I am heading to Glacier National park the second week in August to shoot landscapes. Any suggestions on shooting locations or other "you definitely need to know this before you go" stuff would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Gary
It's been a while since I went to Glacier and even when I went I didn't go for my photography skills and interest (I just happen to love our National Parks) but I would have to say that Grinnell Lake is a must over by Many Glacier. For sure a lot of the beauty of the park is along its trails and not necessarily visible from the road. If you get over to Waterton while you are up there, that's a good trip as well. One place I would like to go to on my next trip is Avalanche Lake. Purely from a visitation standpoint you can't go wrong anywhere along the Going to the Sun road.
Wow that's a tough question. I think it would be a much shorter list to come up with places in Glacier that are NOT worth seeing. Cristina has some good suggestions above. I would also mention areas around the Logan Pass visitors center like Clements Mountain and Bearhat Mountain. There's also some cool rock formations along the shore of St. Mary Lake near Goose Island.
Logan Pass at Sunrise. Lake MacDonald (Apgar) at sunrise and sunset. Wildgoose Island at sunrise. Two Medicine area. Avalanche Gorge, Avalanche Lake, Grinnell Lake is a must beware of grizzlies, catch a rodeo. Just make sure you keep your camera ready you can't go wrong anywhere... IMHO it is the most beautiful park in the country.
I also feel that its the most beautiful park in the lower 48. I am going to assume you are camping if so and you are not backcountry camping make sure you spend at least 1 night at Many Glacier so you can take a day hike to Grinnell Lake and one the next day to Iceberg lake. Alot of people day hike to these spots so you dont have to be overly affraid of bears just be cautious carry pepper spray and hike with someone alittle slower than you just in case.
Wide angle lens and CPL are must haves.
Let me get this straight, you are asking for tips on Glacier National Park. Well, don't step in bear stuff. . . . no really, you have to watch out for grizzlies up there, especially in the Many Glacier area. Make sure you also make a run up to Waterton Lakes if you have time, the Prince Albert Hotel is very nice. One that is really off the beaten path is the Running Eagle Falls and Two Medicine Lake area. Unique waterfall that comes both over the rock and through the rock if you get there while the water is running well. Of course the Logan Pass is amazing, the best views are of the lakes and peaks coming in from the East side in the early morning from St. Mary's. The Mountain Goats on Logan Pass above the visitor center are usually easy to spot. Sometimes they are right in the parking lot licking up the anti-freeze from over-heated cars. You have brought back some great memories. I think it is time to head for Glacier again soon.
Posted by Greg Lessard on July 11, 2012 at 3:51 PM
I can't stress it enouugh. Be aware of grizzlies in all of Glacier. Especially in the Many Glacier area. There was a mauling in that area last summer. There are numerous bears there. During the second week of August they will be in the area of the trails leading to and around Grinell Lake and Grinell Glacier foraging for huckleberries and thimble berries. I am not trying to scare anyone, but please don't take it lightly. http://www.dailyinterlake.com/news/local_montana/article_23a5b4e8-bfc0-11e0-b076-001cc4c002e0.html
Discussion
7 repliesThanks.
Gary
Wide angle lens and CPL are must haves.
Matt, I checked out your images. Nice work. Hopefully I can capture some good light.
G