Ep. 268: Glacier National Park | Montana RV travel camping kayaking

[@edwardlulofs444]

Thanks. It's been 42 years since I have been there.

[@GrandAdventure]

Happy that we could bring you back, Edward.

[@edwardlulofs444]

@@GrandAdventure Yes, it was nice to see it again. I didn't need any reservations in 1980. Yosemite section of CA120 also requires reservations. But there are still nice dispersed camping sites available.

[@larryv4249]

The "majesty" of GNP leaves me speechless. It is as close to a religious experience as you can get......are those angels I hear in the background?

[@GrandAdventure]

Mother Nature at her most glorious, Larry.

[@georgecarpenter4126]

Glacier National Park is basically heaven on earth. I really enjoyed this one, as I do every week.. Continued safe travels. P.S. I like the Buc-ee's cap ! !

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you George, and same to you!

[@arnoldandjosieespinoza4405]

Evening from Deep South Texas 👋🏽 hope everyone is doing well

[@GrandAdventure]

Great to have you two at the Premiere, thanks for coming.

[@samrodriguez4039]

Whats up Arnold!

[@angieeeeee789]

Grand Adventure is one of my favorite channels. This has to be one of the best channels. I’ve created by bucket list from watching all your videos. I truly appreciate all the content you creat! Thank you grand adventure.

[@GrandAdventure]

Wow Angie, thank YOU! We sincerely appreciate that.

[@satterfieldrick]

Love the buc-ee’s hat!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks! I get more comments on that hat than you can imagine, both here on KZbin and also in person.

[@chitoymalay8054]

This is the best video of the Grand Adventure! Thanks for making this video, we are on the way there.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you so much, Chito! Wishing you safe travels and a wonderful visit to Glacier.

[@jesib7526]

Such beauty! I've wanted to visit for a long time but I had no idea it was this stunning. Thanks again for another awesome video that almost makes me feel like I'm there!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks so much Jesi!

[@scotthahn4399]

You do such a great job on your video’s I enjoy them very much Thanks

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Scott!! Glad that you're enjoying them.

[@Janet_scribbles]

Stayed there along that river. Really wonderful. A bit rough to get in even with just our van

[@GrandAdventure]

It could sure use a blade to flatten out those dips. With a 33-foot fifth wheel, though, I can tell you that last turn at the end of the road onto the beach was a real challenge!

[@johannadelbusto7987]

Wow 😍 goals Marc…love the boondocking spot

[@GrandAdventure]

We did too Johanna, thank you!

[@cesmigs8502]

Your videos are really great resources for our travels. Love your buc-ee's hat!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you so very much! That's heartwarming to hear.

[@OGDreamer]

Stunning. On my bucket list

[@GrandAdventure]

We finally scratched it off ours. It's worthy.

[@gina50gina]

What a gem of a park. Mother Nature did her magic here! I can't imagine how wonderful it must have been to be kayaking on Bowman lake with the backdrop of those majestic mountains!

[@GrandAdventure]

Suzane, it was spectacular. Great seeing you, too, at the Premiere -- thanks for coming.

[@otradventuresontheroadrv7056]

Great Video Mark. We just left there last week. So Beautiful. I hope you guys are doing well. We are still hitting the National Parks across the Country.. We are at 37 now.. This Country has so much to offer in its topography.

[@GrandAdventure]

Impressive parks count you've got going there!

[@gorrdd]

Marc, Your sliding down the mountain... I don't think that paddle is going to help!🙏😉🙈 Gord

[@timothyjohnson8036]

Great video Marc.. Glad you got the kayak out... Thanks again for the awesome video .. Great job..

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks as always Timothy!

[@PhotographybyTimWMoore]

Thanks for the preview! We are headed to Glacier in mid September.

[@GrandAdventure]

Have fun Tim, and safe travels! Happy to provide the primer.

[@wellsonwheels457]

We went in 2015. Our grandaughter was 3 and had mucho fun. Need to go back

[@GrandAdventure]

It's gotten much busier in the 7 years since your visit, but those reservations seem to be helping.

[@pamelakern2849]

I always enjoy your videos!! I need to remember to comment on their wonderful content. Thankyou Mark 😃

[@GrandAdventure]

Glad you like them, thanks as always Pamela!

