Lake McDonald through the trees

What we did get to see took our breath away. We saw mountains carved by glaciers, gorgeous valleys, stunning cascading waterfalls and a few vibrant wildflowers scattered here and there, letting us know it was springtime.

White-tailed deer in Polebridge Village

A variety of animals call Glacier NP home. We kept a vigilant eye out for grizzly bears, lynx, black bears, moose, wolverines, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, coyotes and wolves. We also looked for badgers, beavers, otters, porcupines, mink and bats but didn’t see any of those. We did see a few sweet White-tailed deer who seemed happy to have their pictures taken.

These White-tailed deer were not camera shy!

But just because we didn’t see bears doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful and carry bear spray. We weren’t hiking or camping out overnight but Glacier is home to the largest numbers of grizzly and black bear in the continental United States. And though the bear numbers are so strong in the lower 48, we have yet to see any bears in our travels.

Rocky Mountain High

Glacier National Park draws visitors from all over the world, all wanting to take the spectacular 50-mile drive on the Going to the Sun Road. Though we couldn’t drive the entire 50 miles we did get to drive over the winding passes and enjoy the views of incredible glacial lakes and jagged cliffs.

Log jam in Essex, Glacier National Park Montana

Glacier was established as a National Park in 1910 and abuts Waterton Lakes National Park in southwestern Alberta, Canada. It’s composed of mountain ranges that were carved by prehistoric ice rivers.

Raging River

This photographers Eden has so much to offer including alpine meadows, deep forest, waterfalls, approximately 25 glistening glaciers along with 200 crystal clear lakes. There are very few miles of paved roads within the park’s 1,600 square miles (about half the size of Yellowstone) keeping the landscape preserved in its primitive, unspoiled beauty.

Waterfall and raids along Going to the Sun Road in Glacier NP

Considered the Crown of the Continent, Glacier NP is home to over 700 miles of trails. This is truly paradise for visitors with an adventurous nature. It’s a place where you could relive the days of yesteryear through the historic chalets and lodges along Going to the Sun Road.

Crystal clear river runs passed the Rockys in Glacier NP

There has been evidence of humans using this area dating back over 10,000 years. The area was inhabited by the Blackfeet Indians who controlled the vast prairies that lie to the east of the mountains. At the same time the Salish and Kootenai Indians called the western valleys home and trekked over the mountains searching for game and to hunt the huge herds of bison on the eastern plains.

Spectacular view from the bridge over Lake McDonald

Most European explorers came to the area searching for beaver and other pelts. Soon miners followed and eventually settlers came looking for land. The Great Northern Railway was completed in 18912, sealing the area’s fate by allowing a huge number of people into the heart of northwestern Montana. Soon small towns developed in the area.

Closer look at the Rockys

Just before the turn of the century, influential leaders like George Bird Grinnell, encouraged the establishment of a national park. His efforts were rewarded in 1910, when on May 11 President Taft signed the bill establishing Glacier as the country’s tenth national park.

Lake McDonald in Polebridge Village

After driving as far as we could along the Going to the Sun Road, we turned around and headed to the little village of Polebridge. The anchor of this community is the historic and unique Polebridge Mercantile. What makes it special is that it is a combination of a typical retail store along with being the post office, gas station and place to rent a cabin or two. Of course we just HAD TO stop and pick up our Glacier National Park Montana magnet!

The majestic snow capped Rocky Mountains

Polebridge doesn’t have a whole lot more. But there is a cool old fashioned saloon called The Northern Lights Saloon, where you could grab a beer or a meal. And yes, the Northern Lights or Aurora borealis in the night sky!

Beauty beyond belief in Glacier National Park Montana

White-tailed deer bidding us adieu as we leave Glacier NP