Sunday, May 16, 2021

Glacier National Park, MT

TOTAL MILES TRAVELED: 9,777

Montana’s Glacier National Park preserves 1 million acres of glacier-carved peaks and valleys, pristine turquoise lakes and streams, and dense ancient forests. It is an enchanted wilderness that will instantly uplift your spirit.

Here are some fun facts about Glacier:

1. Glacier National Park is a part of the world’s first international peace park. The vision for a park was to celebrate peace and friendship between the United States and Canada.

2. Glacier straddles the Continental Divide, allowing for extreme weather. That’s because the opposing Pacific and Arctic airs meet at the Divide, creating a dramatic clash of weather. In one instance just outside the park’s eastern boundary in Browning, Montana, the temperature was noted as dropping 100 degrees in just 24 hours.

3. Going-to-the-Sun Road is a spectacular marvel and a must see. Going-to-the-Sun Road connects the east and west sides through the middle of the park, crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. Covering 50 miles of awe-inspiring landscapes, glaciers, and cascading waterfalls, this drive is certainly a quintessential part of visiting Glacier.

4. Evidence of human use in the area dates back over 12,000 years. Archeological evidence shows human occupation of this landscape dating back to the retreat of the Ice Age glaciers 12,000 years ago. These mountains still hold spiritual significance for the local Blackfeet, Salish, and Kootenai Tribes.

5. The largest glacier in the park is 0.7 square miles. Of the 26 glaciers present, Blackfoot Glacier is the largest glacier in the park.

6. Glacier’s wildlife has hardly changed since it was first discovered. Home to 71 species of mammals, Glacier’s ecosystem has essentially remained intact and undisturbed. This is mostly because of its large acreage and early protection efforts, but nonetheless the park’s preservation of species since early European explorations is quite impressive.

7. Lake McDonald is a favorite. Ten miles long and nearly 500 feet deep, Lake McDonald is the largest lake in the park. The clear blue lake is surrounded by high peaks, making it a picturesque spot. It’s most striking feature: the lake’s colored rocks in shades of red, green, and blue.

Source: doi.gov