Glacier National Park

Stop wishing, pack up the dogs and GO

We were approaching a four day weekend and I was driving home while on the phone with my husband, Mike.

“What are we going to do this weekend?”

“Want to go to Montana?”

“….yes!”

AND BOOM. We did an Amazon next-day-shipping and ordered some thermal blankets ($10) and a tent that would fit over the bed of our F150 ($40). The dogs comfortably slept in the blanket-compacted back seat with the windows down. Win-win for all. (Thank the lord for pet hemp chews.) It was about a 9 hour scenic drive from Tacoma to Kalispell #cornfields.

ENTRANCE: $30 for vehicles or $25 for motor bikes. Annual is either $50 to $70 depending on the season. (Free for Military)

ACCOMODATION: Now, we decided not to use the tent- just because it was reaching an uncomfortable 30 degrees at night and we felt bad for the doggos (myself). Instead, we stayed at a hotel. (AVG. $100/night) If we were to have stayed at the campgrounds, it would have been $23/night – NOTE: Don’t forget your bear spray ($35 OUCH) https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/camping.htm

FOOD: Pack your food in containers with tight lids (again, bears..). Sandwiches, Pringles and Gatorades- your usual roadtrip snacks (that you never really eat). By bringing your own, you will save A TON, as park food and nearby locations charge about $17+ per person, per meal. Now, I will say….you MUST stop at a local restaurant for Huckleberry Pie with vanilla ice cream. We recommend the Trap Line Café & Grill (4.5 stars). If you skip this step, you did not get the full GNP Experience! ($7). https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45131-d2337071-Reviews-or90-The_Trap_Line_Cafe_and_Grill-Coram_Montana.html

Gas: When we went, a gallon was 3.50. My recommendation is to fill up at Costco if you have a membership. The Going to the Sun Road is 100 miles RT. For 3 days, we spent about $150 and ALMOST went empty at the park on day. 10/10 do NOT take that risk! You’ll have no cell reception and will likely have to hike to the nearest building.

TOTAL BUDGET PRICE FOR 2 PEOPLE = 300