HIKING AND RAFTING GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

Transcription

1 HIKING AND RAFTING GLACIER NATIONAL PARK HIGHLIGHTS JULY 28 - AUGUST 4, 2018 TRIP SUMMARY Hiking Glacier's classic trails with a local naturalist Immersing ourselves in a landscape of jagged peaks, glaciers, wildflowers, and meadows Experiencing the different landscape and excitement that only whitewater rafting can provide Staying in historic National Park lodges that have welcomed guests since the early 1900s Watching for bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and grizzlies Phone: Outside the US: Fax: info@goodadventure.com

2 TRIP AT A GLANCE Dates: Jul 28 - Aug 4, 2018 Location: Glacier National Park, Montana Cost: $3, Activities: Hiking Arrive: at 4:00 pm on July 28 at the Lake MacDonald Lodge Depart: after breakfast at our Whitefish lodge on August 4 (there is a free hotel shuttle to the airport) TRIP OVERVIEW Glacier National Park is truly one of the crown jewels of the National Park System. It has long been famous for having more glaciers than anywhere in the lower 48, and while there has been significant glacial melting in the past 30 years, they are still magnificent. The park is also known for an astounding array of jagged peaks, wildflowers, and abundant wildlife. We'll hike many of Glacier's classic trails, returning each night to one of the magnificent historic lodges that have been welcoming visitors for 100 years. Because the Park has a short hiking season and is a very popular destination, we will not find solitude on the trails or the river - we will, however, find fun, challenge, laughter, and beauty during our week in Glacier National Park. Maximum group size: 14. RATING This trip is rated both a 3 and a 4 because of the choice on some days of longer or shorter hikes. This trip is a great choice for women in very good physical condition who can hike for 7 to 10 miles in mountainous terrain with elevation changes. Women who have significant fear of heights or problems with altitudes of 6,000-8,000 feet should consider choosing another trip. A rating of 3 requires some aerobic conditioning, such as walking vigorously up hills, jogging, cross country skiing or stair stepping for minutes at least 3-4 times a week. A rating of 4 requires aerobic conditioning for at least minutes 4-5 times a week. Additional endurance exercise and/or strength training is usually required. Rating: 1 2 [3] [4] 5. WHAT'S INCLUDED Experienced guides including a local Glacier Park naturalist and an AGC guide Seven nights of double occupancy accommodation Local hiking and rafting guide gratuities Full day whitewater rafting trip All meals from dinner the first to breakfast the last, with the exception of one dinner Transportation and luggage transfer within Glacier National Park Entrance fee into Waterton Park and boat ride Not included: airfare to Kalispell, transportation to the Park, 1 dinner, National Park entry fee, alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities

3 OUR ITINERARY Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests. DAY 1 JULY 28, SATURDAY Our trip starts today at the Lake MacDonald Lodge at 4:00pm, when we'll be able to check in as a group. If you arrive earlier, you can check your bags and go for a walk, take a Red Bus tour etc. After check in, there will be time to take suitcases to our rooms and get settled before meeting again at 5:30. (If possible, plan your flight to arrive not later than about 3pm). We'll start getting to know each other and review our plans for the trip, before sharing our first dinner. After dinner some of us may be ready for an early bedtime, while others might choose to attend an evening slideshow or lounge on the veranda. In any case a good night's sleep will help prepare us for a vigorous day of hiking tomorrow. (D) DAY 2 JULY 29, SUNDAY After a hearty breakfast we'll meet our local guide, a naturalist who knows the geology, flora, and fauna, and can answer our many questions about this unique landscape. Our hike today is on the "Garden Wall" section of the Highline Trail. Starting out on the famous Going To The Sun Road, our van gains substantial elevation as we drive to Logan Pass, our trailhead. As a result of this initial elevation gain, the trail along the ridge offers a rare combination of moderate hiking and exquisite views of the Continental Divide, as well as wildflowers in full bloom. Haystack Pass, where we'll have lunch, offers sweeping views. We'll turn around here and trace our steps back to the van (it's amazing how different the views are when you change direction). We'll drive to Many Glacier Hotel, a classic National Park lodge, for the first of three nights there. (B, L, D) DAY 3 JULY 30, MONDAY Today's hike, starting quite close to our hotel, is on the Iceberg Trail to the aptly named Iceberg Lake. Surrounded by 3,000 foot cliffs and untouched by direct sunlight in the winter, a large amount of snow and ice accumulates each winter which slowly melts throughout the summer. Spectacular scenery, colorful wildflowers, and the possibility of grizzly bear sightings (this area is closed when sightings are too frequent) make this another Glacier Park classic hike. Although the first half-mile is somewhat steep, the path after the elevation gain the becomes more gradual and the total elevation gain of 1200 feet over 4.7 miles one way doesn't really feel like it. After enjoying a picnic and a chance to dip our feet in the frigid lake, we return the same way we came. In the evening those who choose can explore the other half of Glacier: night skies that may be more brilliant than any you have seen. (B, L, D)

