adamsg Loc: Chubbuck, ID

Finally, I will be getting out of town later this month or in very early August. The last two summers I have spent in the greater Yellowstone area and eastward into the Absaroka/Beartooth Mountains. This summer I want to explore western Montata - west of Bozeman. Living in Idaho Falls, I have several good access highways and would appreciate suggestions, especially for landscape photography (some wildlife, too).

Glacier is of real interest, but I wonder about the tourist load - Yellowstone this time of year is a pain in the neck. Any ideas and specific recommendations greatly appreciated.

richosob Loc: Lambertville, MI

I have one recommendation, take me with you. Have a great trip, wife and I were up at Yellowstone a few years back. As far as I'm concerned it's the next best thing to Heaven.

Rich

gwong1 Loc: Tampa, FL

Adam, I cannot answer your question about tourist load in August, but I was there in late May, park was mostly empty, but the Going to the Sun Road was closed. We did visit both sides of the park and liked the eastern side better. We saw black bear, mountain goats, and big horn sheep. Go to the Canadian side Wateron Lakes, you will not be disappointed. Gary

SueMac Loc: Box Elder, SD

Tourist load in Aug? Heavy! But still a beautiful place

Makaipi Loc: Lexington, South Carolina

Did you consider at all exploring up by Helena and Lincoln, MT? There is...or was ....some neat wildlife.

photodad34

Two suggestions. From Helena go north on I-15 to exit 209. Go east to The Gates to The Mountains launching ramp. Take the tour boat ride down the Missouri River thru The Gates to The Mountains. If conditions are good you may see wildlife along the cliffs overlooking the Missouri River.
From Kalispell go to Columbia Falls and take the main street heading north to where you head out of town to the east, turning north at the North Fork of the Flathead River which is just outside of Glacier National Park. You will see some magnificent scenery along the river and can continue up to the pioneer town of Polebridge. After leaving Columbia Falls the road will turn into a dirt road all the way up to British Columbia. I have been there many times but not all the way to BC. In bad weather the dirt road can be sloppy, and I have never seen much traffic.

LarryN Loc: Portland OR & Carbondale, CO

I was in Glacier earlier this week and the crowds weren't anything like Yellowstone. As my companion noted there were so many people in Yellowstone that the bears were afraid to come out of the woods. Also, the traffic in Yellowstone was bumper to bumper. Not so in Glacier. We were traveling in a small RV from Portland OR to Colorado and took a long detour north specifically to see Glacier. Having seen it for the first time we will certainly return. It is truly spectacular. There were a lot of people there but the traffic through the Park moved without any problems. There is also a great shuttle bus service that allows you to park your car in one location and then travel on a small open-air bus along the Going-To-The-Sun road getting on and off at numerous locations. The photo ops are endless. And if you are willing to do day hikes off the main road you will not be disappointed. It seems that most people are content to stay close to the parking areas so back country hiking is very rewarding. BTW, the town of Whitefish is very nice and merits a stop. Enjoy.

lrm Loc: Sarasota, FL

If not already been there, why not go up the Madison River Valley to Ennis, Virginia City, Nevada City. Ride up top of the Gravely Mountains on 60 miles of road right on top at 9-10,000 feet, and likely to meet only one or two other cars (or none). The wildflowers are spectacular, but start to die out after next week.. The road from Ennis to Virginia City offers fantastic views of the Madison Range, Madison River, etc. The town of Ennis is still cowboy west. For eating, try the Longhorn, Silver Dollar or Bearclaw.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

If you find yourself in the Missoula area, it would be worth your while to take the drive up over Lolo Pass. Hwy 12 will take you into Idaho, but that road is spectacular, even though it's not actually in Montana when you top the pass.

Tjohn Loc: Inverness, FL formerly Arivaca, AZ

Skip the moose repellent but do watch out for bears, so says my wife from Whitefish.

u02bnpx Loc: NW PA

I've visited Dillon in SW Montana 3 times. My son-in-law still lives there...in a small RV. It's the trout-fishing capital of the U.S., as they like to brag, and that's what keeps him there. I recommend visiting some ghost towns, especially picturesque nearby Bannack. See http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/mt/bannack.html

And if you really want to get away from crowds, take the picturesque drive to (and through) Centennial Valley. See http://www.bigskyfishing.com/scenic-drives/centennial-valley.php
From Dillon, go to Alder, go south on the Ruby River Road, then north to Ennis. Google a bit about this remote area. As a Yellowstone visitor, you may already know about Centennial Valley or Ennis.

adamsg Loc: Chubbuck, ID

Thanks to all you hogs for the many suggestions!! I will let you know what I decide and also hope to have some good stuff to post. What a great help you have been!

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

Glacier National Park won't be as busy as Yellowstone, but it will be busy. So get mentally ready for all the downsides with lots of people. You will enjoy the park, however, and will have lots of photo opportunities. So have a GREAT vacation.