Last summer some Montana news reports predicted Glacier National Park’s dwindling glacier supply could disappear as early as next year. The U.S. Geological Survey’s Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK) places the 26 remaining glaciers’ demise somewhere between the years 2030 and 2080, or within most of our children or grandchildren’s lifetime.
Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park’ s largest lake, is found just inside the west entrance.
The article, “Retreat of Glaciers in Glacier National Park,” by NOROCK and published on the USGS website, explains that “worldwide glacial recession is well documented” due to climate change. An estimated 150 glaciers existed in the Glacier National Park area in 1850, and most of those glaciers still existed in 1910 when President Taft signed the bill making Glacier the 10th national park, NOROCK states. In 2015, only 26 remained. Glaciers are defined as “a body of snow and ice of sufficient size and mass to move under its own weight.” USGS researchers require the body of snow and ice to be larger than 25 acres to be considered a glacier.
A park ranger demonstrates the proper use of bear spray. Visitors should expect wildlife encounters in Glacier National Park and be prepared.
Glacier National Park is located in northern Montana along the Canadian border. Peak visitation months are July and August. To plan a trip to Glacier, check out the National Park Service’s website.
Lake McDonald offers a variety of water sports during summer months. This photo was taken in July 2018, just a couple weeks before Howe Ridge, located across the lake from Lake McDonald Lodge, burned. Visitors were evacuated from the park.
Melted snow makes for cold summer water, but the pebbles along Lake McDonald’s shoreline are beautiful.
A kayaker is visible through the trees.
A reminder of climate change’s effects on Glacier National Park is posted in a souvenir shop inside the park.
Don’t have your own boat? Not a problem on Lake McDonald.
The west entrance to Glacier National Park.
Pets are allowed in Glacier National Park, but they severely limit visitors’ ability to explore. They must be on short leashes, cannot enter any buildings, and are only allowed in developed areas, no trails.
The historic Lake McDonald Lodge, built in 1913, is a fun place to explore. The lodge is open to visitors from mid-May to late September.
Lanterns inside Lake McDonald Lodge.
All the amenities of home: an outdoors phone booth near Lake McDonald.
Cabins are an alternative lodging option at Lake McDonald.