BootsnAll Travel Community

...under Portland skies.

So the yarn unfolds as such: I'm chugging my way from Shelby, MT (just north of Great Falls) to Kennewick, WA under the auspices of "work" when I find out that the railroad gets Memorial Day off, thus leaving me with four days to make the trip. Immediately the excitement grows to see the grand Glacier National Park. With fresh memories of a blissful 95 degree weekend in the People's Republic I plan a trek to penetrate Glacier East to West, mosey on down to Polson for the night, wrap up the weekend in Missoula, and take the All American Drive Through Tour of the Nez Perce National Historic Park in route to Kennewick arriving Monday night.

Now, however I feel the pain of that manic depressive mastermind of trans-continental travel who alighted on the very banks of the river out my hotel window, back when buffalo outnumbered man. Going to the Sun road is shut down through Glacier due to storms, the forecast is calling for rain all weekend (I love a good rainy walk in the woods as much as the next soul but am not properly packed for such a foray), and (perhaps luckily) school is out for the summer in Missoula.

So be my Blackfoot guide and recommend some decent hiking around the perimeter of the park, and if you're familiar, some friendly spots in Missoula for eating(out of the closet foodie), drink, and carousing; In return I'll increase your wealth and status among fellow tribesmen and women with some lovely beads!

There's good hiking all the way around Glacier.

Will you have a car? The best trailheads require car access, but you can always hitch if you're there during the busy summer tourist season. Glacier NP is Varsity-level hiking. Snow, big creeks, and big bears mean that you shouldn't be a beginner backpacker if you're planning to stay overnight.

As for Missoula, this small city has been blemished by big-box blight. Stick close the the University and the old downtown. There's plenty of affordable authenticity in the student district. Sadly, no good free camping very near town to my knowledge. The campus is pretty.

For a great urban dayhike in Missoula, head up the hill near campus. The trail will take you up steep switchbacks, but the trail is good, and the view is great.

Oh, and take advantage of the fact that Montana has NO SALES TAX!

Thanks for the reply; the weekend in Glacier was awesome.
Polebridge, pre-season emptiness, locals at Frida's, the Buffalo Meatloaf at the Belton Chateau, The Moss Mountain Inn, I could go on and on...

I'm so very glad that you found Polebridge.