Montana is beautiful – that’s all there is to it! We’ve spent many seasons in Yellowstone NP but this is our first time visiting Glacier. The drive from Wallace was spectacular as we darted in and out of thunderstorms. We had reservations at a KOA and we weren’t really sure what to expect. We aren’t usually RV Park campers, but our late decision to take this trip meant that most park campgrounds were full, so KOA it was! I splurged and reserved a “premium” site….concrete pad, fire pit, picnic table and bbq. The photos looked nice enough, as they should being this was costing as much as a nice hotel, but the idea of being sandwiched in by huge RVs wasn’t very appealing.
Much to our surprise the KOA was gorgeous!
Seriously…..really, really nice! Wow!
Our view the night we arrived. The mountains with the sunset reminded us of Kauai…hard to believe we were in Montana!
Thunderstorms certainly make for dramatic sky scenes!
View out our kitchen window!
As night fell…even a full moon!
Our first experience in the park was a rather wet one. We only had two days to explore, so rain or shine we pushed on. I had been a bit worried about driving on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, not being a fan of heights and cliffs and Todd being a distracted driver…but, the road was so fogged in I couldn’t see how high up we actually were! Our first hike was Hidden Lake, a popular destination in the park apparently – even in the fog and rain! What I didn’t realize though is that the terrain is so steep that the weather changes quickly! Our hike started out like this:
Wasn’t sure if it was worth the hike…but we started up anyway….
And then quickly turned to this:
Once you climbed out of the fog you were in the sunshine. It was odd to see the clouds rising straight up out of the valley and then dissipate…
Up into the sunshine again!
Through wildflower meadows….
Overlooking Hidden Lake
Apparently the orange paint was a warning that this guy was aggressive.
Hidden Lake
We didn’t walk all the way down to the lake…it was near dusk, and there were a lot of bear warnings in the area…I was still not sure about hiking in grizzly country.
On the way down…
A photographer setting up for sunset…
This little fellow had no fear of us whatsoever!
The (not so) Small Small Trailer 
I agree about the grizzlies in Glacier. They are abundant and it’s their domain and they are so protective of their cubs. Looks like you had a great time. Thanks for the info on the KOA.
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We never saw a bear while in Glacier, but the rain kept most people off the trails and there’s security in numbers for me 🙂 I had bells on my bag and spray at the ready…just in case!!!
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This hike to Hidden Lake looks great, and the lake itself is stunning. Maybe we have to go back this summer for some more exploring in Glacier NP!
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I’d like to go back, too. We didn’t have enough time there to really do the park justice….
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Oh, The Small Small Trailer! I am so happy to see you post again! We bought, at salvage, a 25 ft 2009 FC—-all because of you! Your blog gave me such a longing. Our trailer was stored in RV storage, dry, heated, but another unit’s frig caused the facility to burn. So, after we clean, off we go! We are outside Silverton, so your blog has been very near and dear to me. I just got off work, so now I am going to settle down by reading all the latest with you and Todd. Looks like you have been busy!
Susan
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Susan, I’m so glad your AS made it out of the fire safely! You’re in a prime position for so many beautiful camping opportunities. We really loved Whispering Falls Campground, not far out of Silverton. It was the perfect base camp for exploring the area! We also love Silver Falls State Park during the winter! We have a lot of family in Silverton…you’re lucky to live there!
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Kim – Wow! Such a great post! Your pictures are gorgeous and I like that you included a mini-review of the KOA. One of these days we will make it up to Glacier (from NJ). We have traveled to California and back but didn’t make it to Glacier.
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Wow – this sounds like a spectacular trip! I haven’t been to Glacier yet, but it is on my bucket list. Beautiful!
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Gorgeous Photos! Makes me want to go again!
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