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 glacier 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 The mountain goat—not a true cautions. Accidents in the knife-edged ridges girdled with evergreen forests and goat but an antelope related to Programs 89 and near U.S. 91 and 93. luxuriant wildflower meadows. Alpine glaciers lie in the the European chamois—is a Guided walks, campfire mountains, even minor ones, shadow of towering walls at the heads of ice-carved marvelously sure-footed programs, and other activ­ may have serious or fatal Airline service is available valleys. Streams flow northeast to Hudson Bay, south­ inhabitant of the crags ities begin in mid-June and consequences. Severe to Great Falls, Montana, 230 above tree line, where it east to the Gulf of Mexico, and westward to the Pacific. feeds on a variety extend through August; storms come quickly, even kilometers (143 miles) south­ of vegetation. some weekend activities in summer, with attendant east of the park and Visitors come to this park on the border of Canada to are usually conducted in The white-tailed ptarmi­ exposure to low tempera­ Kalispell, Montana, 32 kilo­ enjoy scenery, wildlife, and solitude. A vast network of late May and in September 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 October. Schedules are summer plumage against lightning. All hikers and at all ranger stations and 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. visitor centers. alpine fir above tree line. following precautions: transcontinental buslines at Great Falls and Missoula) A ROMANCE IN ROCKS See the orientation film and Never climb alone. Regis­ and Amtrak stop at East To understand the "personality" of Glacier, you must exhibits at the St. Mary Visi­ ter before and after the Glacier Park and West Gla­ look to the geological past. The rocks that now loom so tor Center (late May to mid- ... Stay In Its Campgrounds climb. Avoid steep snow- cier (Belton) Stations. Both loftily in Glacier were deposited as sediments more October) and exhibits at Ap- Paved park roads provide fields. Carry proper equip­ train and bus service is than a billion years ago. gar Information Center (late access to eight of Glacier's ment. Don't overestimate limited, and the stations are May through mid-Septem­ campgrounds—Apgar, Ava­ your physical ability. Start For millions of years thick beds of ooze solidified into ber) and Logan Pass Visitor lanche Creek, Fish Creek, early. Avoid open high Many Glacier, Rising Sun, limestone; later sediments covered the limestone and Center (mid-June to mid- . . . Fish Its Streams and ridges and peaks during St. Mary, Two Medicine, and became mudstone, and these in turn were overlaid with September). Lakes lightning. Turn back in ad­ Sprague Creek. Trailer sediments that compacted into additional limestone. If you are an angler, you will verse weather. Move cau­ space is provided in all These strata show as streaks on the sides of Glacier's ... Ride a Bicycle welcome the seclusion that tiously on steep or rocky except Sprague Creek. All 300-meter-high (1,000 foot) precipices. Bicycling in Glacier can be areas. Do not allow children One of the special things about a national park is the characterizes most of Gla­ have fireplaces, tables, sani­ fun, but some roads are to run downhill. opportunity to see wild animals in their native environ­ cier's lakes and streams. tary facilities, and cold run­ narrow and winding and About 70 million years ago, stresses in the earth's crust ment rather than in cages. Seeing a moose feeding in Twenty-two kinds of fishes ning water; there are no have little or no shoulder. acted on the deeply buried mudstones, sandstones, and a swamp or a bear foraging in a meadow is an adven­ have thrived here because utility connections. Pets are not allowed on limestones of the old sea bottom. As the tensions and ture for anyone. But in our excitement and desire for a As a result, the use of bi­ 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 cycles is restricted in some able and the nearly constant sible to automobiles. In broken; the western part, a thousand meters thick, slid vironment where the animals are not dependent upon areas. Details are available temperature of the waters. If you desire more solitude, areas where they are per­ over the eastern. The pressures continued for millions man for food—until we inadvertently make them that at all ranger stations. The most memorable ex­ consider a campground mitted, they must be kept of years until a gigantic 500-kilometer-long (300-mile) way. Think about it: