bwana Loc: Bergen, Alberta, Canada

I probably shouldn't be totally negative regarding bear bells. They do make noise and let animals know you're in the area. As a result you're probably not going to surprise a bear, which is not a good thing to do. However, if I had a choice, I'd opt for bear spray. I carry it all the time when out and about the ranch. It works on bears, mountain lions, wolves and even irate moose!

I like the oldie but goodie:

Montana Grizzly Bear Notice:

It is also a good idea to watch out for fresh signs of bear activity. Outdoorsmen should recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear poop. Black bear poop is smaller and contains a lot of berry seeds and squirrel fur. Grizzly bear poop has little bells in it and smells like pepper spray.

RuthP Loc: Montana

Erv.
There are campgrounds everywhere. But campers are not allowed across the Going to the Sun Road, so you have to camp on the East Side (East Glacier, Many Glacier, St. Mary area or Two Medicine) and drive across Going to the Sun and return to the east side or stay on the west side and return there. You could spend 4-5 days exploring the East side before going over to West Glacier. The West side is more commercialized. I'm glad you are thinking of coming here, it is amazing! If you have any more questions, just let me know!

HillbillyHiker Loc: Cookeville, TN

We were in Glacier a couple years ago and I agree that the Highline, Grinnell, and Iceberg trails are not to be missed. Camera opportunities abound.

Our hike on the Highline was on a rainy day and the covers on my camera back were well worth having.

MtnMan Loc: ID

This might be onyour way:

http://wallace-id.com/skilookout/taft.html

BTW there was an article in the Idaho paper this weekend about agressive mountain goats on some of the trails near here. Apparantly people have been feeding them. If you don't pay their toll they head butt you!

http://www.sltrib.com/home/3535364-155/idaho-hiking-trail-reopens-following-aggressive

MtnMan Loc: ID

I think it is a length limit. I took my 21 ft. Mini Winnie on it some years back. BTW taking a bike down the East side was fabulous. The wives drove.

http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/going-to-the-sun-road-restrictions.htm

RuthP Loc: Montana

It is length limit, but I don't think they will let a 21 ft. through now. That road is super super congested unless you go early in the morning, which I would suggest because it is gorgeous!!!

Cherihorn Loc: Toledo

I wondered how your trip went and what suggestions you might have. I got online today to see about booking hotel reservations and realized what an enormous place this is, and got overwhelmed at the number of options! We are planning on going this summer or in Sept.
I can hike up to 5-6 miles on the AT (about kills me but I can do it) but it's not quite the elevation of the Rockies.
Any hints or suggestions that you would like to take the time to make would be appreciated.

willmscr Loc: Beloit Wisconsin

The trip was wonderful. We made reservations in early March and even then some of the places we would have liked to have stated at were booked. We went in July and still had to rearrange some of our planned hikes because the areas were closed because of snow or animal activity. Get a goo guide book and topologic map to plan your hikes. The east side is full of good picture opportunities; we spent the bulk of our time there. The west is OK too but has more people. Hidden Lake is a must see from my perspective. Grinnell Glacier is also a good one. I have a list of what we planned. PM me if you want it.

Once you have planned the hikes, you can plan locations for stays. On the east side, we stayed in Johnsons of St Mary and the associated motel. The people there are wonderful. Johnsons' accommodations are better. The food at the associated restaurant is to die for. We generally were able to box up enough bread and meat from dinner to make more than adequate lunches to pack in on the following day. All we had to buy was fruit and granola bars.