Glacier National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Ranger-led Activities Guide September 2017

A ranger explaining avalanches on the Avalanche Lake Trail. NPS / JACOB FRANK

September Highlights

Become a Junior Ranger The Junior Ranger Program is an enjoyable way for kids and families to learn how to keep Glacier National Park wild and beautiful.

Stop by the Apgar, St. Mary, or Logan Pass Visitor Centers and pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Booklet. There is a pre-reader version of the booklet for our youngest junior rangers. Children (and maybe parents too!) will be challenged to complete the activities and earn an official Glacier Junior Ranger Badge.

Explore a glacier, the night sky, or a historic hotel on your own or on a ranger-led program. NPS / JACOB W FRANK & TIM RAINS

Glacier Institute Education Programs

The Glacier Institute is a private nonprofit partner, Courses Offered in September providing hands-on, field-based educational adventures to people from all over the world. Geology Along the Highline September 2 $65 Classrooms are the mountain trails and vast Big Stories of Glacier National Park (lodging and meals included) September 9-11 $350 river basins that are home to more than 1,100 Reading the Forest Landscape September 13 $65 species of native plants, over 270 species of birds, Autumn in Glacier September 21 $65 and nearly 70 species of mammals. Instructors are recognized experts in their fields, published Courses Offered in October authors, wildlife biologists, college professors, Fall Mushroom Foray (one night lodging included) October 7-8 $160 naturalists, and teachers. (406) 755-1211 [email protected] www.glacierinstitute.org Grinnell Glacier COURTESY GLACIER INSTITUTE

Glacier Park Boat Company Guided Tours and Hikes

In addition to the Ranger-led programs listed Grinnell Valley Cruise & Hike on the following pages, Glacier Park Boat Take a relaxing cruise on Swiftcurrent Lake and Company offers scenic boat tours, some with Lake Josephine (0.25-mile walk over a moderate optional guided hikes. Tour lengths and prices hill is required between the lakes) followed by an vary by location. Boat tours are available at Lake optional walk to spectacular Grinnell Lake McDonald, Two Medicine, Many Glacier, and Fee: Adults $27.50; Children ages 4-12 $13.75; on St. Mary Lake at Rising Sun. Reservations Children ages 3 and under are free. are highly recommended. Reservations must Hike dependent on trail conditions. be made at least 24 hours in advance. Limited Daily 9 am and 2 pm (ends September 17) same day tickets are available on a walk-up 3½ to 4 hours, easy 2-mile (3.2 km) hike basis. Reservations can be made online at www. Many Glacier Hotel Boat Dock glacierparkboats.com or by calling (406) 257- (Arrive 20 minutes prior to departure) 2426. Arrive 20 minutes prior to departure. Two Medicine Lake Cruise & Hike (406) 257-2426 Cruise on scenic Two Medicine Lake followed by www.glacierparkboats.com an optional walk to beautiful Twin Falls. Fee: Adults $13.75; Children ages 4-12 $6.75; Children ages 3 and under are free. Hike dependent on trail conditions. Daily 1 pm and 3 pm (ends September 10) 2½ to 3 hours, easy 1.8-mile (2.9 km) hike Two Medicine Boat Dock (Arrive 20 minutes prior to departure) Two Medicine Lake boat cruise NPS / BILL HAYDEN

This publication and all Native America Speaks programs are made possible by the Glacier National Park Conservancy. Lake McDonald Valley F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 8:30 am Beginners Bird Walk • • • • • • 9:00 am Avalanche Lake Hike • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 9:00 am Under the Conifers Walk • • • • 9:30 am Creekside Stroll • • • • • • • • • • • • 9:30 am Rocky Point Ramble • • • • • • • • 10:00 am Nurturing Native Plants • • • • 10:30 am Wildlife Encounters Talk • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 12:00 pm Solar Astronomy (12 pm - 2 pm) • • • • 1:30 pm Amazing Animals Talk • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1:30 pm Lake McDonald Boat Tour • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 2:00 pm Autumn Amble • • • • • 2:00 pm Johns Lake Loop Hike • • • • • • • • • 2:00 pm Sculpting the Landscape Walk • • • • • 3:00 pm Lake McDonald Boat Tour • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 3:00 pm Ranger’s Choice Talk • • • • • • • • • • • 3:30 pm Sanctuary of Cedars (3:30 pm - 4:30 pm) • • • 4:00 pm Johns Lake Loop Hike • • • • 4:00 pm A Walk Through Time • • • • • • • 6:45 pm Apgar Campground Evening Talk • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 7:30 pm Apgar Campground Evening Talk • • • 7:30 pm Native America Speaks • 8:30 pm Lake McDonald Lodge Evening Program • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 8:30 pm Triple Divide: Heritage and Legacy • 9:00 pm Fish Creek Campground Evening Program • • • 9:30 pm Night Sky Astronomy (9:30 pm - 11:30 pm) • • • •

