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Went to Glacier this summer. Drove from NC. The east and west sides are different with the east entrance all the way around the Going-to-the-Sun Road magnificent. The west side seems wild and remote, though, and that was my final destination. I went to Kintla Lake and it was worth the inconvenience of the hard drive north or Polebridge (a town worth stopping at)
Kintla and Bowman Lakes are the two remote lakes. I had thought, yes! Bowman, but when I got to Kintla and found only 15 car camping sites that was wonderful. Having brought a kayak, I was able to paddle a pristine lake that feeds a really powerful stream for those who fish. Not me, but maybe you.
Kintla has some backcounty permits that require a 10-mile hike to the far side. I didn't do that, but saw a group of 10-12 hikers doing it.
If you approach from either side, try to get to the park entrances early to get one of the better camping sites. St. Mary's on the east, and McDonald (west) are the two spots that allow for making reservations, but I don't see the point. Just get somewhere remote and early and it should work out fine. 'Two Medicine' is supposed to be nice, but I didn't make it. RISING SUN is right by the launch that takes people on a tour of St. Mary's ... that's a nice campground.
There are naturalist hikes for people like me (not a hiker, plus alone). There was one grizzley bear attack, but that happened when a man and woman fell down and covered to appear small. The guy got up when the bear started pawing his wife, but while he received some bad scratches, was not 'forever hurt.' That's what I heard, anyway.
From McDonald, there was an over-the-glacier hike with a naturalist. It was closed due to snow, but we had fun. I would have liked to crossed over.
If you are on your way and have no timeline, think Custer State Park by Mt. Rushmore. Very nice, too, but nowhere near the majesty of Glacier. I need to go back for about a month!
Give a shout and I will try to recall more. Just remember 98% of those visiting Glacier don't get off the GTS road. That's a lot left for you and me!
Mike Goodman High Point, NC
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