Using Whitefish as a base to explore Glacier National Park

[Frwinkley]

How realistic is this?

I’m beginning to explore vacation ideas for next summer. We are in our late 50s, good health, enjoy easy hiking, beautiful scenery and mountain towns. We are also avid photographers.

Upon some initial research, it looks as though the most scenic parts of the park are on the eastern side, which is very remote with limited accommodations. We like more modern hotels (no camping, need AC, tv, internet) and Whitefish has more to offer in that regard. We like nice hotels (thank you WDW).

Having said that, is It reasonable to stay in Whitefish while exploring the east side? We are not at all adverse to days of long driving and have done it on many other road trips.

We will most likely fly into Spokane (thank you SW points). We probably will spend 7-8 nights in total.

We don’t mind switching hotels, but don’t necessary want to be in the middle of nowhere,

Any and all advice/opinions is greatly appreciated.

 

[kymom99]

My sister stayed in a lodge in the national park. You are right, it’s remote. No cell service. She actually had a medical episode in the middle of the night and had to be air lifted to the hospital.

Glacier is on my bucket list. I’m interested in hearing the feedback you get.

 

[HeatherC]

I would ask this on the TripAdvisor forums for Montana. People are very helpful. Glacier was on our list for a cross country trip two years ago and while we didn’t make it there, I think I remember Whitefish is definitely quite a haul every day. Something like 45-60 minutes away. I could be wrong on remembering this, however.

‘Good luck and have fun planning. We did a ton of National Parks on our trip and it was awesome. I know Glacier will be too!

 

[RamblingMad]

I'm going to GNP next month. I'll let you know. The East is pretty much shutdown right now, so I own't be able to comment much. We're renting a house.

 

[bcla]

Glacier Park Lodge (which is outside the actual park boundaries) is in a good location. No A/C, but it's never hot enough to really need it. They have Wi-Fi, but it's unsure how fast it is. If it's fast enough you could use your own devices to stream video.

https://www.glacierparkcollection.com/lodging/glacier-park-lodge/

 

[JimMIA]

Upon some initial research, it looks as though the most scenic parts of the park are on the eastern side, which is very remote with limited accommodations.

VERY true. The best parts of Glacier ARE on the east side, and honestly I'm not even sure Glacier is a great choice considering your desires...because of this...

We like more modern hotels (no camping, need AC, tv, internet) ...We like nice hotels (thank you WDW).

You will find nice hotels in Whitefish and other areas on the West side of the park.

You will find breathtaking scenery and great hikes on the East side.

But on the East side, you will find mostly park lodges, except at East Glacier Village which has some hotels just outside the park. You have to check with the individual hotels to see about things like cell service and internet. You won't need air conditioning.

Personally, I think you'd be better off someplace like the Yellowstone/Grand Teton/Jackson Hole area of Wyoming. Or Northern AZ/Southern Utah. Or Yosemite, CA. There you will find opportunities for great hiking, wildlife, wilderness experiences, AND touristy stuff and much nicer hotels and amenities.

Having said that, is It reasonable to stay in Whitefish while exploring the east side?

No.

There is only one entrance on the West side and one road -- Going-to-the-Sun Road. You will have a long, difficult drive TO everything you do, and a long, difficult drive home.

Stay on the East side, or don't go.

For your researching torment, here are the official NPS webpages for some of the places mentioned -- way too many parks in AZ/UT to list.

• Glacier - www.nps.gov/glac
• Yellowstone - www.nps.gov/yell
• Grand Teton - www.nps.gov/grte
• Yosemite - www.nps.gov/yose

 

[Frwinkley]

JimMIA -- I thank you for your honestly.

We spent 10 days in Calgary, Banff and Jasper National Parks in the Canadian Rockies. Truly was one of our most memorable trips. The scenery was unlike anything we've ever experienced. Glacier has been of interest to me simply because it looks similar. I wonder if we'd be disappointed.

 

[JimMIA]

JimMIA -- I thank you for your honestly.

We spent 10 days in Calgary, Banff and Jasper National Parks in the Canadian Rockies. Truly was one of our most memorable trips. The scenery was unlike anything we've ever experienced. Glacier has been of interest to me simply because it looks similar. I wonder if we'd be disappointed.

I've been to Waterford/Glacier NP -- the Canadian side -- once, and Glacier twice. Have not been further north than that. I believe the topography is very similar, but I suspect the Banff/Jasper area is probably even more spectacular than Glacier NP.

I don't think you'll be disappointed in the scenery. However, I do think you'll be seeing pretty much the same scenery you've seen on other trips.

But if you are committed to the Whitefish/Kalispell side, I think you're really going to be doing a lot of difficult and unnecessary driving. That side is more touristy/resorty (if there is such a word), and really not so much about the national park. It's a vacation destination all to itself. Maybe some Montana natives can chip in and give you more local info.