every cracker tossed out takes periences are provided by along a gravel road where on a leash. section of the earth's crust had been moved more than away a bit of the wildness and freedom of an animal. angling for native cutthroat only fireplaces, tables, and pit toilets are provided— 60 kilometers (37 miles) to the east, capping young Whether squirrel or bear, an animal spoiled by visitors and Dolly Varden trout. Wild animals are unpredict­ River, Bowman Creek, Bow­ rock with strata more than 1 billion years old. This same is reduced to the antics of a caged animal craving some able and can be dangerous. man Lake, Cut Bank, Kintla process created other mountain systems throughout the attention. Did you travel all the way to Glacier just to Glacier has many good fish­ All wild animals will protect world; few overthrusts, however, have been as great as Lake, Logging Creek, and see another zoo animal? ing lakes and many miles of themselves, their young, and this—the Lewis Overthrust of Glacier. Quartz Creek. Because the swift-flowing streams. Rain­ their territories from danger. roads are narrow and rough, Some rules have been established to assure your safety bow, brook, and cutthroat Potential conflict between campers should inquire at 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 a ranger station before at­ 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 tempting to pull a trailer or 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: camper into those areas. 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 profiles. Tributary valleys were not worn as deep and stroying animal life is prohibited. All natural features— Valley in the Many Glacier Camping is allowed only in 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 designated sites. Build fires 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 Mountains loom over St. Mary Accommodations only in the fireplaces pro­ keep all food sealed in con­ 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 Lake and Going-to-the-Sun Road Hotels, lodges, and cabins vided. Make sure fires are tainers to reduce odors that east of Logan Pass. mountainside, has formed huge amphitheaters, called approach them. and west boundaries. would attract animals. are available, both in the cirques, at high elevations. In many of these cirques, out by pouring water on park and at locations ad­ recent glaciers can be seen still performing the same them before you leave. A jacent to it. Accommoda­ GLACIER'S HUMAN STORY A free folder on regulations digest of camping regula­ When photographing wild kind of work, on a smaller scale, as their predecessors. Legends of the Blackfeet and Kutenai Indian tribes Iceberg Lake nestles in a entitled Fish and Fishing in animals, use a telephoto tions in the park are basin below Mount Wilbur tions is available at Park 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 Thus, the mountains and valleys of the park tell a story and Iceberg Peak, near Headquarters, entrance sta­ Inc. Information on rates, of Lake McDonald and St. Mary Lake. Over present park available upon request. A close. tation to and within the park of great oceans millions of years ago; of gigantic forces Many Glacier Hotel tions, visitor centers, and opening dates, types of trails came western Indians to hunt bison on the plains, license is not required to for those arriving via public which elevated, crumpled, and broke the earth's sur­ information centers. Re­ accommodations, and serv­ and in the cool mountain uplands they fished, hunted, fish in the park. Never try to feed any wild transportation is limited. face; of the ceaseless erosion of the mountains by ... Go Horseback Riding member, during July and ices may be obtained from and found relief from the summer heat. animals. Unless you are traveling on streams and their modification by vast glaciers; of the Scheduled horse trips rang­ August, camping is limited Glacier Park, Inc. (May 15 prearranged tours, intra- melting and recession of the great glaciers that had ing from two hours to all day to seven days. to September 15 write: East Today the Kutenai live on a reservation southwest of Do not approach bears or park travel on buses of Gla­ formed the broad, U-shaped valleys. The valleys, in turn, the park, the Blackfeet on a reservation just to the east are operated out of Many Glacier Park, MT 59434; Glacier, Lake McDonald any other animals. Such ac­ cier Park, Inc., is on a space- were partially filled with water, forming the lakes for of the park. The Kutenai once controlled a vast area . . . Take Its Trails