May 1-4 trip

Question

I will be in Kalispell on a business trip and would like to extend a few days to visit Glacier since it is so close. Will be staying at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake for the conference, but was hoping to stay closer to the park afterwards. What would be the best lodging option? It looks like most things are closed. I would strongly prefer something that has a great view.

Any tips for what to do this early in the year? It looks like none of the visitor centers are even open. I was hoping to be able to get a stamp for my National Park notebook. Is there any way to do that if visitor centers aren’t open?

Answer

Visiting Glacier National Park in early May can be a fantastic experience, though it does come with some challenges, especially with many services still being closed for the season. Since you'll be in Kalispell for business and want to extend your stay to experience Glacier, here are some tips for lodging and things to do during this early time of year:

First, regarding accommodations: Since most of the lodges and hotels inside the park are closed in early May, your best bet will be staying in nearby towns like West Glacier, Columbia Falls, or even the Whitefish area. The Lodge at Whitefish Lake is a great option for your conference, but for lodging closer to the park afterward, here are a few suggestions:

Glacier Guides Lodge – Located in West Glacier, this lodge is open year-round and offers cozy accommodations with easy access to the park entrance. While amenities might be limited in May, it’s an excellent base to explore the park as much as possible during your stay.
West Glacier RV Park and Campground – If you don't mind more rustic accommodations and the weather permits, consider staying in an RV or cabin at West Glacier RV Park. It's close to the park and has great views of the surrounding landscape.
Whitefish Mountain Resort – While not directly within Glacier National Park, Whitefish Mountain Resort offers a variety of lodging options, from hotels to vacation rentals. You'll have access to some early-season skiing and great mountain views, making it a solid option if you're looking for a combination of relaxation and adventure.
Apgar Village Lodge – Another option located within the park (though it may be closed until later in the spring). You can check availability for any cabin or chalet rentals during your stay, especially closer to the 1st week of May.

As for activities during this early season, it’s important to note that many of the park’s visitor centers and some of the main roads (like Going-to-the-Sun Road) may still be closed due to snow and weather conditions. However, there are still plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, including:

Hiking: While more challenging trails may be closed or difficult to access due to snow, you can enjoy lower-elevation hikes. Consider trails like the Trail of the Cedars or Lake McDonald (if accessible). These areas are often open in early spring and offer beautiful scenery with fewer crowds.
Scenic Drives: Though Going-to-the-Sun Road might still be closed at higher elevations, you can explore the West Glacier area and take in views of McDonald Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Wildlife Viewing: Spring is a great time to spot wildlife as animals are often more active in early May. You may be able to see moose, bighorn sheep, and even bears, though be mindful of safety guidelines.
Photography: Early spring in Glacier offers fantastic photography opportunities with snowy mountains and quieter scenes. You can visit areas like Lake McDonald, where you’ll have stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

Regarding the National Park stamp, if the visitor centers are closed, there is still a way to collect a stamp for your National Park passport. The stamp is often available in nearby stores, post offices, or the Park’s entrance stations, even if the visitor centers are not open. When you arrive at the entrance, you can check with any staff or the local businesses to see if the stamp is available. Sometimes the entrance stations themselves have a self-service stamp available, especially in the off-season.

Overall, early May in Glacier is quieter with fewer crowds, and while some things may be closed, the scenery and outdoor activities will still make for an unforgettable visit. Enjoy your time in Glacier National Park!

May 1-4 trip

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