From the time I was six or seven years old, my family took a trip to Glacier National Park with our close friends and family every summer. Whenever I look back at my childhood, I think about my greatest memories in the park: our treasured Native American dolls, hiking through two feet of snow under the hot July sun, driving past a "crying" wall that reminded me of something straight out of Harry Potter, and sleeping in cozy cabins under the unadulterated, starry night sky. We were once joined by a coyote on a hiking trail, and sometimes, my cousins, my brother and I would fake British accents when saying hi to passers-by. After all, we were in a national park filled with people from all around the world.
Sadly, by the time I was 13 my family had stopped taking our yearly trips to the park. All of the kids were growing older, and everyone got busier. The trip ceased to exist and only lived on through the occasional idea of taking another trip some time.
The summer I turned 18, my newfound high school friends and I decided to take a trip to Glacier by ourselves. It was one of the most incredible bonding experiences I have ever had, and we decided to make it an annual trip. This summer was the second year we went. Being somewhat of an adult now, I understand the importance of getting away to somewhere like Glacier. The park has many qualities that can reset a busy mind.
1. The park is filled with life.
I haven't been to a place that contains more of an abundance of wildlife. The park is filled with wildflowers, trees, bears, coyotes, mountain goats, big horn sheep, moose, birds, squirrels (and their relatives), butterflies, and much more. Not to mention mosquitoes. I've seen big horn sheep fight, we've passed roadside bears, and, as mentioned previously, a coyote started walking on a trail with us once. The best part: these animals are in their natural habitat. Watching these animals takes you to a different place.
2. Logan Pass and its snow-covered slopes.
The snow makes for a nice way to cool down after spending a day in the sun. It's also really fun to slide down on your feet. Snow isn't only found at Logan Pass, it can actually be found on most hikes in the early summer. Being in snow in the summer is such a fun and unique experience, I don't know many places where you can do that.
3. The trees are tall and the mountains are taller.
This photo was taken at almost 7,000 feet above sea level, and the mountains still look huge.
Entering the park through the west entrance, the mountains gradually increase in size. Right before you enter, the mountains are at their largest. As you begin the drive up Going-to-the-Sun Road, the mountains and trees arch overhead as the piney scent creeps through your car windows.
Before reaching Logan Pass, you'll emerge above a tall valley filled with lakes and rivers, and the mountain tops are snow-covered. They'll make you feel smaller than ever before. The mountains give the park a magical effect, being there feels surreal. You could sit and stare at the mountains for hours and still be in awe.
4. The water is blue and the skies are, well, bluer.
Being surrounded by the color blue makes me feel refreshed. Free. The water looks ice cold from the runoff, the skies look big, the mountains look mighty.
5. The park is accessible in the fall too.
Summer is the busiest season for the park, mostly because the roads are closed during the majority of the year. Large amounts of people means you might encounter crowded campsites and backed-up traffic. Although this isn't too detrimental to the Glacier experience, early fall might be an even better time to visit the park. The trees are golden, the lakes are still, the park is quiet, and the air is brisk. Going-to-the-Sun Road usually closes after Logan Pass in September, but West Glacier still has a lot to offer. Many hiking trails are still open at this time of year, and you might get the chance to see more wildlife than you would in the summer.
6. ...and the winter!
Only a small portion of the Glacier roads are plowed in the winter, but the park is still accessible. Skiing and snowshoeing is offered in wintertime Glacier, and there are also places right outside of the park worth visiting. The Izaak Walton Inn is a lodge located in Essex, MT, very close to the park. The Inn has cross-country ski trails, and the frosted pine trees are a gorgeous sight. It is accessible by car and train.
My experience at the Izaak Walton Inn in January was unforgettable. The staff is very friendly, the air is still, and one of the cross country ski trails is even lit up at night. You're surrounded by endless amounts of trees and rolling hills.
I think it's really important to step back from a busy life and take a trip to Glacier every once in a while. Often times while I'm there, I find myself being reminded of the times I used to have as a kid, because in Glacier National Park, everything is simple again.
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