45 Facts About Glacier National Park

Location and Size

Glacier National Park, a gem in northwestern Montana, is known for its vast wilderness and stunning landscapes. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this incredible park.

1. Glacier National Park is situated in the northwestern corner of Montana, bordering Canada. The park encompasses over 1 million acres (4,100 km²), making it one of the largest national parks in the United States.

International Peace Park

This park isn't just about natural beauty; it also symbolizes international cooperation.

2. Glacier National Park is part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, the world's first international peace park. This designation symbolizes the friendship and cooperation between the United States and Canada in preserving this unique wilderness.

Native American Heritage

The park holds deep cultural significance for Native American tribes.

3. The original inhabitants of Glacier National Park were Native Americans, with the Blackfeet dominating the east side and the Flathead on the west side. The area was sacred to these tribes, who referred to it as "The Backbone of the World".

Geological Formation

The park's dramatic landscapes were shaped over millions of years.

4. The mountains in Glacier National Park began forming 170 million years ago when ancient rocks were forced eastward over much younger rock strata. This geological event created the Lewis Overthrust, which contains some of the finest examples of early life fossils on Earth.

Glacial Action

Glaciers have played a significant role in shaping the park's terrain.

5. The current shapes of the Lewis and Livingston mountain ranges, as well as the positioning and size of the lakes, show telltale evidence of massive glacial action. Glaciers carved U-shaped valleys and left behind moraines that impounded water, creating lakes.

Glacier Numbers

The number of glaciers in the park has dramatically decreased over time.

6. In the mid-19th century, there were approximately 150 glaciers over 25 acres in size in Glacier National Park. By 2010, only 25 active glaciers remained, and scientists estimate that all active glaciers may disappear by 2030 if current climate patterns persist.

Named Glaciers

Some glaciers in the park are well-known and named.

7. The park currently houses 26 named glaciers, with the Harrison Glacier being the largest at 1.6 million square meters.

Mountain Ranges

The park features impressive mountain ranges that are part of the Rockies.

8. Glacier National Park includes parts of two mountain ranges: the Lewis Range and the Livingston Range, both sub-ranges of the Rocky Mountains.

Lakes and Streams

Water bodies add to the park's scenic beauty.

9. The park is home to over 762 lakes and 563 streams, with the largest lake being Lake McDonald, which is 9.5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide.

Waterfalls

The park boasts numerous waterfalls, each with its unique charm.

10. Glacier National Park boasts over 200 named waterfalls, with one of the tallest being Beaver Creek Falls at 1,344 feet.

Wildlife Diversity

The park is a haven for a wide variety of wildlife.

11. The park is home to a remarkable range of wildlife, including 68 species of mammals, such as mountain goats, marmots, and bighorn sheep. The mountain goat is the official symbol of the park due to its prevalence and adaptability.

Hiking Trails

Hiking enthusiasts will find plenty to explore here.

12. Glacier National Park offers over 745 miles of maintained hiking trails, ranging from easy day hikes to more challenging multi-day treks. The park is a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Going-to-the-Sun Road

This scenic drive is a must-see for visitors.

13. Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile scenic drive that crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. This road is a historic civil engineering landmark and has appeared in the opening credits of the horror film "The Shining".

Chalets and Hotels

Historic accommodations add to the park's charm.

14. During the early years of the 20th century, the Great Northern Railway constructed nine chalets and hotels, including Belton, St. Mary, Sun Point, Many Glacier, Two Medicine, Sperry, Granite Park, Cut Bank, and Gunsight Lake. Visitors would take horseback trips from chalet to chalet, spending several weeks exploring the park.

Visitor Centers and Historic Landmarks

The park features several visitor centers and historic landmarks.

15. Many of the historic hotels and chalets in the park are listed as National Historic Landmarks. The park also features several visitor centers, including the Apgar Visitor Center and the Logan Pass Visitor Center.

Park Management

The National Park Service ensures the park is well-maintained and accessible.

