Take a colorful road trip to Glacier and Waterton Lakes national parks this fall/NPS photo of Belton Mountains and the Middle Fork of the Flathead River in Glacier by David Restivo
Many people visiting Glacier National Park in Montana don't realize that it has a twin sister just across the Canadian border: Waterton Lakes National Park. This autumn, take some time to explore The Crown of the Continent - these high peaks, deep valleys, and very long lakes.
Back in 1932 these two parks were forever united when they were designated as the world's first International Peace Park, and the geographical binding makes the two a perfect combination for a road trip. It's just a 45-minute drive east from Kalispell, Montana, to Glacier, where you'll look up the length of Lake McDonald, nestled in a broad forested valley, high peaks at its head. Then head up Going to the Sun Highway as it switchbacks up the rocky cliffs. It's one of the truly classic, breathtaking drives of all time, and you'll spot moose, mountain goats, and all sorts of alpine creatures including bald and golden eagles.
There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park, so take advantage of the fall weather and stretch your legs. The Hidden Lake Nature Trail at Logan Pass makes a good introduction to the alpine environment. It leads you across open meadows that provide expansive views of not only the Garden Wall and U-shaped valleys that glaciers plowed, but also of the locals: mountain goats and bighorn sheep.
Once over the pass, head down towards Saint Mary Lake, but make sure you picnic at Baring Falls in the Sunrift Gorge.
Once out of the park at the town of St. Mary, start heading north along the Chief Mountain International Highway towards the border. Golden cottonwoods line the river valleys. Within the hour — after crossing through the border checkpoint — you’ll be at Waterton Lakes National Park, which is every bit of spectacular, but doesn't get nearly as much attention, as does Glacier.
Here you can hike or take the shoreline cruise on M.V. International up this glacial lake, where you'll spot moose, bear, and eagles along the shore. After a stop at Goat Haunt, you'll return in time to marvel at the scenery and the incredible Prince of Wales Hotel. And in autumn, chances are that the skies will be clear and blue, and the crowds will be few.
At Waterton Lakes, take a boat cruise along Waterton Lake/NPS photo by David Restivo
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Comments
Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is also a World Heritage Sites. It was nominated by both the US and Canada and inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1995. There are 23 World Heritage Sites in the US (including 2 shared w/ Canada).
Agree! Waterton has plenty to offer for scenic drives, day hikes and more. If you plan to take the boat trip via the M. V. International, be sure to check the schedule at this link.
There is a water fall a short distance to the south of the Goat Haunt landing, but when I was there a few years ago, you had to have a US or Canadian ID to get past US customs or a visa if you were from most other countries. I guess Customs is afraid of ISIS slipping through Glacier NP.......
The 14 K Carthew-Alderson hike is one of the top day hikes in all of North America, imo. You can take a shuttle from Waterton to Cameron Lake and start the hike going up about 2 K of switch backs up about 1800 ft as I recall. 100% of the climbing is in the 1st 3.5 K to the top of Mt Carthew. Near the top, there is a small lake frequented by moose. The next part is a slow climb on switch back on a well worn trail through rock scree as you near the summit of Mt. Carthew. The view to the south from the top into Glacier NP of the cirques with underlying lakes is incredible. At his point, you are about 40% through the mileage. The rest of the way is all down hill past a chain of small lakes with the highlight being coming upon the the cirque over Alderson Lake near its top and taking switch backs down to the bottom. Even with a wide angle lens, it is difficult to impossible to catch the majesty of that scene as you look over the side edge of the cirque down to the lake below before you make your decent. The lake is a .25 mile optional diversion should you want to camp or wade in the ice cold water. The rest of the trail follows the stream from Mt. Carthew all the way down to Waterton with a water fall just before you reach the town. Here's a movie:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar_YRAvempA