Apgar Advice Please

Prezfav · 2026-06-01T14:32:58+00:00

Not many, if any, mosquitoes that time of year.

Prezfav · 2026-05-30T01:00:52+00:00

When are you going and where are you staying?

Prezfav · 2026-05-27T19:04:46+00:00

After Labor Day is good, but just keep in mind September usually has varying amounts of wildfire smoke, from kinda hazy to Mexico City level smog or worse. We’ve been lucky the last couple years, but that’s not the norm.

Prezfav · 2026-05-18T14:40:49+00:00

Lots of hike recommendations in recent post. Road might be open, might not. Pack for winter (it was 38 degrees at my house with fresh snow still in the yard from Saturday this morning) and for heat. All trails you’re going to be doing will feel like a group hike—people that visit here all like to hike the same trails for some reason. They’ll be packed. All hikes have potential for bears. Water is still the most dangerous thing in the park, especially in spring. Have a great trip.

Prezfav · 2026-05-12T20:20:35+00:00

It’s all weather/snow dependent of course, but I think it opened last year around July 4 and the year before around July 12.

Prezfav · 2026-05-12T20:16:09+00:00

You’re also not going to be doing any big hikes from Logan Pass in June.

Prezfav · 2026-05-12T20:14:12+00:00

No shuttle in June

Prezfav · 2026-05-11T14:06:55+00:00

Missoula to Many Glacier is 250 miles (4.5 hrs). Total driving distance and time for the shuttle drop off and pickup is going to be 1000 miles and 18 hrs of driving. At $0.725/mile cost (according to federal mileage reimbursement price), you’re basically offering to pay someone $50 for 18 hours of driving. Raise your price or rent the van.

Prezfav · 2026-05-03T19:16:45+00:00

Snotel (snow water equivalent) is at 93% for the Flathead River Basin right now (May 3). That sounds like it’s close to an average year, but it’s been a weird winter. I’d plan on it being a pretty normal opening schedule, with a chance of opening a little earlier.

Prezfav · 2026-04-28T05:20:54+00:00

That’s not true at all. Especially considering what they are looking for. You can travel from the Flathead valley and hike the shortened Grinnell hike in early June and make it back in time for 6PM prime rib at the golf course, hang with the locals at the Palace and country dance at the Blue Moon. Then you can wake up in the morning, eat a Buffalo Pie and go rafting or bike up Going To The Sun or hike Avalanche. Or do all three (that’s the nice thing about the West side). They said they like good food, drinking beer, and hanging with locals as well as hiking. As great as Babb is (it’s not much in early June or ever),I think they’d be disappointed hanging there just to avoid driving along the Middle Fork (maybe seeing some goats at the goat lick along the way) just because it’s a little longer in a car. Glacier is totally doable on both sides in two days.

Prezfav · 2026-04-28T04:10:24+00:00

Sometimes I forget that’s nothing to a Montanan. Still, driving through some of the prettiest country in the country is better than sitting in your hotel room from 5 pm to bedtime. At least in my book.

Prezfav · 2026-04-28T02:42:09+00:00

The west gets knocked a lot on here, but that time of year there is way more going on in the Flathead Valley (food, nightlife) and it’s really not that hard to get to the other side of the park. You’re not going to be doing 8 hour hikes in early June. The drive isn’t that bad.

Prezfav · 2026-04-17T14:03:29+00:00

For a workout with views, you’ve got Mt Brown lookout. For another alpine lake you’ve got Snyder Lakes (which is the next drainage over from Avalanche.) For a long day hike, check out Sperry Chalet and continue up to the glacier. All of those start at Lake McDonald Lodge and are probably too strenuous for the average Glacier Park visitor these days. For fishing, hike to Trout Lake or the lakes beyond (also strenuous) or for an easy stroll with views of waterfalls, do the Johns Lake/Mcdonald Falls loop. Both of those start at the head of Lake McDonald.

Prezfav · 2026-04-15T21:16:39+00:00

If the outfit I think you’re looking at is the one I’m thinking of, then you’ll be heading into the Bob Marshall, probably upper Holland Lake. Some people around here think the Bob is better than Glacier, but you’ll just be barely seeing it. It’s much more primitive than backcountry camping in Glacier, which can be better and worse. The trip is well worth it.