Walks and Hikes Boat Tours Talks Evening Programs Autumn Amble Lake McDonald Boat Tour Amazing Animals Talk Apgar Campground Evening Talk Discover what is happening to the forest and Cruise on Lake McDonald and enjoy a sampling Explore the natural history and adaptations of Explore Glacier’s natural and cultural history its inhabitants during the changing season. of Glacier’s stories and scenery aboard the historic some of Glacier’s famous inhabitants. along the shore of Lake McDonald. Check 2 hours, easy 1.75-mile (2.8 km) walk DeSmet. Arrive 20 minutes prior to departure. 30 minutes bulletin boards for specific topics. Non-campers Lower McDonald Creek Bridge - Camas Road Fee: $18.25 adults; $9.25 children ages 4-12; free Apgar Visitor Center plaza welcome. Limited parking space available. (0.25 miles west of the Apgar Village turnoff) for ages 3 and younger. Reservations are highly 45 minutes recommended. For reservations, call (406) 257- Ranger’s Choice Talk Apgar Campground Amphitheater Avalanche Lake Hike 2426 or visit www.glacierparkboats.com. Discover unique aspects of the park as a park Journey through a majestic old growth forest to 1 hour ranger explores a topic of his/her choice. Fish Creek Campground Evening Program scenic Avalanche Lake and uncover the intricacies Lake McDonald Lodge boat dock 30 minutes Sit back, relax, and uncover the diversity of Glacier of this unique environment. Apgar Visitor Center plaza National Park. Check bulletin boards for specific 3½ hours, moderate 5-mile (8 km) hike topics. Non-campers welcome. Limited parking Avalanche Creek roadside parking area Drop-in Programs Wildlife Encounters Talk space available. Park rangers will be available during the times Bear? Mountain lion? Learn how to enjoy the 45 minutes Beginners Bird Walk listed. “Drop-in” and see what we are up to. Stay park safely. Includes a bear spray demonstration. Fish Creek Campground Amphitheater Join this introductory bird walk and learn the for a minute or stay for an hour. 15-20 minutes basics to identifying birds and uncover their Apgar Visitor Center plaza Lake McDonald Lodge Evening Program unique natural history. Bring binoculars. Night Sky Astronomy Spend an evening discovering the many wonders 2 hours, easy 1.5-mile (2.4 km) walk Join an astronomer-in-the-park and peer into the of Glacier National Park. Check bulletin boards for Make reservations, in person, up to three days in mysteries of the night sky. Telescope viewing is Walking Tours specific topics. All park visitors welcome. advance at the Apgar Visitor Center. available. Binoculars encouraged. Dependent on Nurturing Native Plants Walking Tour 45 minutes weather and sky conditions. Take an intimate look at how plants are grown Lake McDonald Lodge Auditorium Creekside Stroll Anytime between 9:30 pm and 11:30 pm in the park’s Native Plant Nursery and used in Enjoy a casual stroll through diverse habitats Apgar Visitor Center parking lot revegetation projects throughout the park. Native America Speaks along beautiful lower McDonald Creek. 1½ hours, easy 0.25-mile (.4 km) walking tour Gain a new perspective as members of the Salish, 2 hours, easy 2-mile (2.8 km) walk Sanctuary of Cedars Park Headquarters flagpole Kootenai, Pend d’Oreille, and Blackfeet tribes Apgar Visitor Center flagpole Relish in the splendors and diversity of the park’s share their histories and traditions. Non-campers iconic old growth forest. A Walk Through Time welcome. Limited parking space available. Johns Lake Loop Hike Anytime between 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm Enjoy a historical walking tour and unravel the 45 minutes Explore striking cedar-hemlock forests, quiet lakes, 0.25-mile up the southeast boardwalk of the unique history of the Lake McDonald Lodge and Apgar Campground Amphitheater and roaring cascades on this leisurely hike. Trail of the Cedars surrounding area. 2 hours, easy 3-mile (4.8 km) hike (Avalanche Creek area on the Going-to-the-Sun 1 hour, easy 0.25-mile (.4 km) walking tour Triple Divide: Heritage and Legacy Johns Lake trailhead Road) Lake McDonald Lodge lakeside entrance featuring Jack Gladstone (1.5 miles north of the Lake McDonald Lodge) Explore Native American heritage with the artistic Solar Astronomy stylings of storysmith Jack Gladstone. Listen Rocky Point Ramble Drop by and take a unique look at the Earth’s to tribal stories, animal legends, and character Enjoy scenic vistas and a diverse landscape as you closest star viewed safely through a special portraits woven together through song and story. hike along an ever-changing trail to the shores of solar telescope. Dependent on weather and sky 1 hour Lake McDonald. conditions. Lake McDonald Lodge Auditorium 2 hours, moderate 2.25-mile (3.6 km) hike Anytime between 12 pm and 2 pm Rocky Point trailhead Apgar Village Green (0.25 mile north of Fish Creek Campground kiosk (Located across from the motels in Apgar Village) on the Inside North Fork Road)

