttle to the Flathead River for rafting on perhaps not the wildest of rivers, but definitely one of the prettiest. You’ll be guaranteed some splashes and splendid views for this scenic three-hour paddle along the river. Whitefish, Montana: Located in the northwestern region of Montana and home to about 8,000 people, Whitefish is known for its modern western vibes. The town is framed by the Rocky Mountains and serves as a gateway to Glacier National Park. Downtown shops and businesses are decorated with old western false fronts and rustic wooden features. Accommodation: Grouse Mountain Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 6: Whitefish Mountain | Kalispell Departure

Whitefish Mountain Hike: Ride the gondola up the mountain, taking in picturesque views along the way. Once at the top, hike around the mountaintop covered in wildflowers and wild huckleberries. Kalispell Departure: Your guides will shuttle you back to Kalispell to get ready for your departure home. Accommodation: (B)

*Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.

The toughest part is going home.SM Montana: Glacier Adventure

Distinctive Accommodation

Glacier Park Lodge - 1 night(s) Built almost a century ago by the Great Northern Railway, Glacier Park Lodge is nestled in East Glacier at the foot of Dancing Lady Mountain. Situated on the Blackfeet Reservation, the hotel site was purchased from the Piegan, a tribe of the . When the present railway depot was built in 1912, the area was renamed Glacier Park Station and then became known as East Glacier Park in 1950. With an outdoor swimming pool, day spa, lounge and fine dining restaurant, this property is an exception to the common “basic needs only” national park properties.

Many Glacier Lodge - 2 night(s) , located in the northeastern part of Glacier National Park on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake, boasts a true Swiss atmosphere from the alpine beauty that surrounds the building to the themed architecture and decor of the striking atrium lobby. The hotel was declared a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 29, 1976. In keeping with the era in which the hotel was built, the rooms offer guests modest amenities and old-world style accommodations resulting in a one-of-a kind, National Park lodging experience.

Lake McDonald Lodge - 1 night(s) Lake McDonald Lodge opened its doors on June 14, 1914 and is a three-and-a-half-story structure built on the eastern shore of glaciated, picturesque Lake McDonald. In keeping with the era in which all of the rooms were built, they offer guests modest amenities and old-world style accommodations resulting in a one- of-a kind national park lodging experience. The floors of the lobby have incised messages in Kootenai (a local Native American dialect) that translates into phrases such as “welcome”, “new life to those who drink here”, “looking toward the mountain”, and “big feast”. The main lodge was declared a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

The toughest part is going home.SM Grouse Mountain Lodge - 1 night(s) Grouse Mountain Lodge welcomes you to upscale comfort and an authentic Whitefish, Montana lodging experience. The fantastic location leads you to exciting year-round adventure. With 143 beautifully appointed guest rooms, fresh and exciting cuisine in Logan's Bar and Grill, an indoor pool, outdoor hot tubs, day spa, and a substantial list of services and amenities, Grouse Mountain Lodge is one of Montana’s finest lodge resorts. Guest rooms combine warmth and appeal with design and spaciousness to provide that pampered feeling.

The toughest part is going home.SM Montana: Glacier Adventure

Activities Featured on This Trip

Hiking: Most hikes on this adventure are considered easy to moderate (2 to 4 miles with up to 400 feet of elevation gain). Oftentimes, we’ll do several shorter hikes over the course of one day. If a more difficult hike is listed on this itinerary, its mileage and elevation gain will be listed in the day’s activity description within the detailed itinerary. Biking: Most bike rides on this trip are considered easy to moderate (10 to 20 miles, flat and/or rolling terrain). If a more difficult bike ride is included on this itinerary, more specific details will be included in the day’s activity description within the detailed itinerary. Bike rides are van supported, meaning that there will be checkpoints along the way in which you can access the van/guide if needed or can end your ride early. There will also be one guide accompanying the group by bike. Whitewater Rafting: Rafting trips are led by a professional rafting guide trained in swiftwater rescue. Most of our raft trips feature paddle rafts, which are small rubber rafts in which everyone paddles and is expected to help propel and steer the raft. You’ll encounter class II-III rapids on most rivers we raft. Gear like personal flotation devices and helmets are provided and required. Wetsuits are available for use when the water or air temperature is low. Instruction provided and no experience is necessary.

The toughest part is going home.SM What's Included?

Included in Trip Price:

• Double occupancy rooms with private baths • All meals as listed in itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) • Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners • Any necessary equipment - all safe and well-maintained • Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip • Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service • Access to a guest portal with trip planner materials • Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities, and national park entrance and permit fees

Not Included in Trip Price:

• Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides • Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities • One dinner during the trip • Pre- and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses • Air and land transportation to/from host cities • All types of travel insurance • Personal expenses

The toughest part is going home.SM