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Things to do in Montana
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Waterton-Glacier International Peace
Park
The Glacier National Park in
Polebridge, Montana and the Waterton Lakes National Park in
Alberta, Canada were joined since they meet at the border of
both countries; and in 1932, they were the first international
Peace Park. Their immediate goal was to honor the friendship and
peace that existed between the two countries and together, yet
separately, they manage the wilderness acres that make up this
magnificent territory, because neither animals, nor plants know
or understand boundaries. With outstanding and beautiful
expanses of nature, the Peace Park has continued its program of
conserving and preserving the many wonderful natural resources
and attractions that have brought thousands of people to this
region. These parks have been made a World Heritage Site because
of this and is in the same category as the Egyptian Pyramids,
Taj Mahal and Great Barrier Reefs. With rocks and other
formations, scientists have found this area to be over a billion
years old, that is a perfect example of the earth's dramatic
erosion forces, and more than 1200 species of animals and plants
that showcase the extreme wealth of the region's biological
diversity. The lodging here is spectacular, with rustic cabins,
modern motels, or the majestic grand historical hotels that were
built during the early 20th century. The camping and hiking in
these fantastic wilderness areas is phenomenal, but caution
should be exercised by going to the National Park Service to
find the best way to view some of the wilder, more ferocious
animals like mountain lion, bear or various other big animals,
without coming in to contact with them. This is to protect the
animals themselves, as well as yourselves. Often, numerous high
trails or passes might be full of snow, with almost 95% of the
region wilderness with many trails allowing only foot traffic or
horses. You must obtain a permit to stay overnight, and these
can be picked up at the visitors center or ranger stations.
Self-contained stoves are permitted and required, with a no pets
on the trails policy. Horseback riding is available, but they
will need to be scheduled, and guided, but this can be
accomplished at the Lake McDonald Lodge, Apgar and Many Glacier.
You are permitted to bring your own horse, but you should find
out about the regs and restrictions with the free packet from
the ranger stations or visitors center. The fishing is
bountiful, but to use a boat, it must be limited to a 10hp motor
on the majority of lakes, and boat tours can be picked up at
Rising Sun, Two Medicine, Lake McDonald and Many Glacier. Boat
rentals are available in some of the parks' lakes, and fishing
regulations can be obtained upon request. Some of the many
beautiful animals that you might see include grizzly bears, elk,
whitetail deer, moose, chipmunks, mule deer, black bears,
mountain lions, bighorn sheep, wolves, pikas, marmots, coyotes
and other types. When or if you should come upon a wild animal,
and they stop eating, run off or any other type of behavior that
startles you, then this means you are too close and should
quietly and softly back away. While some might look like they
don't care if you are watching them, they could be increasing
their stress levels, and could run off or even charge at you.
Information about the best way to approach or photograph an
animal, you can get at the visitor or ranger station. The folks
at both areas will tell you that a fed animal is a dead animal;
and they don't want you to feed any animals, no matter how cute
or friendly they might appear to be. Congress made 219 miles of
the Flathead River a wild and scenic area, which translates into
the best whitewater rafting in the country. In the winter
months, you can snowshoe, cross-country ski or just wander
around enjoying the sights of all these marvelous animals in
their winter tasks. Winter is arriving in the high country now,
and if you are of study stock and enjoy this type of weather for
camping, you won't find it crowded at all.
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Grinnell Glacier
In the heart of the Glacier
National Park, in Montana, Grinnell Glacier sits on 217 acres of
incredible landscaping and majestic vistas of rock, ice and
mountainous ranges. It was named after George Bird Grinnell, a
conservationist and early explorer that instigated the making of
this magnificent park high in the Lewis Range on the northern
flank of Mount Gould and rising an average of 7000 feet. The
Grinnell is one of the most photographed in the park, with
numerous photos being taken in the mid 1800s. These photos show
scientists and other observers that the glacier has retreated
quite a bit over the years, with glaciologists researching the
glaciers, having noted that the Grinnell measured 2.88
kilometers in 1850, and in 1993, measured .88 kilometers. They
have predicted that the glaciers will be gone by 2030. The Gem
Glacier is the smallest one left in the park, and is on the
Garden Wall just above Grinnell, and hasn't shown the decrease
dramatically like the Grinnell. It can be reached by hiking
about 6 miles, starting at the trailhead in Swiftcurrent Lake
and gradually rising some 1600 feet after the first few miles.
Other glaciers in the state include Swiftcurrent, Jackson,
Sperry, Agassiz, Stanton, Chaney, Grant, Grasshopper, Boulder
and Blackfoot.
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Running Eagle Falls
The Running Eagle Falls is
located in the Glacier National Park, in Montana, and is two
falls that look like one. When the water is high, it spills out
of the top plate, thus concealing the second falls that leap out
of a cave half way down. The entire area is extremely
interesting and spectacular, because of the strange warping that
the formation and locations of the rocks themselves. This has
occurred because of the bigger rocks being forced over the
smaller boulders as the glacier receded in the past. This
phenomenon is seen frequently in the park and close by in other
areas of the region. The falls were named after Running Eagle, a
Pitamakan Indian from the Blackfoot tribe living in the region
in 1825. She began gaining the skills of a Blackfoot warrior,
and a great hunter; brave in the face of danger or enemies of
the Blackfeet. The village elders told her to do a vision quest
so that she could find out her true nature. Supposedly she
headed out towards the falls, and later returned to the lodge
and its ceremonies so she could tell her story. She became a
member of the Braves Society and was a great leader in war and
hunting parties until she was killed in a battle the Blackfoot
fought against the Flathead at the Sun River. The Two Medicine
campground is located a few miles from the falls, and 13 miles
from East Glacier. The sites are tree shaded and secluded,
affording some privacy from other campgrounds. Potable water is
found here, with 99 sites available, of which 13 are for 32 RV
campers. Toilets and running water are in the facilities, with
primitive camping available from September 22 until the end of
October. This fee is $10 per night, while the other summer fee
is $20 a night. Water is not available during this time, so you
are advised to bring your own. When Running Eagle was a young
girl, her parents died, and she was left with brothers and
sisters unable to care for themselves, and not wanting to break
up her family, she decided to become the male leader of her
household. She was called Weasel Woman and refused any suitors,
instead bringing in a widow from her village to do the woman's
chores and take car of her siblings when she was gone. She did
the hunting for her family, and when some Crow Indians raided
her village and took a few horses, she went after them. She went
to the Crow camp and stole 6 of their best horses, and killed a
number of warriors. Upon her return to her village, the men
constructed a medicine lodge so she could tell her story. From
that time on, she was called Running Eagle, or Pita Omarkan, the
name of a great chief that lived long before. She was and is the
only Blackfoot woman to get this honor. She was clubbed from
behind and died at the battle with the Flatheads.
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