Earlier this fall, I had the chance to spend a few uninterrupted days in one of my favorite places: Glacier National Park. I was hitting the road with some pals who had flown in from across the country and for most of them, this was their very first time visiting the park. Needless to say, I was excited to show them just why this place is so special to me. And I’ve got to tell you, the weather, scenery and company didn’t disappoint.

A perfect morning at Lake McDonald.
A perfect morning at Lake McDonald.

We started off our stay in Whitefish, where we checked out their weekly farmers market before staying at the brand new Whitefish Downtown Suites. These adorable (seriously, so cute) vacation rentals are on Central Avenue and have downtown views.

Relaxing in my very own suite.
Relaxing in my very own suite.

After a restful sleep, I decided to test everyone’s limits and we headed for Glacier ZipLines in Columbia Falls to try our luck at their 8-zipline course. Some of my friends weren’t quite as eager as I was to see how fast they could take the zips, but we all had a really fun time and as an (apparent) adrenaline junkie, I loved every minute of zipping through the trees.

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Getting ready to head out on the course’s first zipline!

From there, we ventured north into one of the wildest parts of the Glacier National Park—the North Fork—and the off-the-grid community of Polebridge. The changing colors of the leaves, combined with huckleberry macaroons from the Polebridge Mercantile and the beauty of Bowman Lake made for a great day.

Our first view of the peaks of Glacier National Park from the North Fork Road.
Our first view of the peaks of Glacier National Park from the North Fork Road.
Hello, Polebridge.
Hello, Polebridge.
A fresh dusting of snow at Bowman Lake.
A fresh dusting of snow on the peaks at Bowman Lake.
My friend Scott and I showing just how much we love Glacier National Park.
My friend Scott and I showing just how much we love Glacier National Park.

After our trip to Bowman Lake, we decided our next full day would be spent along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Sidenote: Let’s be honest, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a beautiful drive any time you take it. However, there is something incredible about the road in the autumn. If you haven’t visited during September and October, I highly recommend it. 

Our first stop: Lake McDonald.
Our first stop: Lake McDonald.
Stopping to take in this view.
Stopping to take in this view along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Hidden Lake is beautiful.
From Logan Pass, we hiked to the Hidden Lake Overlook.
Our traveling group!
Our traveling group!
After hiking to Hidden Lake, we continued on the road toward St. Mary. Along the way, we stopped to take a look at the area that was burned by the Reynolds Creek Fire.
Following our hike to Hidden Lake, we continued on the road toward St. Mary. Along the way, we stopped to take a look at the area that was burned by the Reynolds Creek Fire. It was interesting to see how much new vegetation was already taking root.

After a sun-kissed day exploring the Going-to-the-Sun Road and Logan Pass, we made our way back toward Kalispell’s Glacier Park International Airport so my friends could catch their flights home. As for me, I’m not sure if it was the fantastic company or the changing colors of fall that totally took my breath away at various points on our trip or if it was the opportunity to spend time in the park during one of its most quiet seasons, but I do know this: those few autumn days in Glacier National Park are days I’ll always remember.

xo,
TT

November 6, 2015

Related: Fall Fun, Glacier National Park

Comments

Joan Slichenmyer
Truly is God's country.
Jen
What exact dates were you there in the fall? We are looking at going the second week of October. Is this too late to hike and drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road? I know every year can be different, we normally do RMNP and sometimes there is ice on the trails at the end of September. You just never know. Thanks!
Holly K
Hi Jen, the weather varies from year to year, and the second week in October is probably going to cut it pretty close, at least for driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Here's a link to fall visitation info: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/hours.htm. The first week in October would be a safer bet, but again, it's difficult to predict. Enjoy your trip!

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