Sep

29

Must see National Park: GNP

By Jessica

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Glacier National Park should top all nature lovers list of must see national parks. Located in West Glacier, Montana, this park is a paradise for hikers and drivers alike. With over 700 miles of trails, hikers won’t soon run out of backcountry to explore. Visitors that are more car-bound can enjoy the scenic drive up Going to the Sun Road. The drive may be slow, especially with construction ongoing, but you wouldn’t want to drive by too quickly and miss admiring the scenery anyway. Allow plenty of time for the 18 mile drive up to Login Pass and back down to the opposite end of GNP. Just don’t plan a winter drive, as the road closes around mid October each year. A shuttle service is offered by the park, free of charge, for those who would rather not hassle with driving at all.

Enjoy the glacial blue waters of lakes and the towering mountains that surround you. Campsites and hotels abound in the area. Be sure to claim campsites early during popular seasons and book hotels in advance. Otherwise, you could find yourself lodging 30 miles or more outside of the park.

Take a hike to Avalanche Lake, starting with the Trail of the Cedars.

View the scene at Logan Pass summit.

Camp out at Many Glacier.

Check out views from Going to the Sun Road.

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Sep

29

GNP: Logan Pass

By Jessica

At 6,646 feet, Logan Pass is the highest point on the Going to the Sun Road at Glacier National Park. Be sure to bring warmer clothes as the summit is often windy and much colder than lower elevations. Paved walkways surrounding the Visitors Center abound for photography opportunities. The more adventurous hikers can choose to hit a trail (i.e., Hidden Lake Nature Trail or Garden Wall Trail) from here. Be prepared for a crowded parking lot if you don’t reach the pass early. Campers can check the board at the Visitors Center for available campsites (or ask the ranger to call in for up to the minute availability).

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Jun

3

Free Summer Fun from NPS!

By Jessica

With the economy suffering and many without jobs or worried about losing their jobs, it’s always nice to hear about free ways to spend your summer vacation time. After all, your children may not understand the economy and you might not want to forgo a vacation this year just because of money stresses. If anything, you probably need the vacation even more!

Well, rest assured, there are free ways to have summer fun, whether you are looking to planning a weekend or longer. I’ll be keeping my radar out for free or cheap ways to spend your summertime vacas. Here’s the first of many posts to come on Free Summer Fun!

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The National Park Service has announced three weekends with fee free park admissions. The weekend dates are:

Father’s Day: June 20-21

July 18-19

August 15-16

Find out more here. And remember that many National Parks are free every weekend! So, give your wallet a break and get out and enjoy the outdoors!

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