September 15 to May 15 Lodge area, and Apgar. For tions will be interpreted as available basis. Rental cars which Glacier National Park is so well known. immediately east of the Rocky Mountains but were An auto or bus tour of the write: P.O. Box 4340, Tuc­ persons bringing their own aggressive behavior. should be arranged for in driven west and over the mountains by the Blackfeet. park can be exciting and son, AZ 85717). Reserva­ stock, Glacier's Backcoun- advance. Unlike many western and Plains tribes, the Blackfeet rewarding. But to appre­ tions are advised; deposits try Map & Trail Guide, a Bears often become danger­ have no clearcut record of migration or origin. ciate fully the park's gran­ are required. free folder providing restric­ deur, you must sample the ous when surprised. An­ Forest Fire Management tions and regulations, is nounce your presence by Program A clue to their origin is their language, one of the Algon- backcountry by taking at available. least a half-day hike. More using a small hell or by Lightning-caused forest fires quian family spoken by many North American Indian talking or singing when on are a natural and necessary tribes. From this evidence and certain legends, students than 1120 kilometers (700 miles) of trails await you in trails. part of forest life. Areas of Indian culture deduce that this once great nation ... Take A Boat adapted to natural cycles of migrated from the east, probably through the Lake Listen tor the whistle of this wilderness. Motorboats are permitted the hoary marmot, a dwell­ Vehicles are not allowed on burning and regrowth are States into southern Canada, and spread southward only on Kintla, Bowman, er of talus slopes and trails or off the roads. prime habitat for many wild­ into eastern Montana, driving lesser tribes before them. McDonald, Waterton, Sher­ alpine meadows near tree All backcountry travelers life species including elk This Indian nation now resides on four reservations in burne, St. Mary, and Two line. who intend to have a fire or While safe and well de­ and deer. Glacier National southern Alberta and northern Montana, gradually losing Medicine Lakes. Motor size to camp overnight must ob­ signed, the Going-to-the- Park was established in the ways of their forefathers and taking on modern is limited to 10 h.p. or less . . . See It In Winter tain a Backcountry Camp­ Sun Road is narrow and part to preserve the various dress and the English language. At Browning, 21 kilo­ on Kintla, Bowman, and Two Winter use is encouraged for ing Permit from any ranger winding as it ascends the ecosystems present by al­ meters (13 miles) east of East Glacier, a museum is Medicine Lakes. Boats can those who enjoy the out-of- or at any information cen­ lowing natural processes to maintained by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Depart­ be rented at Many Glacier, doors in snow. Park roads ter during the summer. In Garden Wall toward Logan Pass. Vehicles wider than occur. Soon lightning- ment of the Interior, to interpret the customs and ways Apgar, Two Medicine, and remain unplowed in winter, winter and generally in late caused forest fires may be A cow moose and her Going-to-the-Sun Road at Logan of life of the Plains Indian. the Lake McDonald Lodge except for the Going-to-the- fall and early spring, go to 2.5 meters (8 feet), includ­ calf feed on aquatic Pass reaches an altitude of ing mirrors or extensions, or allowed to burn themselves vegetation. 2,031 meters. area. Keep alert for weather Sun Road between Park Park Headquarters or to St. out, providing they do not The area of the park was probably seen by members of changes. Storms can be Headquarters and Lake Mc­ Mary Ranger Station for the vehicles in a combination of endanger human life and Sperry and Granite Park the Lewis and Clark Expedition in'1806, but it was not sudden and severe. Carry Donald Lodge. Over-the- permit. The permits are is­ units longer than 9 meters WILDFLOWERS, WILDERNESS AND WILDLIFE property. Chalets are open for the explored by frontiersmen until 1846 when Hugh Monroe, approved lifesaving devices. snow vehicles are not per­ sued on a "first come" ba­ (30 feet) are prohibited on Because of Glacier's size and range in elevation, a wide use of backcountry travel­ a Canadian trapper, visited St. Mary Lake. In the 1850s Boating or rafting on park mitted to operate in Glacier. sis, and no earlier than 24 Going-to-the-Sun Road be­ variety of plant and animal life finds suitable habitats ers from July 1 through railroad surveyors made tentative explorations into the rivers can be dangerous. Ski