Driving from North Cascades to Glacier National Park

[tripisu]

Starting from Twisp, WA (a little past North Cascades) and taking a full day to just drive east to Glacier. Any recommendations for things to do or see quickly on the way? Any scenic points/routes or restaurants. Planning on taking US2 onto 95. Thanks in advance!

[Southwest Dave]

Hello and welcome to the RTA forums !

It's going to be quite a full day on the road, but a lovely route to drive where regular stops to take in some views and stretch your legs will be welcome. I have not been there, but there is a Swinging bridge that crosses the Kootenay river near the Falls. There is a parking area at the Historical Marker point on US2. Glacier NP is quite amazing on both sides of the park and linked by the fabulous Going to the Sun road. Nice hikes in the 'Many Glacier' area on the east side.

[tripisu]

Thanks so much, Southwest Dave! You wouldn't perchance know how early I'd need to get to a Glacier campsite (like Many Glacier, Rising Sun, St. Mary) in order to grab a campground spot, would you? I'd be going mid July.

[glc]

Here is the camping information page. If you go to the Campground Status page, then click on the campground of your choice, you can research historic fill times.

You could make reservations at one of the campgrounds that accept them.

[tripisu]

Wow, great information! Thank you again for your help.

[Southwest Dave]

If you know your travel dates I would look to book in advance if there are vacancies, especially the first night when you will be arriving later in the day.

[DonnaR57]

In most of the popular national parks, and Glacier is one of them, you'd want to either get reservations, or stay outside the park the night of arrival and then try to nab a spot by 9 the next morning, as people leave the "first-come, first-served" sites.


Donna

[tripisu]

Lucky enough, I managed to snag a reservation at St Mary. Someone must have cancelled their reservation! Thank you all for your input!