Sculpting the Landscape Walk Unearth the dynamic forces that build and shape the dramatic scenery in the park. 2 hours, easy 2-mile (3.2 km) walk Johns Lake trailhead (1.5 miles north of the Lake McDonald Lodge)

Under the Conifers Walk Explore the dramatic forest bordering the stunning cascades of upper McDonald Creek. 2 hours, easy 2.5-mile (4 km) walk McDonald Creek trailhead on North Lake McDonald Road (Turn off of the Going-to-the-Sun Road 1.5 miles north of Lake McDonald Lodge)

Cruising on the historic DeSmet on Lake McDonald NPS / TIM RAINS Many Glacier F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 8:30 am Grinnell Glacier Boat Trip and Hike • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 8:30 am Iceberg Lake Hike • • • • • 9:30 am Morning Nature Stroll • • • • • 10:30 am Where Have All the Glaciers Gone? • 2:00 pm Historic Hotel Walking Tour • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 2:00 pm Red Rock Falls Hike • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 3:30 pm Swiftcurrent Discovery Walk • • • • • • • • 7:00 pm Many Glacier Campground Evening Talk • • • • • • • • • 8:00 pm Many Glacier Hotel Evening Program • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 8:00 pm Triple Divide: Heritage and Legacy • • •

Walks & Hikes Hotel Tours Talks & Evening Programs Iceberg Lake Hike Historic Hotel Walking Tour Many Glacier Campground Evening Talk Discover the treasures of Glacier’s interior on this How does a massive wooden hotel survive in this Experience a national park tradition by joining a vista-filled hike to a unique cirque where icebergs harsh environment for 102 years? Join us to learn ranger for an engaging look at the natural and linger in the lake much of the summer. about the history, traditions, and restoration of cultural history of the park. Check bulletin boards 6-7 hours, moderate 10-mile (16 km) hike the Many Glacier Hotel. for specific topics. Non-campers welcome. Swiftcurrent Motor Inn porch 1 hour, some walking with stairs 45 minutes Many Glacier Hotel Lobby Many Glacier Campground Amphitheater Morning Nature Stroll Learn of the diversity of this area’s plants and Many Glacier Hotel Evening Program animals as you stroll to Lake Josephine. Boat Tour & Hike Spend an evening discovering the many wonders 2 hours, easy 2-mile (3.2 km) hike Grinnell Glacier Boat Trip and Hike of Glacier National Park in this slide-illustrated Grinnell Glacier trailhead in the Many Glacier View spectacular scenery, including three of the program. Check bulletin boards for specific topics. picnic area park’s receding glaciers. All park visitors welcome. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in 45 minutes Red Rock Falls Hike advance. Limited walk-up tickets available up to Many Glacier Hotel Lucerne Room The wonders of the Swiftcurrent Valley await you 3 days in advance. Fee: Adults $27.50; Children on this ranger-led hike to Red Rock Falls. Look for ages 4-12 $13.75; Children ages 3 and under are Triple Divide: Heritage and Legacy moose in Fishercap Lake and enjoy the autumn free. Reservations can be made online at www. Explore the Native American connection to this splendor. glacierparkboats.com or by calling (406) 257- landscape through a multimedia presentation 2.5 hours, easy 3.6-mile (5.8 km) hike 2426. Arrive 20 minutes prior to departure at the with original music performed by Blackfeet Swiftcurrent Motor Inn porch Many Glacier Boat Dock. storysmith, Jack Gladstone. 8½ hours, strenuous 8-mile (12.9 km) hike 60 minutes Swiftcurrent Discovery Walk Many Glacier Hotel boat dock. Many Glacier Hotel Lucerne Room Search for signs of moose and beavers as you stroll to Wilbur Falls and Fishercap Lake. Where Have All the Glaciers Gone? 1 hour, easy 1-mile (1.6 km) hike Join a ranger to learn about the advance and Swiftcurrent Motor Inn porch retreat of our namesake glaciers over the years. 45 minutes Many Glacier Hotel Lobby Mt. Gould and Swiftcurrent Lake NPS / TIM RAINS