4 DAY 4 JULY 31, TUESDAY After two days of hiking we'll give our legs a bit of a break as we travel to the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, the first Peace Park in the world. Originally two separate parks, they were formally united in 1932 and represent what much of western North America used to look like. We'll take the bus across the border into Canada (yes, you will need your passport) and then take a boat ride on Waterton Lake to the southern most part. We'll get off the boat at Goat Haunt Ranger Station for a bit more leisurely hike today, visiting both Goat Haunt Overlook and Rainbow Falls. We'll then have some time in the town of Waterton with a chance to check out Waterton's shops. There are lots of restaurants here and tonight dinner is on your own before returning to Many Glacier for the night. (B, L) DAY 5 AUGUST 1, WEDNESDAY This may be your favorite hike! It certainly is one of the Park's most spectacular. After packing up our suitcases in preparation for moving our lodging for the next two nights, our hike today is to nearby Grinnell Glacier. Starting fairly flat, it traverses the shoreline of Swiftcurrent Lake and then Josephine Lake. After that it gradually climbs for a total of 1600 feet over 4 miles, ending at Upper Grinnell Lake and Grinnell Glacier at the base of the Continental Divide. Traveling through open countryside, our hiking is rewarded with stunning views of Lower Grinnell Lake, Angel Wing, Mt. Gould, and Grinnell Falls. Again, wildflowers are abundant and sightings of bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and grizzlies are all possible. The trail is not only one of the most stunning in the Park, it sadly showcases the ongoing loss of the glaciers from which the Park gets its name. Upper Grinnell Lake is a fairly new lake that is being formed by the melting waters of a shrinking Grinnell Glacier (more than 40% over the past thirty years). Like all glacial lakes the water is milky white in color and is a rejuvenating place in which to very briefly dip ones feet. We retrace our steps for a total of 12 miles. Because the trail is out and back, those who wish a shorter hike can turnaround sooner. A 1.5 hour van ride brings us to Glacier Park Lodge on the east side of the park just outside the Park boundary, another of the venerable Park lodges and our lodging for the next 2 nights. (B, L, D)

5 DAY 6 AUGUST 2, THURSDAY Our hiking destination today is Upper Two Medicine Lake at the foot of the Continental Divide. This is a less traveled part of the Park as it is off the Going to the Sun Road. It also has a unique weather pattern, receiving much less rain than the western side and thus lacks the lush vegetation found there. The beauty is no less breath taking however. We'll hike along the left said of the lake to Aster Falls (1.2 miles) and then on to Rockwell Falls (2.3 miles) where we'll dip our feet in the water and enjoy lunch. After lunch you have the option to return the same way or to continue around the lake to Twin Falls. Twin Falls is what it sounds like - a double waterfall that rushes down the mountain side. After stopping to gaze and take pictures, we continue around the lake for a total hike of 8.8 miles. We'll return to the same lodge tonight, perhaps enjoying a dip in the swimming pool. (B, L, D) DAY 7 AUGUST 3, FRIDAY We completely change gears for our last day in the Park, giving our legs a rest and our arms a workout as we embark on a whitewater rafting trip on the Middle Fork of the Flathead, the southern boundary of Glacier National Park. Our exact put in point will depend on the water level. However, you can count on exciting whitewater and pristine wilderness scenery, periods of high excitement interspersed with relaxing floating. We'll raft through John Stevens Canyon, where the rapids are rated class II and class III making it a fun and splashy adventure. Names like Screaming Right Hand Turn, Pinball, Jaws and Could-Be-Trouble give you a sense of just how much fun we'll have! We'll be off the river in the late afternoon and back to West Glacier and then on to our lodging in Whitefish and a final farewell dinner (B, L, D) DAY 8 AUGUST 4, SATURDAY There is a complimentary breakfast this morning and shuttle to the airport so you are free to leave any time you choose. (B)

