Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI

We will be going to Glacier in mid June this year, 2017.
Searched a lot of hotels etc and we are set for a week.
Know the GSS highway is either under construction until 6/17, or under snow.
Please advise what to do and not to do, and must see etc.
Thanks in advance for your replies.

Duane

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

GNP is a photographer's paradise, but make sure the Going to the Sun Highway is actually open. Some years they don't get it open until late June, depending on the snowpack. For hotels/motels, depends on what side of the park you are going to start from. On the west side, there is Kallispel, Whitefish or Columbia Falls. I believe accommodations would be less expensive than one of the hotels in the park itself. There's not much on the east side, however you might consider Browning to base out of. Things to bring: There will be lots of snow alongside the road when it first opens up, so if you plan on doing any walking around up near the top of the road, make sure you have some warm gear to wear, especially if the wind is blowing. Don't forget sunscreen, too. And you'll see info about hiking inside the park and bears. Be aware of that, and forget bear bells. I think that's a bunch of hype designed to get you to part with more of your money. Just be noisy, and it's wise to be in a group. Above all, have fun, enjoy the park and all it's scenery. And while a long lens might see some use, a wide angle to midrange telephoto or zoom lens will be good, such as a 24-70. I have a D7200 and find that the 18-140 lens covers most of my needs.

Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI

Thanks, I plan on using my 7200, and my 18-200 VRll, and least one SB 700 for fill light and inside buildings.
I ditched the bear bells years ago when fly fishing in Yellowstone.
Thanks
Duane

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

I understand they find a lot of bear bells in bear droppings!! 😊 Evidence that tourists were there.

Your 18-200 will be perfect.

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

You do have to be careful in the park, and surrounding areas. Most of the animals you'll encounter will be friendly, or fearful by nature. We stayed in Whitefish, and found there are deer everywhere, at all times of the day and night. This makes driving a hazard if you're not careful. Deer can jump into your lane in a instant. The deer in Whitefish are almost like pets, you can almost walk up and touch one. We stayed in a "Time Share" just outside of the main town, and every night were visited by several black bears. All they wanted was food. The timeshare had bear proof garbage cans, but still the bears came. One actually knocked over the bar b que, and licked the grill. We drove to the park every day, but only encountered a bad bear situation once. We were on the road, which separated a mother black bear, from her two cubs. I saw only the huge mother and stopped to take a few shots. The bear grunted and charged the car for a few feet. My wife saw the cubs on the other side of the car, and we drove off, and watched the mother cross the road, in the rear view mirror. Take a good light weight tripod, and your best wide angle lens. The scenery will knock your socks off. Take a backpack, and at least two water bottles on any trail you take, hydration is important. Check with the place you stay for bear spray before you buy any. We left 2 cans with the timeshare we stayed at as a donation to those who want some, but came without. Keep in mind GNP is a popular place, and you'll probably not be alone on the trails. The Park Service will close trails that have numerous Grizzly sightings, this is for your safety. Have a great time, watch for deer on the highways.

B

Ricker Loc: Salt Lake City, Utah

Pepper spray is the best, and only, "anti-bear" that has been proven to work. Loud bells alert a mama bear which gives her time to roundup her cubs, and that's important because no one should ever get in between mama and her cubs.
Stay alert. Slowly back up if you do see a bear(s), keeping your eyes on the bear(s). Do NOT run unless you're VERY close to an unlocked vehicle.
Have an excellent time in God's county.
Best regards, Ricker

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Do not run unless you are with someone slower than you....

MtnMan Loc: ID

If you plan to hike more than 1/2 mile off the road I recommend bear spray. It has been shown to be effective but fortunately I have no experience using mine.

It is much cheaper to buy ahead on line but I don't know if the airlines might have a dim view of you putting it in your luggage. I'm pretty sure TSA would lock you up if you tried it in carry-on.

I drive to places that harbor Grizz. Interestingly Canada has a real negative thing about personal pepper spray but are happy as clams with the much larger and stronger bear spray. It just needs to say bear on the can. I have learned to make no attempt to find logic in any government actions.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

When I was in Alaska one of the guides asked this question: "Does anyone know how to tell the difference between black bear scat and brown bear scat"?

The answer: "Brown bear scat contains bear spray and a whistle".

BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

All good advice so far. In addition to Glacier, Waterton Lakes NP is its twin sibling immediately north in Canada. A "do not miss" treat. You're gonna have a great time, enjoy!

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

If you are near the Many Glaciers Hotel. spend some time at Fishercap Lake. The is often moose feeding there.