For a week-long trip, I personally would do Yellowstone/Grand Teton/Jackson (flying into Jackson or Salt Lake City). Or San Francisco/Yosemite. We've done both in that timeframe.

The mountains in Grand Teton are at least as beautiful as Glacier, and you will have much more wildlife, plus a cool town (Jackson) to visit. Lots of great hikes in both Yellowstone and Grand Teton. River rafting, horseback riding -- many, many things to do.

For a bit longer trip, I would do N AZ and hit Grand Canyon, numerous other NPS sites in the area (Montezuma's Castle, Walnut Canyon, Wupatki, etc), plus Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon.

And don't miss the Navajo Nation Parks. My avatar is Little Antelope Canyon Navajo Nation Park -- and there is also Monument Valley, Four Corners...so much to see.

 

[kymom99]

JimMIA -- I thank you for your honestly.

We spent 10 days in Calgary, Banff and Jasper National Parks in the Canadian Rockies. Truly was one of our most memorable trips. The scenery was unlike anything we've ever experienced. Glacier has been of interest to me simply because it looks similar. I wonder if we'd be disappointed.

I live vicariously through my sister. She has been to more national parks than I can count. She loved Glacier even after the medical episode and she also loved Yosemite.

Banff is on my list too.

 

[fortwildernessishome]

JimMIA -- I thank you for your honestly.

We spent 10 days in Calgary, Banff and Jasper National Parks in the Canadian Rockies. Truly was one of our most memorable trips. The scenery was unlike anything we've ever experienced. Glacier has been of interest to me simply because it looks similar. I wonder if we'd be disappointed.

I don't think you will be disappointed in Glacier!! We have been to the majority of the National Parks and Glacier is my second favorite, after Yosemite!! Of course I loved the "mighty 5" in Utah too!! But, I love, love, love Glacier!! I went to Calgary, Banff and Jasper when I was a teenager (a long time ago, ha, ha!!) and I think that Glacier is very similar in beauty!
I cant really offer any advice on lodging, as we always stay in the National Parks. We split our time in Glacier between the Glacier Park Lodge on the east side and the Lake McDonald Lodge on the west side. While I LOVED them both, it doesn't sound like a good fit for you, as there was no ac, tv, no wifi and no cell service. You can probably get a terrific place outside of the park for half of what it costs to stay inside in their lodges, as those are pricey!
Have fun planning!!

 

[RamblingMad]

I live vicariously through my sister. She has been to more national parks than I can count. She loved Glacier even after the medical episode and she also loved Yosemite.

Banff is on my list too.

Banff is amazing. I highly recommend it. It definitely feels more remote than hiking in Yosemite or even the Tetons. I'd bring a inreach mini since you won't always be able to get cell signals even with an international roaming plan turned on.

 

[fortwildernessishome]

For a week-long trip, I personally would do Yellowstone/Grand Teton/Jackson (flying into Jackson or Salt Lake City). Or San Francisco/Yosemite. We've done both in that timeframe.

The mountains in Grand Teton are at least as beautiful as Glacier, and you will have much more wildlife, plus a cool town (Jackson) to visit. Lots of great hikes in both Yellowstone and Grand Teton. River rafting, horseback riding -- many, many things to do.

For a bit longer trip, I would do N AZ and hit Grand Canyon, numerous other NPS sites in the area (Montezuma's Castle, Walnut Canyon, Wupatki, etc), plus Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon.

And don't miss the Navajo Nation Parks. My avatar is Little Antelope Canyon Navajo Nation Park -- and there is also Monument Valley, Four Corners...so much to see.

Hi Jim, I just have to chime in as we have done a close variation of the three trips you mention above and loved them all!!! I agree to that Jackson is a cool town!! So much fun!!!
Also, love your avatar!! We had a tour of antelop canyon and it was amazing!! I actually framed a few of the photos I took there and they are hanging in our living room!
Looks of great suggestions!!

 

[Frwinkley]

Thank you all for the great replies!

We've done the Grand Canyon, Sedona, etc. so that's out. We also did Colorado, Estes Park and a circle trip through Colorado (loved Durango, Silverton and Telluride) 2 summers ago. This year we did Great Smoky National Park (very driveable from Pittsburgh). We've also done San Francisco, Yosemite and Lake Tahoe.

I think I'm leaning towards Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole. We love beautiful scenery, easy hikes, but also love walkable "touristy" downtown areas.

Since I am a teacher, we only travel during the summer months. I'm always looking for comfortable destinations with little humidity! We get enough of that during the summer in Pittsburgh!

Is SLC a good place to fly in and out of for some sort of circle trip? Should we fly into Billings and fly out of SLC?

I've got plenty of SW points to use!

 

[JimMIA]

Thank you all for the great replies!

