10 days in MT

We went at the end of June last year and it was still closed so we went to Polebridge one day. I enjoyed it.

Friend,

Unless things have changed, Going to the Sun Road will be open to bikers while you are there. Early June is the perfect time to be there because the road will be closed to cars as crews continue to clear snow. You can rent a bike in West Glacier, and I would recommend you make a reservation now because they can be scarce. The other benefit is that you don’t need a park reservation for entry if you enter with a bike tour company. Because these reservations usually are scooped up quickly, a bike tour may be your only option to enter the western entrance.

Get a morning reservation. When Mother and I biked it in 2018, we missed the last shuttle after a grizzly tried to take me down while on the bike. Thankfully, I had bear spray, but we ended up hiding under a rock for two hours before we felt the coast was clear. We ended up having to bike all the way back to West Glacier, which added another ten or so unplanned miles.

We were able to get to Logan Pass, which should be your goal if the road is cleared to that point. It’s about a 12 mile, 2200’ gain trip from where the road is closed to Logan Pass. It is the most scenic road in the world, and you will have no cars with which to deal. A little known secret, most people I have referred there have told me it was a top 10 life experience for them. If you are lazy, you can also rent an e-bike, but I would never do such a thing.

You can follow road clearing updates at the NPS update page. Bike rentals are available at two or three places. Here is one with prices and reservations.

Do bring bear spray. If you plan to hike the best trails in early June, be sure you are prepared for alpine hiking with clips and ropes and helmets, as well as have experience with snow climbing. There will be some good trails open, especially at Two Medicine at that time. Many and the areas above Lake McDonald will still have significant snow pack most likely. Two Medicine is only an hour or so drive from Lake McDonald and is a better bet at that time of year IMO.

While Flathead Lake is lovely, consider doing the less tourist return to Missoula by heading east at Bigfork and passing by the majestic Swan Mountains before arrival at Lake Seeley. Great fishing there and it is beautiful. It is a shame that it’s too early in the season to fish the Blackfoot. Perhaps we could make a trip together in August, as Uncle wants to go this year?

You show much wisdom in choosing Glacier over Yellowstone, as it is the superior and less crowded park. It is also closer than Yellowstone. There’s a good reason the Pendleton Glacier blanket is much more handsome than its Yellowstone blanket.

Yours,
TulaneLSU

P.S. Missoula is an odd city to me. I found little there that would bring much interest to most people. Ambulating through The University of Montana is a worthwhile investment. Hiking Mt Dumbo and Mt Sentinel, which formed part of the natural dam for Lake Missoula will give you exceptional views of Missoula. You should certainly do some research on the geology of the area before you go, as it is fascinating. A quick PBS video on the great flood should whet your appetite. I’d also recommend reading A River Runs Through It before going to understand the city a little better. Despite what some say, Missoula does not have a good dining scene. Biga Pizza is decent.

Get a kayak and a tent and kayak camp the Smith river for 3 days. You'll need a permit