Logan Pass F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 9:15 am Highline Trail Hike • 10:00 am Alpine Rendezvous (10 am - 11 am) • • • • 1:00 pm Alpine Rendezvous (1 pm - 2 pm) • • • • 2:00 pm Goodbye to the Glaciers (2 pm - 3 pm) • • • • 5:00 pm Scope It Out (5 pm - 6 pm) • • • •

Walks & Hikes Drop-in Programs Highline Trail Hike Park rangers will be available during the times Goodbye to the Glaciers Scope It Out–A Watchable Wildlife Activity Experience the beauty of the high country on listed. “Drop-in” and see what we are up to. Learn about our disappearing glaciers and the Is that a rock or a mountain goat? Use our an all-day hike along the Garden Wall. Hike the Stay for a minute or stay for an hour. impact their loss will have on the park and spotting scopes to scan the slopes for wildlife as 7.6-mile trail to Granite Park Chalet followed by beyond. In case of inclement weather, the a park ranger answers questions about Glacier’s a steep and strenuous 2,200-foot descent over Alpine Rendezvous program will move inside the visitor center. animals. the last four miles ending at The Loop. Due to Explore the beauty, diversity, and hardships found Anytime between 2 pm and 3 pm Anytime between 5 pm and 6 pm parking limitations, participants are strongly in the alpine environment. Back doors of the Logan Pass Visitor Center Paved paths around the visitor center encouraged to use the free park shuttle. Not Anytime 10 am to 11 am, or 1 pm to 2 pm recommended for young children. 0.25 mile up the Hidden Lake Trail 7-8 hours, strenuous 11.6-mile (18.6 km) hike Continental Divide sign at Logan Pass

Goat Haunt F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 10:00 am International Peace Park Hike • 11:15 am Kootenai Lakes Hike • • • • • • 11:15 am Rainbow Falls Hike • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Walks & Hikes International Peace Park Hike Kootenai Lakes Hike Rainbow Falls Hike Hike with both U.S. National Park Service and Join a ranger for a fast-paced guided hike to Discover the wonder of water along the powerful Parks Canada staff on this exploration of the beautiful Kootenai Lakes, which lie beneath Waterton River as you join a ranger for an easy world’s first International Peace Park. Hike across looming Citadel Peak. There is little elevation gain walk to Rainbow Falls. Take the 10 am cruise from the international boundary from Waterton to as we hike through mature forest and meadows. Waterton, and make arrangements with the boat Goat Haunt and return to Waterton via boat. Take the 10 am cruise from Waterton, and make company to return on the 2:30 pm boat. The hike includes a boat-trip fee and is limited to arrangements with the boat company to return 2 hours, easy 2-mile (3.2 km) hike 35 people. You must pre-register at either the St. on the 2:30 pm boat. Goat Haunt Ranger Station Mary Visitor Center in Glacier (406-732-7750) or 3 hours, moderate 6-mile (9.7 km) hike the Waterton Lakes Visitor Information Centre in Goat Haunt Ranger Station Waterton (403-859-5133). Reservations are only accepted for the next scheduled hike. 7 hours, moderate 8.5-mile (13.6 km) hike Bertha Lake trailhead in Waterton Townsite Goat Haunt NPS / DWIGHT SPORRER St. Mary Valley F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 8:30 am Beaver Pond and Beyond Hike • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 11:00 am Boat Tour & Hike to St. Mary Falls • • • • 2:00 pm Boat Tour & Hike to St. Mary Falls • • • • 2:30 pm Sun Point Stroll • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 7:00 pm St. Mary Campground Evening Talk • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 7:30 pm St. Mary Campground Evening Talk • • 7:30 pm Rising Sun Campground Evening Talk • • At Dark Half the Park Happens After Dark • • •

