We are on the East side of Glacier National Park. This side isn't visited as much as the West side is. I think it's because East Glacier is on the Blackfeet Reservation. There aren't a lot of shops and touristy things to do. They keep this place on the Down Low that's for sure. I'm here to say, it's magnificent!!! East Glacier is worth the extra driving time to visit.
Today the kids and I drove on the Going to the Sun Road until it was closed due to snow drifts higher up. The Going to the Sun Road is a 50 mile pass that was created back in the 1930's as a way for people to drive through the national park. Other than this road, you have to hike and camp to see the rest of the park. We only got to drive about 13 miles on this side of the road until it was closed. The road is narrow but gives you an idea of what Glacier is about. I say just an idea because The going to the Sun Road only covers a fraction of the park.
There were plenty of hiking trails to do today, but we forgot our bear spray so we didn't want to come across a bear or even worse, a grizzly bear without protection. We mostly drove but we did get out for a few short mini hikes where lots of people were. The road basically followed St. Mary's lakes.
Glacier joined many of the other National Parks and started a timed park entrance pass system. About 3 months ago, Glacier opened up their system for people to buy timed entrances. I was aware of the changes so the second they opened, I got us a pass. Apparently, the entire summer sold out in like 5 minutes. Phew!! I'm glad I got one because if you don't have a pass, you can't enter the park until after 5 PM. We have seen tons of people turned away at the park gates for not having these passes. Crazy right???!!
We found a few trees that bears had used as a scratching post:)). We are in bear country that's for sure.
Look at this view. I told you, it's heavenly!!
After our adventure, we hung out at our KOA the rest of the night. The kids made a lot of friends and Scotty and I got some adult time with other adults;)). The sunset was super late but oh so picturesque.
The kids joined a mad game of frisbee.
The KOA had homemade ice cream for sell:))
How beautiful! What is the lake? I looked on Google maps, but I wasn't exactly sure where you are. Yes, stay away from bears.
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