Waterton - Glacier International Peace Park

Within a half day's drive from Spokane, Washington, is some of the most pretty scenery in all of the Continental United States...The park's official name is the Waterton-Glacier International Peace park and the name was dedicated by a Rotarian I believe...The park has been called the crown of North America and splits three watersheads including the Columbia drainage to the west, the Missouri/Mississippi to the East and the Saskatchewan watershead that heads Northeast to Hudson Bay. Litterally, where you stand, determines what ocean a raindrop will end up in! Also species of plant and wildlife from all parts of the continent converge here and continue to inspire all with the ideal of peace among nations, people, and nature.

The most widely visited part of the park is the auto tour along the famous Run to the Sun road connecting the West side of the park to the East side. Although parking is hard to find, at the continental divide is a great gift shop, restrooms and several trail heads. One such trail is the Hidden Lake Trail. You leave the tourist center and assend up the hillside along grassy medows and will see lots of wild goats. A little farther down the Hidden Lake Nature trail is a picturesque view point of Hidden Lake. This is probably one of the most popular trails in the entire park.

Another short hike that is fun and beautiful is the Virginia Falls trail, just off the Run to the Sun road on the East slope. I actually ended up slipping and falling into the river just below here and wow was that water ever cold! My camera got wet, but still works! Even though the water was cold it was refreshing as temperatures were nearly 90 on that day.

Fewer tourists venture over to the more primitive West, Northwest section of the park mostly because of "the road". The road along the Flathead River is mostly dirt and spans almost 50 miles up to the Canadian boarder (boarder crossing has been closed due to a washed out bridge in British Columbia). about 25 miles south of the boarder, is Polebridge. The Polebridge Mercantile is famous for it's delicious home made pastries. Though off the grid, it's powered by two large solar panels and a generator. Besides pastries and supplies the town offers cabins for lodging, a hostel nearby and a restaurant.

Near Polebridge, is the Northwest park entrance. From there is a gorgeous drive up to Lake Kintla, and Bowman Lake. Of course some of the world's finest back country hiking trails start in this area. From Lake Kintla one can hike clear up into Canada and the Waterton Lakes National Park side. Both Waterton Lakes and Glacier make up the Waterton-Glacier International Peace park. You are required to provide passport and identification when crossing the boarder. Also check with the National Park before going because you are required to reserve back country camp sites. Here's a picture of Bowman Lake.

Take caution and pay attention to your surroundings. While the park is a beautiful place to see, always remember that humans are guests here and that it's actually natural habitat for many wild creatures who have been known to attack people. Among these are the Cougar, or Mountain Lion, Moose, Black Bear and the mighty Grizzly. While on trails it's important to make noise...a startled Bear, especially one with cubs, can become angry real fast, and that's not a good thing. Bear Spray is recommended for all hikers.

If you have any questions about the park, or surrounding areas I'd be happy to answer them. This is my favorite place in the entire country to spend time. I've been told that Banff and Jasper National Parks are just as pretty, and I have yet to see Waterton Lake. For those who don't want to do the tent or back country thing, there are hotels in West Glacier, East Glacier, as well as Many Glacier, St. Mary and other spots around the park. Chalet's are always fun to lodge in as well, but you will probably need reservations and a way to the Chalet. For those who prefer Hostels, one with plenty of room is open year round at Polebridge, and two others in East Glacier...Flights are available to Kalispel, probably the closest airport to the park, but many choose to save a few dollars and fly to Spokane then rent a car or take Amtrak to Glacier. For those in the Spokane area, Glacier is only about 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 hours away depending on what part of the park you plan to stop at first. If you live in the Inland Northwest and have not been to this park, what are you waiting for?