6 ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE IF YOU ARE FLYING: Plan to arrive by 3 pm. Several major airlines fly into this airport including: United, Delta, Alaska Airlines and Allegiant. From there you can take a shuttle/taxi to Lake MacDonald. More details about the shuttle will be included in the Predeparture. IF YOU ARE DRIVING: From Kalispell: Take 2 N to West Glacier then follow the Going to the Sun road to the lodge. You will not need your car for the duration of your trip so we have in the past arranged to have you park it at the office of Glacier Guides. If you would like help with any travel plans we recommend our travel agent Barbara Nelson, Scan East West Travel, at bnelson@scaneastwest.com or call ACCOMMODATIONS We will be spending seven nights inside the Park at three different lodges. The lodges, built before 1920, are rustic by modern standards, but they are comfortable, well-maintained, and very scenically located. We will spend one night at Lake MacDonald Lodge, and three nights at Many Glacier Hotel, both of which are inside the Park. The next two nights are at Glacier Park Lodge which is located just outside the park in East Glacier. We spend our final night at a more modern lodge in Whitefish. WEATHER Summer weather in Glacier Park can see daytime temperatures reach 90F but typically average between 60F and 70F. It is frequently 10 to 15 degrees cooler at higher elevations. Overnight lows throughout the park can drop 20F and snow can fall anytime. Nighttime average is in the 40s. TRAVEL INSURANCE WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS YOUR COST IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT YOUR TRIP for medical reasons, trip delay, lost baggage, and other unforeseen emergencies. Adventures in Good Company will send you information about travel insurance with your registration information, or you may purchase coverage through your own insurance company. In order to avoid disappointment and expense in the event that you must cancel your trip we strongly urge you to purchase some type of insurance coverage. You can also sign up for it online at Travelex Insurance. To get the best rates, use as your location number on the Get A Quote page.

7 PACKING LIST FOOTWEAR 1 pair of hiking boots: boots need to come over the ankle and be well broken in and comfortable. 1 pair of comfortable athletic shoes, Crocs or Teva sandals for wearing around the lodges, camp 2-3 pairs of hiking socks (wool or synthetic equivalent: Smartwool, Thorlo, Ultimax) 2 pair synthetic, lightweight liner socks (not everyone prefers sock liners) CLOTHING 1 2 pair of comfortable supplex/nylon long pants for hiking. Zip-offs work well 1 2 pairs of shorts (one should be quick-drying nylon) 3 synthetic or lightweight wool T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts 1 lightweight, long-sleeved shirt for hiking. Button up front works well. 1 pair lightweight long underwear top and bottoms: silk, wool or synthetic equivalent (Capilene, Thermastat, MTS, or polypropylene) 1 medium-weight top layer: wool shirt/pull-over or synthetic equivalent. A fleece or wool vest works well for this layer. 1 warm fleece jacket 1 rain parka and rain pants: coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex. Not a poncho. Underwear/nightwear 1 pair wool, Capilene, or Polartec gloves and a warm wool or fleece hat 1 wide-brimmed hat for protection from the sun a swimsuit (for alpine swims or the hot tub) 1 2 changes of comfortable clothes to wear around the hotels and out to dinner (e.g. pants and/or skirt, with a couple of tops) TOILETRIES (small everything) Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hand sanitizer, shampoo, contact lens paraphernalia, sanitary supplies Sunscreen and lip protection with sunblock of at least SPF 15 personal patch kit : Band-Aids or Second Skin, moleskin, ibuprofen, foot powder, safety pin, Pepcid, etc. Personal medications, if any. If you re taking a prescription drug, bring a copy of the prescription or the generic name of it. Individuals allergic to insect bites must bring an anaphylactic kit. Please consult your doctor. ESSENTIALS Passport (for day trip into Canada) 1 daypack large enough to hold your supplies for the day (water, snacks, sunscreen, lunch, raingear, fleece jacket, wool hat and gloves, personal patch kit, etc.) Line your bag with a trash bag in case of rain. Hiking poles Sunglasses (100% UV protection) Croakies or other sunglasses retainer Capacity to carry 2 quarts of water: 2 one-quart water bottles or a hydration system that fits in your pack if you bring a hydration system, then also bring 1 one-quart water bottle to take with you rafting Insect repellant Your favorite snack OPTIONAL (if you want it, bring it personal preference and not required for the trip) Camera (extra battery) and film/memory card Ear plugs (for a good night s sleep!) National Park Pass for entry into Glacier Rain cover for backpack Binoculars Wristwatch/travel alarm clock Neoprene socks for rafting (outfitter provides neoprene boots) 1 or 2 Bandannas (very multi-useful)

