Yellowstone, Glacier & Black Hills suggestions?

[ecourey]

Hi all,

We will be driving from Yellowstone to Glacier this summer and would love some suggestions from others. We'll be staying in Jackson for a few days exploring Tetons and Yellowstone, then plan to drive from Jackson back up through Yellowstone and onto Glacier. We'll do some stops in Yellowstone the day we begin the Glacier drive, but our plan is to get as far into Montana as we can. We won't be able to get all the way to Glacier that day (i don't think) but what we're trying to figure out is what would be the best stopping point for us between yellowstone and glacier that is interesting, that would have any availability in the month of august, and that would put us close enough to glacier so that we could get there early the next morning to nab a campsite?

thanks in advance for your help - we really appreciate it and are so excited for our trip!!

[Mark Sedenquist]

We will be driving from Yellowstone to Glacier this summer and would love some suggestions from others. We'll be staying in Jackson for a few days exploring Tetons and Yellowstone, then plan to drive from Jackson back up through Yellowstone and onto Glacier. We'll do some stops in Yellowstone the day we begin the Glacier drive, but our plan is to get as far into Montana as we can. We won't be able to get all the way to Glacier that day (i don't think) but what we're trying to figure out is what would be the best stopping point for us between yellowstone and glacier that is interesting, that would have any availability in the month of august, and that would put us close enough to glacier so that we could get there early the next morning to nab a campsite?

Welcome to the Forum! I just returned from a short drive through Glacier -- and found some sections of the park closed to bad behavior on the part of some of the local bear population. Where were you planning on camping? It is extremely unlikely you will be affected by this bears, but just curious.

Since it is on your way -- I would suggest an over-night on or near Flathead Lake -- it may be one of the most gorgeous lakes in America.

Mark

[ecourey]

Hi Mark

Thanks for the reply - and I did read your article - it's great and we are really looking forward to experiencing Glacier! It looks like we'll be doing an overnight in Kalispell on our way from Yellowstone so we will be near Flathead and will definitely try to take time to explore. In terms of once we get in the park, I'm not sure yet what campgrounds we'll stay at - I think the for the first night maybe sprague creek or avalanche. For the second night, I think Many Glacier would be very cool but don't know if we could get there early enough in the morning to get a campsite, as it seems like it's a bit of a drive. Did you get to Many Glacier during your trip? If we're not able to get to Many Glacier, then I think we'll probably go to Rising Sun. Were those campgrounds/areas of the park plagued by bad bear behavior while you were there?

Emily

[Mark Sedenquist]

Thanks for the reply - and I did read your article - it's great and we are really looking forward to experiencing Glacier! It looks like we'll be doing an overnight in Kalispell on our way from Yellowstone so we will be near Flathead and will definitely try to take time to explore. In terms of once we get in the park, I'm not sure yet what campgrounds we'll stay at - I think the for the first night maybe sprague creek or avalanche.

I am afraid I wasn't paying enough attention, but I think I remember seeing a notice about bears near Avalanche, I know I saw one on a hiking trail near Logan Pass. Glacier has the highest concentration Gizzlies in the lower 48 -- but there are plenty of black bears there too.

For the second night, I think Many Glacier would be very cool but don't know if we could get there early enough in the morning to get a campsite, as it seems like it's a bit of a drive. Did you get to Many Glacier during your trip?

No, we were on a bit of fast transit on the way to Havre. It isn't that far from St. Mary lake to the Many Glacier area -- 30 miles tops.

If we're not able to get to Many Glacier, then I think we'll probably go to Rising Sun.

Rising Sun, is a gorgeous location.

Mark

[Syv]

Glacier has the highest concentration Gizzlies


What are Gizzlies ;-) (just kidding)

Great report - going to the sun...

Syv

[Mark Sedenquist]

Glacier has the highest concentration Gizzlies
What are Gizzlies ;-) (just kidding)

Syv,
Spelling irregularities are just part of the deal with me -- about about Grizz?

Mark

[ecourey]

After a trip to Glacier, we are driving through the Black Hills and the Badlands on our way to the East Coast. We're planning to spend two nights in that area of South Dakota, and were wondering if anyone has any suggestions of good towns/campgrounds where we should stay?

Thanks!
Emily

[Mark Sedenquist]

After a trip to Glacier, we are driving through the Black Hills and the Badlands on our way to the East Coast. We're planning to spend two nights in that area of South Dakota, and were wondering if anyone has any suggestions of good towns/campgrounds where we should stay?

Emily,
I can't remember the name of hte campground I stayed in -- but be forewarned, it will be windy around there. One thing I really recommend -- turn on the AM radio and listen to some of the Navajo stations -- the language is lyrical and quite enjoyable (especially for those nouns that have no translation!)

Mark