Glacier National Park dual sport roads?

[freedomracer]

I will be in Glacier NP this time next week, and would like suggestions for some dual sport roads with big views in or near the park. Any info appreciated!

[thetourist]

This Park is a joy for the senses. Don't even think about going offroad.

A couple of in park gravel routes on the west side.

Dual Sport heaven to the west. Yaak River. Idaho. Kootenay Lake in BC.

[imgonnasnap]

There is a dirt/gravel road that leads from the main highway to kintla lake. its a really fun, peaceful road. I took it in my jeep, but would also be enjoyable by bike. I went in september last year and there was plenty of snow in shady spots so watch out.



At the end of the trail you'll find yourself a nice, peaceful campground and pond.

[Oh2RideMore]

I have been to glacier twice now, once backpacking in a car, and 2 years ago on my vstrom camping. North fork road is a moderately maintained gravel road that connects the main park road with kinkla, cracker, and bowman lakes. A large portion of this road is surrounded by burn areas, and has some views of the mountains. The campgrounds are nice, and not as popular as the overcrowded fish creek or others. If you go, you must stop at lodgepole mercantile for fresh baked goods. Potato cheddar biscuits are heavenly as is pretty much everything. Prices are reasonable, and they have internet access. Stay away if you do not like hippies. Any of the lake campgrounds will work for bike camping, just bring bug repellant and practice bear aware food storage.

[tbirdsp]

Originally Posted by Oh2RideMore

If you go, you must stop at lodgepole mercantile for fresh baked goods. Potato cheddar biscuits are heavenly as is pretty much everything. Prices are reasonable, and they have internet access. Stay away if you do not like hippies.

Do you mean Polebridge?

[acejones]

Regarding whether the lodges are worth the dollars; to some, yes; to others, no. It depends on how you view value and expense. The lodges do put you more in the center of things and reduce travel time issues. To me, that has value.

[thetourist]

Location, location, location.

The lodges have great views. They were designed a long time ago, so room space is not as big as modern units, but they are very cool bldgs with grand entrys and lounging areas, huge decks and lots of places to hang out.

At the very least, have a meal or a cuppa in one of the restaurants.

There is a set of cabins (Swiftwater) near Many Glaciers, that puts you within feet of hiking paths.

[griz901]

Advanced search function = mucho info

(the little dot that shows up when you click on "Search")

Under "Search by keyword" type in glacier park

Leave it on "Search Titles Only" and that will get you started

griz

[Chaos-in-MT]

Originally Posted by griz901

Advanced search function = mucho info

(the little dot that shows up when you click on "Search")

Under "Search by keyword" type in glacier park

Leave it on "Search Titles Only" and that will get you started

griz

Dude your alive.

Chaos

[kantuckid]

Originally Posted by freedomracer

I will be in Glacier NP this time next week, and would like suggestions for some dual sport roads with big views in or near the park. Any info appreciated!

While there are some gravel/dirt roads in national parks in lower 48, it is worth saying that they are protected areas and the trails don't even allow horses in many places as foot travel only is the norm. BLM, and certain national forests,etc., have roads that are designated for motorized traffic. There are some books that detail the roads in many states that are "off road" for vehicles. One I have is e.g., "Jeep Trails of CO". My home state of KS, like many more westerly states has 1,000's of miles of gravel/dirt roads. If you want to really see Glacier, get off & walk.

[wmfleet2]

hope to be there in june

[DetR6oit]

Originally Posted by kantuckid

While there are some gravel/dirt roads in national parks in lower 48, it is worth saying that they are protected areas and the trails don't even allow horses in many places as foot travel only is the norm. BLM, and certain national forests,etc., have roads that are designated for motorized traffic. There are some books that detail the roads in many states that are "off road" for vehicles. One I have is e.g., "Jeep Trails of CO". My home state of KS, like many more westerly states has 1,000's of miles of gravel/dirt roads. If you want to really see Glacier, get off & walk.

If I am understanding your point correctly, I strongly disagree. It is definitely worth finding out if there are good off road routes in national parks. While many if not most national parks have no good off road routes, if any at all, I know there are at least a few that have very good ones. Two that I have been to, Big Bend and Arches national park both have great off road routes that are even marked off on the maps they give you at the entrance and perfectly legal. They have areas that are moderately challenging if you have a mid to large dual sport, especially loaded down.