By Rail: Amtrak offers twice daily service from stations located at West Glacier, Essex and East Glacier, Montana.

By Air: Glacier International Airport is located 25 miles from West Glacier on US Highway 2 between Kalispell, and Columbia Falls.

By Car: US Highway 2 skirts the western half, then southern end of the park, crossing the Continental Divide at historic Marias Pass, then exiting the mountains out on the high plains at East Glacier.

US Highway 93 runs through Kalispell and Whitefish, just 35 and 20 miles respectively, west of the park entrance at West Glacier, Montana.

MT Highway 89 runs along the eastern edge of Glacier Park, entering Canada south of Cardston, Alberta.

The Chief Mountain Highway No. 17 veers west into the foothills well south of the border and runs along the scenic northeastern edge of the park, entering Waterton Park, Alberta through Chief Mountain Customs.

During the park season it is generally warm by day and cool during the night.

Windy conditions may be found at times on the east side of the park as the prevailing winds accelerate to cross the moun- tains of the Continental Divide.

West of the divide, much more precipitation falls mainly as winter snow. Cedar rain forests can be found in areas some distance from the Pacific Ocean coast where they usually thrive.

If one seeks valley wildflowers and wildlife viewing, snowy peaks and few other tourists, but does not worry about the slight possibility of brief periods of un- stable weather, June is the month. Going-to-the-Sun Road usually opens early to mid June.

Daylight hours run long, until sunset occurs around 9:50PM at the summer solstice with a lengthy twilight and rather early dawns.

Early to mid July produces acres of alpine flowers amid alpine snowfields and steadily, more stable weather is likely.

Going-to-the-Sun Road cuts through many large snowfields and passes under high snowbanks, drained by cascades above the roadbed. Distant waterfalls thunder away as the winter snowpack slowly melts in the summer heat.

By July, the higher elevation trails have been shoveled out. Hikers are easily crossing the Continental Divide on trails created nearly a cenury ago, some based on native trails dating back hundreds of years.

August brings warm, lazy days. Although the days are growing markedly shorter, the sun still has considerable strength. Flowers have generally reached their peak by mid August, especially if the weather has been dry.

Snow along Sun road is scarce, though large snowfields may be seen on some of the higher peaks. The glaciers finally lose their mantle of snow and expose glittering layers of blue ice to the hot sun.

September breaks the late summer haze and cooler conditions bring the bright foliage colors of autumn. Fewer visitors tour the park even though long periods of clear, warm, dry weather often occurs.

Early snows often trace the delicate outlines of the rock strata of the highest mountain tops.

Hotels: A few of the grand lodges constructed in the early 20th century have survived the elements and host enthusiastic visitors each summer.

Many Glacier Hotel, 11 miles west of Babb, MT, is constructed of massive timbers and it's incredibly scenic sub-alpine location on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake makes it a sure favorite.

Lake McDonald Lodge is located on a beautiful cedar lined shore midway down it's namesake, only 12 miles from West Glacier, & Glacier Park Lodge, another mammoth timbered hotel, located outside park boundaries at East Glacier, MT. All are generally open mid June through early to mid September.

Campgrounds: The National Park Service offers about 900 sites of varying size accessed by pavement throughout the park and about 80 smaller sites are reached by gravel surfaced secondary roads. Backpackers and overnight hikers may choose from about 50 backcountry campsites situated about one day's walk apart.

Chalets: Three chalets remain intact and func- tional from early park days, a very special remnant of the past. All welcome visitors, both day users and overnight guests.

The fully restored Belton Chalet is across the street from the old Great Northern Railway depot in West Glacier, MT and enjoys highway access.

Sperry Chalet and Granite Park Chalet are both high in the mountains and can only be reached by trail, on foot or horseback.

Driving: First on most visitor's list is the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This 53 mile masterpiece, completed in 1932, crosses the rocky Continental Divide at Logan Pass. It can accommodate most autos, but has length and height limitations on larger vehicles.

Free shuttles run the length of Going-to-the-Sun Road to transport hikers and visitors wishing to leave the driving to others. The historic, fully restored Red Tour Busses offer narrated tours. The canvass tops on these vintage vehicles roll back for the best view during warm weather.

Hiking: The hiking trails in Glacier Park were constructed for horse tours, operating during the 1920's and 30's. Nearly 700 miles of well maintained trails still exist today, making hiking in Glacier National Park a very satisfying experience.

Short walks suitable for the family, up to 6 night backcountry trail excursions are possible in Glacier.

Wildlife: The viewing of wildlife living in it's natural habitat is one of the most popular activities in Glacier National Park. Bring your camera and good binoculars!

Fishing: Anglers will find Glacier offers challenging fishing opportunities from deep lake environments to swift moving mountain streams. No license required within National Park boundaries.

Launch Services: Historic boats carry hikers and sight- seers up some of the larger lakes in the park. Some tours may offer narrative on the natural features and history of the area. Bring a daypack with lunch and a jacket, explore the area, then return on a late afternoon launch.

Interpretive Programs: Many hotels and larger campgrounds offer evening fireside programs or host educational events. Park Service Ranger guided day hikes are also conducted during the peak season.