planning trip to Glacier/need kid activity suggestions

[carrots]

We are planning on visiting Glacier this summer and can't wait. We have a 3yo (today is her birthday:love ) and a baby (turns one 7-4-03), so we are looking for mellow kid activities. Any suggestions? We are coming from Seattle area so it is a bit of a haul, but well worth it. Advice/suggestions please:)
jessie

[flatheadjane]

Hello from Flathead County Montana!!!

We live at the gateway to Glacier Park. I'm not sure as to what kind of activities you are looking for, but we will try to make a few suggestions. Being that you will be traveling with a 3 year old and a 1 year old, it will surely be an adventure in itself. We may be able to help somewhat as we are a blended family of 10 children and 2 adults (Well, sometimes).

Our personal suggestion would be to bring 2 child carrier backpacks and/or slings and explore the northwest side of Glacier known as "The North Fork." Doing this will help to avoid the "Crowds" and allow you a more enjoyable and relaxed visit. I wouldn't totally avoid the Park, but instead set a single day aside to drive our beautiful "Going to the Sun Highway" that travels through the Park. The highway enters at West Glacier and exits at East Glacier. That drive is well worth the time, but bring plenty of film and don't forget to bring enough food with you. You will surely see breath taking scenery, mountain goats, rams (Big Horn Sheep), and if your lucky, a grizz. :eek

If you do choose to stay up "The North Fork", be prepared to camp. Wonderful camp sites are "Quartz Lake," "Loggers Lake," Kintla Lake, or the "Big Creek" area. All supplies that you may need (That you forget to bring :D ) are available in the little town of Polebridge, but will be cheaper in Columbia Falls. Definitely avoid any purchases in the town of Whitefish (Our version of Vail).

Please keep in mind that these suggestions are for those who are looking for a camping experience, this is not Disney Land (Thank goodness).

If you are looking for more comfortable accomodations, there are plenty of good motels/hotels/lodges available in all price ranges.

There are a few good healthfood stores in Kalispell (The hub of the valley), as well as most major shopping.

(Thinking I'm sounding like a tour guide here)

Anyway, there is plenty to do here and more area to explore than one could fit into a number of lifetimes. Been exploring it myself for now over 13 years and still not bored, and definitley not ready to leave.

GOOD LUCK on what surely will be a wonderful adventure!!! If you want, we may beable to even hook up and help with a bit of sight-seeing.

Peace,

Jennifer (Flatheadjane) flatheadjane@hotmail.com

and

Tracy (Lost-Bear) lostbear10@hotmail.com

:thumb