Glacier National Park
FAQ
1. Is it safe to hike in Glacier?
Because this is bear country, hiking in Glacier requires preparation and education. Not surprising bears by making plenty of noise, being aware of your surroundings, and traveling in groups during the middle part of the day are all good precautions. Stop by a park visitor center or ranger station to get specific information about bear activity in the park but don’t let fear keep you away from the trails and the wild experience they afford.
2. Where can I see a bear?
Both black and grizzly bears are found throughout the park. NEVER approach a bear. Your actions could endanger not only yourself, but other visitors and the survival of the bear. Look for bears in early morning and evening in areas where food sources are available - berry patches and fields of glacier lilies are a good place to start.
3. Where can I see a glacier?
Most of the 27 small, alpine glaciers that are still found in the park are in the backcountry. One place to see a glacier from the roadway is Jackson Glacier Overlook on the east side of the Going to the Sun Road.
4. What is alpine tundra?
Alpine tundra refers to the plant communities that lie above the treeline at high elevations. The grasses, sedges, dwarf shrubs and abundant wildflowers that characterize this community must survive extremely short growing seasons, rocky soil, drought, sub-zero temperatures and strong sunlight. Despite this environmental toughness, many of these plants are extremely slow growing and fragile - what you see today may have taken hundreds of years to form.
5. What is the Continental Divide?
The Continental Divide is the crest of the continent. Rain that falls on one side of the divide heads towards the Pacific, the other toward the Atlantic. The divide runs along the crest of the Rockies, from British Columbia, through the United States, and continues southward into Mexico and Central America.
6. Is the Going to the Sun Road scary to drive on?
Let's be honest here - there are some places on the road that can be intimidating - especially if you are afraid of heights. The views are truly worth the effort. With an attentive driver who uses the pullouts to gawk at the views, the drive is safe and a marvel of engineering. Since many of your fellow visitors may not be paying as much attention as you are, travel at the recommended speed limit and keep your eyes on the road!