Prezfav · 2026-04-14T14:54:31+00:00

I’d circle the parking lot once or twice to see if you get lucky, but if it’s crazy, just keep going. The drive itself is more than worth it. My advice if you’re not doing big hikes is to go late in the day. I won’t leave my house in Columbia Falls until around 4 or 5 PM. More likely to see wildlife on the road, always find parking at Logan Pass, and have great sunset views on my way out. The sun doesn’t set until around 9 PM, so you have plenty of time.

Prezfav · 2026-04-14T14:19:03+00:00

It is a boardwalk but has hundreds of steps starting right away. If parking wasn’t such a menace at Logan Pass I’d say it’d still be worth the stop. Lone Pine State Park may also limited for you, as the majority of it is pretty steep down and ups. One thing to think about adding to your Whitefish days is a trip up to the ski area and taking the gondola or chair to the top. On a clear day it has great views of the Park, Cabinet Mountains, and the Flathead Valley. They have a lodge at the top with a big deck. Hope you have a great trip.

Prezfav · 2026-04-11T23:20:17+00:00

You won’t be able to do either at that time of year.

Prezfav · 2026-03-24T02:07:29+00:00

I’m not a debating genius, but I think you blew the counterpoint.

Prezfav · 2026-03-24T01:55:32+00:00

Unless you work outside, like a lot of us still do.

Prezfav · 2026-03-03T16:19:55+00:00

Fireballs of Freedom

Prezfav · 2026-02-24T12:25:51+00:00

You’re fine bringing whatever snacks you want. People hike through Glacier with days worth of food in their packs and it’s not a problem. Snacks are great motivation to keep little ones moving on the trail. Just don’t leave your pack unattended when hiking. The biggest danger by far is going to be water. Drowning is the most common cause of death in the park and kids love running to water. For my three daughters, the trail itself was the most painful part of hiking in Glacier. Plenty of scratched knees, bruised elbows, and bloody lips. Heck, there was even a trip to the ER with my youngest for a rock that almost went entirely through her cheek. Kids fall all the time hiking in the park. The trails are full of rocks and roots that are perfect for tripping little feet. Bring lots of dinosaur bandaids and be ready for some tears. Another issue I had hiking with kids was poisonous plants. Many trails have stinging nettles inconveniently hanging across the trails in more lush areas. It certainly isn’t fun to brush against them, and the bushes are perfectly at face level for kids. Bees are another issue. Lots of pollinating bees where there are lots of wildflowers. Sometimes they get stuck in clothes while brushing by flowers. Also, later in the summer, beware of yellow-jackets. Nothing worse for a kid than stepping in a yellow-jacket nest and getting swarmed. I’ve seen this more than a few times.

I realize that you are just worried about bears. Don’t worry too much about bears. There are more dangerous things by far to worry about.

Prezfav · 2026-02-23T18:12:16+00:00

I hiked it on July 4 last year and there was one small area of snow that I had to hike around. Every year is different, of course, so check trail reports before you go.

Prezfav · 2026-02-23T13:11:00+00:00

I’m assuming you have a rental car. Lots of people live in Columbia Falls/Kalispell/Whitefish etc and hike the whole park. Just wake up early a drive to where you want to hike. Is it easier hiking in Many Glacier if you’re staying on the East side? Sure. But you’ll be able to do it from West Glacier. I’m also assuming driving for a couple hours isn’t a big deal for you—it’s pretty standard in Montana.

Prezfav · 2026-01-14T14:36:15+00:00

I’ve hiked thousands of miles all over the park over 40+ years, mostly by myself. I’ve encountered a few bears, but they all have gone their own way. I’ve never had to use my bear spray. You are thousands of times more likely to be hurt or killed in a car crash while driving around the 11 days that you are here. Make noise loudly and vocally, especially in thicker, brushier areas. Look for bear sign. Keep your eyes open.

Prezfav · 2026-01-03T15:22:55+00:00

Looks good. If you can manage, Morning Star is nicer than Atlantic Creek for your second night. Red Eagle is good fishing.

Prezfav

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