16. Glacier National Park is managed by the National Park Service, with its headquarters in West Glacier, Montana. The park has consistently had over 2 million annual visitors since 2012, with a record-breaking 3.5 million visitors in 2019.

Budget and Funding

Managing such a vast park requires significant funding.

17. In 2016, Glacier National Park finished with a budget of $13.803 million, and the planned budget for 2017 was $13.777 million. The park has undergone significant reconstruction and rehabilitation projects, including the Going-to-the-Sun Road and visitor center improvements.

Fishery Studies

Efforts are underway to protect native fish populations.

18. The National Park Service is engaged in fishery studies for Lake McDonald to assess the status of native fish populations and develop protection programs to enhance their numbers.

Trail Restoration

Ongoing efforts ensure the park's trails remain accessible and safe.

19. The park is involved in ongoing restoration of trails, education programs, and community initiatives to preserve the natural and cultural resources of the park. The Organic Act of 1916 established the National Park Service's mandate to preserve and protect these resources.

Restrictions on Activities

Certain activities are prohibited to protect the park's natural resources.

20. Hunting, mining, logging, and the removal of natural or cultural resources are strictly prohibited within the park. Oil and gas exploration and extraction are also not permitted, which has caused conflicts with the adjoining Blackfeet Indian Reservation.

Climate Change Impact

Climate change poses a significant threat to the park's glaciers.

21. The decline of glaciers in Glacier National Park is a significant concern due to climate change. Scientists estimate that all active glaciers may disappear by 2030 if current climate patterns persist.

Native American Names

Many of the park's features have names derived from Native American languages.

22. Many of the peaks, lakes, streams, and valleys in the park have names derived from Native American languages, reflecting the deep cultural significance of this area to indigenous peoples.

Lewis and Clark Expedition

The famous expedition came close to the park.

23. In 1805, Lewis and Clark came within 50 miles of Glacier National Park. Their expedition marked one of the earliest European explorations of the region.

George Bird Grinnell

This naturalist played a crucial role in the park's establishment.

24. Naturalist and historian George Bird Grinnell coined the name "The Crown of the Continent" for Glacier National Park in the early 20th century. He led efforts to preserve the park and was instrumental in its establishment.

Historic Expeditions

Early explorers were captivated by the park's rugged beauty.

25. Henry L. Stimson climbed the steep east face of Chief Mountain in 1892 with a Blackfeet guide. This expedition highlighted the park's rugged beauty and inspired further exploration and preservation efforts.

Great Northern Railway

The railway played a key role in making the park accessible.

26. The discovery of Marias Pass in 1891 by the Great Northern Railway facilitated access to the park from both the east and west. This event was crucial in making Glacier National Park accessible to tourists.

Chalet Trips

Early visitors explored the park on horseback.

27. During the early years of the 20th century, visitors would take horseback trips from one chalet to another, spending several weeks exploring the park. This mode of travel allowed visitors to experience the park's vast wilderness in a unique and immersive way.

Mountain Goats

These animals are an iconic symbol of the park.

28. Mountain goats are an iconic symbol of Glacier National Park. These hardy animals are prevalent in the park and can be spotted at the Goat Lick Overlook, a mineral lick located in the southern part of the park.

Wildlife Biodiversity

The park maintains nearly all its original animal species.

29. Glacier National Park maintains nearly all of its original animal species present before Europeans visited the area. The only mammals that no longer roam this part of Montana are woodland caribou and bison.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The park's exceptional biodiversity earned it a prestigious designation.

30. Glacier National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 due to its exceptional biodiversity and natural beauty.

Fire History

Wildfires have significantly impacted the park.

31. Glacier National Park has a long history of wildfires. The park recorded 64 fires in 1936, and a severe fire season in 2003 burned 13 percent of the park’s land.

Weather Extremes

The park experiences some of the most extreme weather conditions.

32. The park overlaps the Continental Divide, which creates extreme weather conditions. On one occasion, the temperature dropped 100 degrees in just 24 hours outside the eastern boundary of the park.

