With crystal clear lakes and fifty ancient glaciers Glacier National Park along with its Canadian counterpart, Waterton Lakes National Park, spreads across 1.4 million acres of wilderness. Considered to be the wildest national park in the "lower forty-eight," its sights include big-horn sheep grazing, osprey fishing on the surface of a glacial lake, and even mountain goats roaming across a sheer rock wall.
All accommodations have easy access to hiking trails, picnic areas, ranger-naturalist programs, and boating activities and attractions on the park's many lakes. Glacier Park Boats provides inexpensive boat tours and boat rentals mid-June through September at Two Medicine Lake, Swiftcurrent Lake, St. Mary Lake, and Lake McDonald (call 406—888—5727 for information). There are riding stables at Many Glacier Stable (406—732—5597) and Lake McDonald Lodge (406—888—5670).
Glacier Raft Company has a full range of offerings from May through September, including white water raft trips (half-day: adults $34, children $24), evening supper rides, and reasonably priced overnight raft trips on the Flathead River or through the Great Bear Wilderness. The company also has teamed up with the Bear Creek Ranch for reasonably priced combined horseback ride and raft excursions. Year-round reservations can be made by calling 800—332—9995.
Ideal guides for family backpacking are Glacier Wilderness Guides at 800—52 1—7238; they will select the best trails for your family's ability levels, point out wildlife, pick out campsites and erect tents, and prepare meals. They will even wash dishes and carry your gear. Overnight trips average $90 per person per day, including food and tents.
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