touring and snowshoe- hours before departure. tween Avalanche Creek and Man-caused fires, however, within its boundaries. Only the hardiest plants and ani­ Labor Day. Both are acces­ mountains. Placid streams may rapidly ing are becoming more pop­ Rising Sun Campgrounds are undesirable since they mals are able to survive the alpine environment on the sible by trail only. Sperry become raging torrents. ular every year. For those Trails at lower elevations during July and August. Be­ do not follow any natural windblown mountain summits; lower, in the westside Chalet is a steep 10.5 kilo­ Check your route before­ interested in winter activ­ are usually open by mid- fore July 1 and after August cyclic pattern. Such fires valleys, luxuriant Pacific-type forests support a large meters (6.5 miles) from hand. ities, write to the park for June, but many of the high 31, vehicles with a maxi­ can have a devastating ef­ and diverse plant-and-animal community. Plains on the Lake McDonald Lodge; detailed information. There country passes may not be mum length of 10.5 meters fect when they occur in Atlantic drainage side of the Continental Divide provide Granite Park Chalet is a Excursion boat cruises are are no accommodations free of snow until late July. (35 feet) and a width of 2.5 areas not adapted to fire. an expansive view of grassy, flower-covered meadows relatively level 12 kilometers offered at Many Glacier, within the park during the All hikers are advised to meters (8 feet) may travel PLEASE BE CAREFUL that are a soft contrast to the rugged defiles seen in the winter. Motels and restau­ (7.6 miles) from Logan Pass. Rising Sun, Waterton Lake, stay on marked trails and to the road over Logan Pass. WITH FIRE. distance. rants are in nearby com­ For rates and reservations Two Medicine, and Lake avoid crossing steep snow­ munities. contact Belton Chalets, McDonald Lodge. banks. Some trails in the The eastern slopes, more exposed to cold winds and West Glacier, MT 59936, Middle Fork of the Flathead receiving less moisture, have open forests of Engelmann PROHIBITED PERMISSIBLE 406-888-5511. spruce, subalpine fir, lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, and The bighorn lives on high, open River area are accessible slopes in summer, where like only by fording. Ask at ran­ limber pine. The western slopes, benefiting from warmer, Privately operated camp­ the mountain goat it feeds on ger stations for conditions. moister Pacific winds, have denser forests of larch, both woody and herbaceous grounds with utility hookups fir, spruce, and lodgepole; and in the Lake McDonald plants. It moves to lower eleva­ are near Glacier National tions in winter. At campgrounds build fires Valley redcedar and hemlock. Park; campgrounds within only in the fireplaces pro­ the park do not have hook­ vided. Self-contained stoves The park's brilliant floral displays begin in early spring ups. and progress up the mountainside as the snow recedes, Efforts to preserve the natural wonders of Glacier as a (not wood fires) are recom­ culminating in the unrivalled alpine summer show. They national park really began in 1885 when George Bird mended and are required at many backcountry sites. ADMINISTRATION are most accessible near Logan Pass, along Going-to- Grinned, ardent naturalist, conservationist, and editor Glacier National Park is adminis­ Make sure fires are out be­ 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 fore leaving camp. 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 A superintendent, whose address Pets are not permitted on is West Glacier, MT 59936, is in alpine gardens are heather, gentian, beargrass, glacier labored courageously to have it set aside, contending DETACHABLE MIRRORS WE'RE JOINING THE METRIC trails. immediate charge. lily, and stunted subalpine fir. against the opposition of those who wished to further extending more than 15 WORLD their private interests and the arguments of congres­ The National Park Service is in­ centimeters (6 inches) be­ As the Nation's principal conser­ PREVENT THEFTS troducing metric measurements Beargrass, a beautiful, showy member of the lily family sional committees. vation agency, the Department of Do not leave personal items yond the side fender line of in its publications to help Ameri­ and a characteristic plant of Glacier, provides a spec­ the Interior has responsibility for the motor vehicle must cans become acquainted with the Finally, in the spring of 1910, after previously rejecting on picnic tables, in unlocked most of our nationally owned pub­ tacle beginning in June