Empire Builder Route

A popular train route brings visitors to the park.

33. The Empire Builder route from Amtrak stops at East Glacier Park Village, which is a few steps from the entrance of the park. This seasonal stop serves mainly Glacier National Park visitors and has been a popular route for decades.

Hiking Trails for Families

Families can enjoy several easy and scenic trails.

34. The park offers several family-friendly hiking trails, including the Animal Super Heroes Trail and the nature trail to Hidden Lake. These trails provide a great way for families to explore the park's natural beauty together.

Waterfall Hikes

Some of the best hikes lead to stunning waterfalls.

35. One of the best places to hike in the park is the western point of Lake St. Mary, which leads to three magnificent waterfalls. This hike offers stunning views and a unique hiking experience.

Going-to-the-Sun Road Honors

This iconic road has received numerous accolades.

36. Going-to-the-Sun Road has received several distinctive honors, including being registered as a national historic place, national historic landmark, and historic civil engineering landmark. It also appeared in the opening credits of the horror film "The Shining".

Red Buses (Jammers)

Visitors can tour the park in vintage red buses.

37. Glacier National Park visitors can participate in tours in antique red buses referred to as ‘jammers.’ These buses were modified and restored in 2002 and offer a unique way to explore the park.

Alternative Fuel Buses

Some of these buses are now more environmentally friendly.

38. A number of these “jammers” were converted to operate on alternative fuel, making them more environmentally friendly. Visitors have praised the experience of riding these buses along Going-to-the-Sun Road while the wind blows through their hair.

Avalanche Creek

This creek is a unique landmark along Going-to-the-Sun Road.

39. Avalanche Creek is one of the many unique landmarks along Going-to-the-Sun Road. It is the overlook for Big Jackson Glacier and home to an unforgettable ancient hemlock-cedar forest.

Annual Rituals

A symbolic ritual celebrates international friendship.

40. Every year, Rotarians perform an annual symbolic ritual where they shake hands at the border and "pledge not to take up arms against each other." This ritual celebrates the friendship and cooperation between the United States and Canada in preserving the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.

Historic Chalets

The park's chalets have a rich history.

41. The historic chalets in Glacier National Park were constructed by the Great Northern Railway between 1910 and 1915. These chalets provided accommodations for early visitors and remain an important part of the park's history.

Chalet Trips Duration

Early visitors spent weeks exploring the park.

42. Visitors would typically spend more than a month in the park during their chalet trips. This immersive experience allowed visitors to fully explore the park's vast wilderness and enjoy its natural beauty.

Mountain Goat Adaptability

These animals are well-suited to the park's rugged terrain.

43. Mountain goats are known for their special hooves that allow them to climb different terrains quite easily, from ice to rocks. This adaptability makes them well-suited to the park's rugged landscape.

Bighorn Sheep Habitat

Bighorn sheep thrive in the park's rocky slopes.

44. Bighorn sheep live in the rocky slopes across Logan Pass, which is a hub for many great hikes. The park offers several trails suitable for families, including the Animal Super Heroes Trail and the nature trail to Hidden Lake.

Park Preservation Efforts

Ongoing efforts ensure the park remains pristine for future generations.

45. The National Park Service is engaged in ongoing preservation efforts, including fishery studies, trail restoration, and education programs. These efforts aim to protect the natural and cultural resources of Glacier National Park for future generations.

Glacier National Park: A Natural Wonder

Glacier National Park is a stunning blend of history, geology, and wildlife. From its formation 170 million years ago to its current status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park offers a unique glimpse into Earth's past. With over 1 million acres, it boasts 762 lakes, 563 streams, and 200 waterfalls. The iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road and historic chalets add to its charm. Home to 68 mammal species, including mountain goats and bighorn sheep, the park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Despite climate change threatening its glaciers, ongoing preservation efforts aim to protect this natural treasure. Whether you're hiking its 745 miles of trails or marveling at its geological wonders, Glacier National Park promises an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags and explore this breathtaking wilderness.