Glacier

[Marwil]

I plan on traveling to Glacier this July and am needing help on campgrounds. I will be traveling in a 40' Rv. After Glacier we plan on visiting Washington and Oregon. Any suggestions or tips would be appreciated.

[tbutler]

You don't indicate where your trip originates. We usually stay on the east side of the park. There are two locations cited in RV Park Reviews, Cut Bank, Montana which is near the East Entrance to the park and St. Mary, MT which is near Going to the Sun Road which takes you through the heart of the park.

Going to the Sun Road is a highlight of the park. Just driving it will give you a spectacular look at glacial terrain. There are trails for hiking and stops with information about the scenery you are seeing. Going to the Sun Road isn't open until late spring or early summer. If you are planning on going in June, check on the status of the road at the Glacier National Park website. Anything other than a small Class B is prohibited on this 1930's WPA mountain road. There are tour coaches, circa 1930's, no roof for absolutely the best views of Going to the Sun Road in case you don't have a toad for sightseeing.

Just across the Canadian border is Waterton-Glacier National Park which is worth a stop as well. The headquarters area has a hotel which is right out of the 19th century. You will need your passports to visit this park. If you plan to take your motor home, check Canada Customs for regulations related to any number of things from food to liquor and guns that are checked at the border as you cross into Canada.

As for as Idaho, Washington and Oregon, you'll have to give us an idea of your interests. There is everything from Olympic National Park to Mt. Hood, Mt. Ranier, Oregon Dunes, great winery areas, the whole Columbia River Valley with multiple dams to tour, Grand Coulee Dam being a spectacular one. The whole coulee system around Coulee City, WA is interesting. There are some spectacular waterfalls on the south side of the Columbia River east of Portland. Water coming off the north side of Mt. Hood drops into the Columbia River Valley in that area. The is also great wind surfing on the Columbia in that same area. If you've never hiked a volcano, Mt. St. Helens is the most recently active volcano in the lower 48 states. There are several visitors centers and some spectacular trails to hike.

Who manufactured your motor home? The area around Coburg (just N of Eugene) on I-5 in Oregon is home to many motor homes and there are some great service areas, both manufacturer and independent where you could get repairs or modifications done on your motor home while on the road.

So let us know what you are interested in, where you are starting your trip and how long you plan to be on the road. It is a great part of the country to explore.

[Marwil]

Thanks for your reply. We will be leaving from Kentucky in our Tiffin Phaeton. We want to spend about 3-4 days in Glacier with the Going to the Sun road a must. Right now we are just in the planning stages of WA and OR. The Cascades hold some interest.