on the valley floors and reach­ be removed except when metric system and to make inter­ cars, or other accessible lic lands and natural resources. ing the higher slopes in August. At lower elevations two bills to make the area a national park, Congress pretation more meaningful for areas. Though national actually towing a second This includes fostering the wisest occur representatives of the Great Plains flora—pas­ passed a bill establishing Glacier National Park. park visitors from other nations. vehicle. use of our land and water re­ queflower, shooting star, Indian paintbrush, red and President Taft signed it on May 11. parks have traditionally been places in which theft sources, protecting our fish and white geraniums, gaillardia, and asters. OGPO 1976- 21 1-308 83 Reprint 1976 wildlife, preserving the environ­ was unknown, not all park Trailers may be parked tem­ For sale by the Superintendent ol Documents But this area is more than a national park. Trails cross U S Government Printing Oftice mental and cultural values of our porarily at Rising Sun on Washington. D C 20402 You can do your part to help perserve the park's fragile the international boundary; the distribution of the na­ visitors are looking at the national parks and historical plant communities by staying on the trails. Admire the tive plants and animals shows that ecological rather scenery these days. Keep the east side or in regular places, and providing for the flowers—but do not pick them. than political boundaries control them; a glacier has Near treeline on the trail valuables locked up. If you campgrounds on either side enjoyment of life through out­ carved one valley in two nations; and the Rocky Moun­ to Mount Lincoln, hikers cross need assistance, contact a of the park while you drive door recreation. The Department remnants of the previous assesses our energy and mineral Glacier's wildlife includes the bighorn, mountain goat, tains are a single physiographic unit and a great scenic ranger immediately. to the other side and return. winter's heavy snows. 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 Even in summer, backcountry trailers must go via U.S. that their development is in the and white-tailed and mule deer, all living in a natural International promoted the idea of a U.S.-Canadian users should be prepared best interests of all our people. environment relatively untouched by man. The beaver, park. In 1932 the Waterton-Glacier International Peace for extreme weather 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 conditions. 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 water ouzel, ptarmigan, Clark's nutcracker, thrushes, thorized by the United States Congress and the Cana­ traffic behind you. Take ad­ ritories under U.S. administration. 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 international 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 (one way) access to the North Fork area. will not be taken from the offers a clear view of 3,190- 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) from to kilometers miles shortening, it will indefinitely Mount Cleveland, Glacier's U.S. Highway 2 follows the Grinnell Glacier (B.NI 8.0 5.0 southern boundary of the lengthen it and make you highest peak. Many Glacier Hotel Cracker Lake 9.6 6.0 truly immortal." park between the towns of around Swiftcurrent Lake (SI 2.6 1.6 The 7Vvo Medicine Road East Glacier Park and West Swiftcurrent Campstore Iceberg Lake (N| 8.0 5 0 77?e Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier, a distance of 90 kilo­ leaves Montana Highway 49 i 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 speed highways. They are leads to Trick Falls and Two Virginia Falls (via Baring spectacular roads in the Medicine Lake. Here is an designed so that you can j 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 Par; 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 Vehicles pulling trailers should Logan Pass is closed by snow rent Creek from Babb is well 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. Lake McDonald I odge Snyder Lake 6.7 4.2 June. Normally the only road as there are many things to 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 (takajboat Rainbow Falls 1.3 0.8 A graveled road leads into from WatertoqPark) Janet Lake 4.8 3.0 Cut Bank Valley, containing INI Naturalist also conducting tops along ih,s route Check schedule IS) Sell guidmg lealiets aitrailhead one of the park's smaller. IB) Concession boat can ihorten distance Inquire at rangerstations and visitor centers for information on other short hikes.