Welcome to the beautiful 55-miles of US-2 from the town of West Glacier to East Glacier Park. People tend to ignore this highway with so much to see driving across Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road, but US-2 is so worth a trip. Come on along and see . . .
US-2 was established in 1926. Its original name was Theodore Roosevelt International Highway. It covers 2,571 miles, consisting of two sections, one either side of a portion of Canada. US-2 in Montana is the northern most section of the highway and is often called the Hi-Line. Much of western US-2 was built roughly parallel to the Great Northern Railway lines. The railroad nicknamed the Montana area The Highline. The nickname stuck over the years though the spelling changed.
Yes, the railroad still runs, but through mergers over the years it is now BNSF (Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway). It is one of the largest freight transport railroads in the country. They also had passenger service until 1971 when Amtrack took over all the passenger services including the long-distance Empire Builder. However, you can take a scenic train excursion between West and East Glacier. Nah, I’ll take a road trip any day.
The first half of our trip on US-2 is along the Flathead River. We see the train track on and off throughout the drive.
The first half of our trip is through rolling mountains with a few peaks but covered with a variety of conifers including the Western Larch. There is one straight ahead! They are actually deciduous conifers. Their needles turn bright orange/gold and fall off. Had hoped to see them in their changing mode, but we’re a bit too early. Dang! Well, look here.
Most all the national park land is to our left, the north side of US-2. However, there is one small area to the south that is part of Glacier National Park–Goat Lick Overlook. How can you not head down the steep yet short paved road to such a named place?
This canyon was formed by the Middle Fork of the Flathead River’s strong currents exposing the mineral rich Roosevelt Fault.
Yes, the train tracks are on both sides of US-2, crossing over US-2 twice along our route. Trains need relatively flat land that’s wide enough for maintenance crews to service trains if needed. So why flat? Mostly related to gravity. The train we see ahead is probably 1 to 1.5 miles long carrying hundreds of double-stacked shipping containers. Traveling at their typical 50-55 mph, it can take a mile or more to stop once the locomotive engineer applies emergency brakes. It is why they travel so slow in populated areas. In Montana we rarely see any other kind of train.
The Middle Fork of the Flathead River curves and carves through this area. It is difficult to see the river clearly, but standing on the edge–by the guardrail of course–we see the beautifully clear water.
OK, to the main goat lick. Through millions of years of water erosion, these steep drop-offs with massive amounts of gray clay are also full of minerals the Mountain Goats and other wildlife crave. It is really a matter of health.
It has to do with a switch in diet happening in spring each year. Now feeding on succulent green vegetation, the goat’s mineral balance, or imbalance, creates this appetite for many minerals found here. Calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, and phosphorus found in the lick helps the goats replace those elements they typically lose from their bones during winter. September is not the time to see goats here, they are heading to their wintering grounds. Maybe a trip next spring?
Heading back to the parking area what a surprise! With trains so long you don’t often see the engines. People were running to get a picture. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. No, really . . .
About 5 miles down the road was a huge pullout with beautiful views. Looking west we see the conifer-covered mountains . . .
. . . looking east, the rugged mostly bare rock mountains.
Wait, what’s that noise? Sounds like water . . . Wow, it is water, right behind us! Let’s get a closer look.
Never expected this to turn up behind our backs! No sign along the road, no sign anywhere with a name, just a waterfall! After some hunting online, this is Silver Staircase Falls. There is not much water running this time of year, but spring is supposed to be amazing with all the rock “steps” covered with water. Another reason to revisit next spring?
Well, it may be a noxious weed, but it sure adds lovely color to the surrounds! Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea maculosa).
Although the Western Larch are not yet showing their colors, most deciduous trees are! We have Aspens, Cottonwoods, and Birch glowing!
There are only a few flowers holding on as night temps get into the low 30s. Western Long-leafed Aster (Symphyotrichum ascendes).
Continuing east, we are coming to the more rugged, wild east side of Glacier. Hikes are longer and steeper, climbers have their day, and dirt/gravel roads into the area are tougher to negotiate without 4-wheel drive. Regardless, they are gorgeous! The Flathead River left us a ways back. Now we have Bear Creek.
We are not too far from our destination now. The mountains are closer and some have names!
Little Dog Mountain 8,610 feet (2,620 m) at left, Summit Mountain 8,775 feet (2,675 m) on right.
Red Crow Mountain 7,891 feet (2,405 m).
Calf Robe Mountain 7,948 feet (2,423-meter).
Did I forget to mention?
The reservation is 1.5 million acres bordering on their west by Glacier National Park and north by Canada. If you are heading to Glacier from the east, you will be traveling through the reservation, there is no alternative. Although their economy is based mostly on agriculture they are active with tourists as well. Interested in engaging with their culture? Take a look.
Here we are in East Glacier Park. A right turn onto MT-49 takes us to the town, but first the train station and Glacier Park Lodge. This lodge was built by the Great Northern Railway in 1912-1913. The history of many of lodges and chalets in/around Glacier is fascinating and many were built by the railroad to attract people to new, beautiful lands.
The building at left is the Great Northern Wing, all rooms available and many newly renovated. At right, the Main Lodge has rooms available above the incredible lobby.
The incredible lobby? The first floor has dining, gift stores, and quite a view UP.
How can you not love the scene behind the Lodge? Dancing Lady Mountain rising 7,357 feet (2,242 m). An English translation of the Blackfeet name for the mountain.
After a wonderful dinner at the Lodge, it is less than a mile to our overnight stay. What a beautiful day it has been!
Until next time my friend, find those special road trips in your neck of the woods!
