Glacier National Park

About Glacier National Park

The Glacier National Park is situated in Montana and covers 4,101 km2 (1,583 sq mi). It was established in 1910 and some two million people visit it annually, although few stray far from the main road system. The park is mountainous, carved by the glaciers after which it was named, and has a breathtakingly beautiful landscape of forests, lakes, alpine meadows and soaring peaks and valleys.

Flora and Fauna

The area has suffered little from the ravages of the modern world and the majority of plant life and wildlife remains intact and unchanged since the time Europeans first explored the region. There are over 1,132 plant species, 30 of which are only found in this and the other surrounding protected regions; 270 recorded bird species and over 60 mammal types. Endangered species living in this vast protected area include the Canadian lynx and the bull trout, along with grizzly bears which live here in one of their few remaining natural habitats.

Activities

Apart from the obvious draw for hikers (there are over 700 miles of marked and unmarked trails of varying lengths and difficulties), Glacier holds many other attractions for visitors. It’s a renowned spot for fishing, which needs no permit, and all catches can be kept apart from the endangered bull trout. Boat tours are available on a few of the larger lakes; and horses can be rented for exploring the trails. Bikes are restricted to the designated bike paths and roads, but forbidden on trails and there is nowhere in the park to rent them, so bring your own.

The park borders Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada, and together the parks form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, the first ever international peace park designated in 1932. Both are United Nations Biosphere Reserves and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.