8 NOTES ON PACKING Footwear: Well-fitting, sturdy boots are very important to your safety and enjoyment. If you plan to buy new boots, break them in by wearing them around town and taking some short hikes a couple months before your trip. For general trekking/hiking there are many choices in both materials and styles of boots. Your choice will depend on the environment you will be hiking as well as your personal preferences and physical condition of your feet and ankles. Boots can be made of leather, nubuck leather, synthetic materials or a combination and come in low, mid or ankle cut styles. For general trekking/hiking we recommend low/mid-height height, lightweight/midweight hiking boots/shoes with Vibram or Vibram type soles. Please note: If you have weaker ankles or are recovering from an ankle injury consider either the mid-height or the ankle height boots. More information regarding choosing a hiking boot is available upon request. Remember to waterproof your boots before the trip. (Even boots billed as waterproof still need to be treated with a waterproofing product it s the interior lining that is actually the waterproof part of the boot, not the exterior.) Daypacks: You will need a daypack that is large enough to hold the following items: 1 2 liters of water, rain gear, lunch/snacks (for the day), warm layer (fleece pullover or vest), lightweight gloves, warm hat and any other desired personal items such as camera, journal, etc. We recommend a daypack with a capacity of between 1800 and 2400 cubic inches and preferably with a hip belt, padded shoulder straps and lifters. Please note: A fanny-pack is not large enough to hold all of the items you will need for the day. Clothing: All clothing for active wear should be made from synthetic/synthetic blends, down/down blends or wool/wool blends. NO COTTON for your active wear. The clothing listed on the packing list has been chosen for your specific trip conditions and for its versatility for layering. Layering is the most practical and efficient method of insulating the body. Several layers of varied weight materials provide better insulation than one thick Layer of clothing. Also, adding or subtracting layers allows you to adjust to the temperature at your particular level of activity. Hydration: It is very important to your safety and enjoyment to have an independent ability for accessing your water. As you are hiking you will need water to be accessible in order to drink frequently. One method is to have a water bottle attached to your waist strap. Another option is to use a HYDRATION SYSTEM such as CamelBak, Platypus, and Gregory bladder bags which are simply a collapsible water bag with a hose attachment that you drink from. These fit inside your pack with the hose positioned over your shoulder where you can access your water without the use of your hands. Some models are designed to attach to the outside of your pack. Rain Gear: You will need a parka or jacket made of a coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex, HellyTech, Membrane, H2No, or Ultrex. Be sure it keeps water out. Before making this important purchase, be sure that it fits you properly. It should be large enough to fit over all your layers. In particular, the hood needs to be effective. It should shield your face from the rain and turn with your head. Movement of your arms must not interfere with the hood. Put on your daypack; can you still raise your arms? Lastly, the wind/rain pants. They should be comfortable, allow enough room for your layers, and permit free movement of your legs (for example, can you crouch comfortably?). Partial or full-length leg zippers are useful for easily putting your pants on over your boots. Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are recommended for this trip. Trekking poles contribute to your safety by improving your balance and stability, and to your health by saving stress on your hips and knees. In addition they help conserve your energy by transferring some of the work to your arms and chest. For a detailed description of considerations when purchasing a pair of trekking poles please see: If you are purchasing trekking poles for your trip please make sure they meet the following guidelines: 1. Height of the poles can be adjusted 2. They have an upright (as opposed to cane-like) handle 3. Have wrist straps that can be adjusted