We've done the Grand Canyon, Sedona, etc. so that's out. We also did Colorado, Estes Park and a circle trip through Colorado (loved Durango, Silverton and Telluride) 2 summers ago. This year we did Great Smoky National Park (very driveable from Pittsburgh). We've also done San Francisco, Yosemite and Lake Tahoe.

I think I'm leaning towards Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole. We love beautiful scenery, easy hikes, but also love walkable "touristy" downtown areas.

Since I am a teacher, we only travel during the summer months. I'm always looking for comfortable destinations with little humidity! We get enough of that during the summer in Pittsburgh!

Is SLC a good place to fly in and out of for some sort of circle trip? Should we fly into Billings and fly out of SLC?

I've got plenty of SW points to use!

If you're going to Yellowstone/Grand Teton, I would certainly fly into/out of Jackson, WY if you can, but there are other options.

Billings and several other smaller cities would probably be a series of connections. SLC is doable, but a longer drive. But we can go to Jackson with one stop in DFW, so that's easy. Depends a lot on which airline you are flying.

 

[bcla]

Thank you all for the great replies!

We've done the Grand Canyon, Sedona, etc. so that's out. We also did Colorado, Estes Park and a circle trip through Colorado (loved Durango, Silverton and Telluride) 2 summers ago. This year we did Great Smoky National Park (very driveable from Pittsburgh). We've also done San Francisco, Yosemite and Lake Tahoe.

I think I'm leaning towards Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole. We love beautiful scenery, easy hikes, but also love walkable "touristy" downtown areas.

Since I am a teacher, we only travel during the summer months. I'm always looking for comfortable destinations with little humidity! We get enough of that during the summer in Pittsburgh!

Is SLC a good place to fly in and out of for some sort of circle trip? Should we fly into Billings and fly out of SLC?

I've got plenty of SW points to use!

Jackson Hole Airport has the ideal location, but no Southwest. I believe it's the only commercial airport in a US national park.

It's in a nice, flat area well away from any mountains. Here's a landing in winter:

 

[JimMIA]

It's in a nice, flat area well away from any mountains. Here's a landing in winter:

The mountains are not as far away as they appear in that video.

The last time we visited was a first for DW. I had the window seat and as we approached we were landing the opposite direction as shown in that video. So we passed by the airport going north, and we were on the right side of the aircraft.

I wouldn't let DW look out any windows, and she played along with it. When we made the 180 from downwind to final, I told her to look out my window, and the "Cathedral View" of the Grand Tetons was right outside our window. She freaked out. It was priceless.

bcla is right, though, Jackson "Hole" is a broad, flat valley between ranges of mountains. It's an alluvial plain, ground flat by glaciers. So at GRTE, you have flatlands, a chain of lakes and rivers, and then Rocky Mountains that literally rise up right out of the lakes. Truly spectacular.

 

[bcla]

The mountains are not as far away as they appear in that video.

The last time we visited was a first for DW. I had the window seat and as we approached we were landing the opposite direction as shown in that video. So we passed by the airport going north, and we were on the right side of the aircraft.

I wouldn't let DW look out any windows, and she played along with it. When we made the 180 from downwind to final, I told her to look out my window, and the "Cathedral View" of the Grand Tetons was right outside our window. She freaked out. It was priceless.

bcla is right, though, Jackson "Hole" is a broad, flat valley between ranges of mountains. It's an alluvial plain, ground flat by glaciers. So at GRTE, you have flatlands, a chain of lakes and rivers, and then Rocky Mountains that literally rise up right out of the lakes. Truly spectacular.

Never landed there, although a relatively short runway at high altitude with 737s and A319s seems like fun. Probably not Orange County Airport fun, but still fun. My last visit were drove all the way from California and it was kind of strange seeing where the airport was driving from Jackson to Moose. I thought that it was ever built in the first place was kind of controversial, but it was physically an ideal location for an airport.

I was driving in and man it was beautiful. I saw a coyote running across the road too.

 

[JimMIA]

Never landed there, although a relatively short runway at high altitude with 737s and A319s seems like fun.

Not sure what kind of aircraft we were in. American Airlines, but several years ago so it might have been an MD-80. Not especially dramatic.

I was driving in and man it was beautiful. I saw a coyote running across the road too.

Yeah. We were driving around Grand Teton our first night and saw a BISON! We went off road and chased that poor old beast mercilessly.

A few nights later we were driving from Lake Yellowstone, through Hayden Valley, up to Canyon -- and got trapped in a two-hour Bison-Jam! At night, surrounded by hundreds of bison, in the middle of nowhere!

 

[Frwinkley]

I'm not the best flyer, so I feel for your poor wife!! Once took a seaplane from the Bahamas back to Ft. Lauderdale Fl. It was about an 8 seater, using the ocean as the runway and barely clearing a bridge. I was much younger than so it was a thrill!

 

[JimMIA]

I'm not the best flyer, so I feel for your poor wife!!

She wasn't scared -- just dazzled by the mountains.