Kalispell and Glacier March 2014

I invited Ben to accompany me on this venture to Glacier.  He's a great travel companion, and it gave me an opportunity to have him to myself for a couple of days.  Ben lives in Clark Fork, Idaho where I picked him up on the way.  We followed Highway 200 east and then on to Highway 56 north to intersect with Highway 2 to Troy, Montana.   Highway 2 parallels the Kootenay (Kootenai)  River for miles.  The Kootenai is a tributary to the Columbia River, originating in the Kootenay Range of the Canadian Rockies, and runs through northern Montana and Idaho.  The Kootenai Tribe lived along it's banks, making good use of the fishing and hunting available in this beautiful area.  History of the Kootenay River










We continued east on Highway 2 to Kalispell, and our "base camp" at a Holiday Inn Express there.  Kalispell is a Salish name meaning "flat land above the lake".  All about Kalispell.  It's the county seat for Flathead County, and a really pretty little town.  The part that impressed me the most was the East Side National Historic Places neighborhood.  I have always loved older, craftsman-style homes, and this was one of the best displays of this beautiful architecture that I have ever seen.  These are just a few examples of the many homes that have been lovingly restored and maintained.

East Side National Register of Historic Places

After a night of rest, we followed Highway 2 north, passing through Hungry Horse, and on to the West Glacier entrance.

Sheryl at West entrance

Ben at West entrance

We were early in the season for this north country, and the Going to the Sun Road was open only a limited distance, but we followed it to the end of Lake McDonald.  The waters are so clear, it's like looking into a mirror.  It's the largest lake in the Park, and is filled with varieties of native trout, kokanee and other fish species. The Lake McDonald Lodge is beautiful and is one of the options for a place to stay in the Park.    

Reflections of the Rockies in Lake McDonald

Another is the Apgar Village, which is south of the West Entrance.  We visited there just briefly before following the Camas Road north for about 10 miles.  The elevation increases significantly for the first 4 or 5 miles, and affords some great views of the valley and Lake McDonald. 

McGee Meadows

On our return trip, we followed Highway 93 along the west side of Flathead Lake, eventually hooking up with Highway 200, which took us back west and north through Thompson Falls.  This route follows the Clark Fork River from Thompson Falls to Clark Fork, Idaho  before it empties in to the Pend Oreille Lake

Flathead Lake

I enjoyed the trip especially because of time spent with my son.  From the beginnings of our travels together when he was a toddler, he has been appreciative of my urge to wander and explore.  I hope that we have other opportunities to see more of the country together.  Thanks, Ben!