If you get to glacier NP, you must also go on to Crater Lake, OR. A real bucket list ride! (as is anywhere in the Cascades). Expect to see snow even in July.

 

From an old Missoula guy here I'd say CR2's recommendation of the Bel Aire on Broadway is a fine choice. Keeps you near downtown and within walking distance to The Depot, Iron Horse, Plonk, Biga Pizza, Stockmans Bar, The Top Hat and others....unlike that chitty area out on Reserve Street.

 

We're doing an extended stay in Montana this summer, we have a cabin on Little Bitterroot Lake in Marion about 20 Miles west on Hwy 2 from Kalispell, I'm trailering my ike up along with our kayaks, dog an my daughter is tagging along this time, I've driven through Glacier a few times an my comment is always wish I could do it on the bike as there is just to much to see stuck inside a pickup so this summer I am! Its also a pretty scenic trip over to Libby Montana on Hwy 2, the river there is where they filmed "A River Wild", great fishing to. I'd like to know what the name of the Brewery is in Kalispell is myself!

 

Mongo, I'd say you folks are in for a fine Montana summer. If you ride out to the Libby area a nice return to Marion would be 37 along Lake Koocanusa over to Eureka and then south to Kalispell. The Kalispell Brewing Company is downtown.

 

CR2 has a couple nice routes in there. Virginia City is a cool little town

 

I think the name of the bar I go to is The Press Club. Steaks where very good.

 

Probably thinking of the Press Box Sports Bar, a few blocks east of the Bel Air. Heard good things about it but haven't eaten there.

 

was thinking of taking a trip up to Glacier next year. I was wondering if last week of August first week Sept. would work. I'm thinking that kids would be back in school, just wondering about the weather.

 

Not matter when you go, it will be busy. Always worse on Weekends, and doubly so on long weekends. Plan on 30 mph tops. There is always parking at the top for bikes. Not for cars pass 11:00 am. Watch for people in both directions who don't know where the sides of their vehicles are and will eat up your lane. It's a very narrow road. The weather is unpredictable. You are very high in a Mountain Pass.

I suggest taking some walking shoes and visit the lake on the south side of the Pass. It's about a 1/2 hour walk.

Remember; your in Grizzly country. Talk loud, and take Bear Spray.

 

I'm thinking about a mid-September vist (via car). I gotta believe the number of visitors is way down by then, no ?

Was hoping to spend more time hiking this visit, compared to my 3-day visit by cycle last July.