Canada's counterpart -- Waterton National Park -- adjoins Glacier's boundaries into Canada. The Continental Divide winds along the backbone of Glacier and in a sense creates two entirely unique environments. The western side -- Lake McDonald -- is very moist, with lush green vegetation. While the eastern side -- St. Mary Lake and Many Glacier -- is in a rain shadow, with drier windblown valleys and slopes. Logan Pass sits on the Continental Divide in the center of the park between the two halves. Expect to be oohed and ahhed while traversing Glacier along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The road itself has been praised as an engineering feat and does cross, or tunnel, through spectacular scenery.
There are 13 campgrounds scattered throughout the park. Most do not open until late May, with others not opening until July. All are on a first-come, first-served basis with either a $10 or $12 fee.
Recommended hiking trails include Avalanche Gorge, Apgar Lookout, Logan Pass, Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake and Mount Brown.
Recommended backpacking trails include Highline Trail, and Goat Haunt-Granite Park Chalet. Dogs are not allowed on backcountry trails, but there are a few areas where dogs on a leash are allowed. Look for signs indicating leash restrictions.
Recommended biking includes the St. Mary area, Going-to-the-Sun Road, Chief Mountain International Road, and North Fork Road.
You can find climbing routes in Many Glacier, Logan Pass, and St. Mary areas, but Glacier's sedimentary rock is very crumbly and does not lend itself to technical climbing.
Glacier's peaks and valleys have a variety of wild game, including wolves, coyotes and mountain lion to bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, mule deer and grizzly bears.

PERMITS/FEES:
Private, non-commercial automobiles are $20 for seven days; single entry on foot or bike is $5 for seven days; an annual permit for Yellowstone and Grand Teton is $20 for one year from date of purchase; Golden Eagle Passport for most national parks is $50 for one year from date of purchase. Golden Age Passports are $10 for U.S. citizens 62 or over. A fishing, boating, or backcountry-use permit is needed. Some require a fee. The campgrounds are on a first- come, first-served basis. To assure a campsite, try to arrive before noon.


Recommended: Yes

Best time to go: June-August
Recommended for: Anybody
Review Topic: Overview