Walks & Hikes Boat Tours & Hikes Beaver Pond and Beyond Hike Sun Point Stroll Boat Tour & Hike to St. Mary Falls Reservations are highly recommended. Limited Hike through peaceful open meadows with awe- Check out the incredible view from Sun Point Cruise with a ranger on St. Mary Lake. Take in same day tickets are available on a walk-up basis. inspiring glimpses of Glacier’s mountains. Revel in before strolling along St. Mary Lake to Baring spectacular views and learn about Glacier’s ever- Fee: Adults $27.50; Children ages 4-12 $13.75; autumn glory while hiking with a ranger through Falls. Uncover the secrets of the historic chalet changing landscape. Take the 3-mile round-trip Children ages 3 and under are free. Reservations golden aspen groves and forests of aged Douglas- that sat on Sun Point and follow in the footsteps hike and experience the renewal of life following can be made online at www.glacierparkboats.com fir. Listen for the bugle of elk while marveling at of the park’s early visitors on this easy walk. the 2015 Reynolds Creek Fire. The burn area is or by calling (406) 257-2426. Arrive 20 minutes busy beavers maintaining their dam and readying Limited parking available at the trailhead. fascinating and provides great views of the lake prior to departure at the Rising Sun Boat Dock. their lodge for winter. 1.5 hours, easy 2-mile (3.2 km) hike but, due to the fire, there is no shade on this hike. 3½ hours, boat and hike, moderate 3-mile 2.5 hours, easy-moderate, 4-mile (6.4 km) hike Sun Point Trailhead All hikers are strongly encouraged to bring water, (4.8 km) hike 1913 Ranger Station parking lot sunscreen, and a hat. Return on a later boat for Rising Sun Boat Dock (1/2 mile from the St. Mary Visitor Center) the trip back. (6 miles west of the St. Mary Visitor Center on the Going-to-the-Sun Road)

Evening Programs Astronomy Programs Rising Sun Campground Evening Talk St. Mary Campground Evening Talk Half the Park Happens After Dark Experience a national park tradition by joining a Experience a national park tradition by joining a Join an astronomer-in-the-park for a tour of the ranger for an engaging look at the natural and ranger for an engaging look at the natural and heavens and learn why protecting dark skies is so cultural history of the park. Check bulletin boards cultural history of the park. Check bulletin boards important to all life on our planet. for specific topics. for specific topics. Viewing begins at dark and will go until 12:30 am. 45 minutes 45 minutes St. Mary Visitor Center parking lot Rising Sun Campground Amphitheater St. Mary Campground Amphitheater, Loop C (Offered on clear nights only. To ensure best night sky viewing, please arrive before viewing time.)

Baring Falls NPS / TIM RAINS

Two Medicine F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 9:00 am Cobalt Lake Hike • 10:30 am Boat Tour & Hike to No Name Lake • 11:30 am Boat Tour & Hike to Upper Two Medicine Lake • 7:30 pm Native America Speaks • 7:30 pm Two Medicine Campground Evening Talk •

Walks & Hikes Evening Programs Boat Tours & Hikes Cobalt Lake Hike Native America Speaks Boat Tour & Hike to No Name Lake Boat Tour & Hike to Upper Two Medicine Lake Walk past waterfalls and through flower-filled Gain a new perspective as members of the Cruise Two Medicine Lake and then join a Cruise scenic Two Medicine Lake and join a ranger meadows to beautiful Cobalt Lake. Climb 1,400 Blackfeet tribe share their histories and traditions. ranger for a rewarding hike to No Name Lake. for a gentle hike to Upper Two Medicine Lake. feet as you hike through a variety of habitats. Non-campers welcome. Expect many surprises as we climb steeply at Pause at Twin Falls and traverse flower-filled 7 hours, strenuous 11.4-mile (18.3 km) hike 45 minutes first, then gently to this blue-green lake nestled meadows on your way to the lake. Two Medicine Campstore Two Medicine Amphitheater (Loop B, site 40) at the base of Pumpelly Pillar. Lush flower-filled 5 hours, easy, 4.4-mile (7 km) hike meadows, tiny streams, goats, moose, and pikas Two Medicine boat dock Two Medicine Campground Evening Talk are all possible along with outstanding views. Experience a national park tradition by joining a The pastoral setting for lunch on the lake shore Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in ranger for an engaging look at the natural and will contrast with our boulder field experience advance. Limited same day tickets are available cultural history of the park. Check bulletin boards afterwards. Return on the North Shore Trail with on a walk-up basis. Fee: Adults $13.75; Children for specific topics. the ranger or return by boat. ages 4-12 $6.75; Children ages 3 and under are 45 minutes 5½ hours, moderate 7.4-mile (11.9 km) hike free. Reservations can be made by calling (406) Two Medicine Amphitheater (Loop B, site 40) Two Medicine boat dock 257-2426. Arrive 20 minutes prior to departure at the Two Medicine boat dock.