[@rv2travel]

Heading to Glacier next week. Good timing

[@GrandAdventure]

Safe travels, and enjoy!

[@CompetaJohn]

Marc, this has been a very emotional video for us as in September 2016 we had the great privilege of being able to visit Glacier NP staying at Many Glacier for a few nights. We had snow and some very cold nights but the weather was glorious. We left Glacier heading for Bigfork, Montana and planned to crossed the GTTS road which had been closed for several days due to poor conditions but luckily just opened as we set off that morning. The road was quiet and it was magical. Your video has brought all those memories flooding back. Thank you again for sharing these beautiful videos with us.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you John for sharing your experience! "Magical" probably doesn't begin to describe that. We're thrilled that we could bring you back to Glacier.

[@mccarthy7566]

Fond memories of Glacier as it was our first big trip in our 2007 Newmar AllStar. We enjoyed the northern half of the park more; it was more quiet and the scenery was spectacular!

[@GrandAdventure]

That's most understandable, Pete, as we enjoyed a similar experience in 2022.

[@RVWagginTails]

This is the location my wife and I chose as our first trip when we go most time RVing. Thanks for the overview.

[@GrandAdventure]

Our pleasure, thanks for watching!

[@swansodi]

Missed the premier, great video! I have been to Glacier NP just a stunning area!!

[@GrandAdventure]

Next time Dian! Thanks for watching, no matter when or where.

[@dianerussell3432]

Loved your trip to my neck of the woods... but I think you should of discussed more of why the locals are so upset about the camping at Blankenship Bridge.. not because we don't want people there, it was totally getting out of hand with garbage and people trashing that beautiful area... and a bus in the river really mad some people mad... just take care and enjoy the area you stay in... that's my 2 cents...lol

[@GrandAdventure]

We appreciate you sharing that, Diane. I can tell you, this was the cleanest boondocking site we've visited in a long, long time. Not a speck of trash anywhere.

[@dianerussell3432]

I get that... and it's because us montanans love where we live... that's who cleaned it up after last year... and I'm glad it has stayed that way for responsible peopleto enjoy... thanks for being one of those people!!!I will always follow you... that way I can travel and never leave my living room...lol

[@johnpurdum8126]

Thank you Diane for the local perspective. I carry a 5 gallon bucket and trash nabbers wherever I go.

[@stuwardw]

Great video as always, we are going to Glacier next summer, we can't wait!!

[@GrandAdventure]

Have fun on that trip Stu! Thank you as always.

[@kurtschulmeyer1041]

Glacier is on my bucket list but I don't like the crowds! I grew up going to Yosemite and now it's too crowded for my taste. Beautiful area though: great for boondocking. Stay safe

[@GrandAdventure]

You as well, Kurt! I'll confess that my feelings about crowds match yours. I've essentially written off Zion now that it's gotten so ridiculously crowded. However, being in the area we really had to do Glacier right after missing the best parts of it in 2018. Also, like Kolob Canyon at Zion, there are places at Glacier to get away from the masses, like the North Fork Corridor. That experience kayaking Bowman Lake was otherworldly.

[@dandtintennessee7675]

Always love these countdowns. I just hear Pink Floyd in my mind..

[@ddprepper5227]

Awesome report

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you!

[@alanjones9884]

Great video. Thank you for sharing.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Alan, and thanks for watching!

[@johnnyallan3640]

Awesome video thanks for sharing!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks for watching, Johnny!

[@msc775]

Great video work and information Marc!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Matt!

[@normgibson6565]

CHEERS Marc

[@GrandAdventure]

Cheers to you, Norm! Great to hear from you, bud.

[@bryantlavalley203]

We were just there from the 8/13 to the 17th. It was a beautiful place, but parking was a joke. We didn't get to do two hikes we wanted cause we couldn't get parking. Just means another trip out one day. We went to Polebridge and it was a wonderful side stop. Boondocked off Ashley Lake, was a great spot, easy lake access, and only 35 miles from GNP. Overall great park, but we went to 4 other NP on our trip, and this was the only one that had a nightmare parking situation, and that was my only complaint.

[@GrandAdventure]

We feel your pain, Bryant. For example, we've pretty much written off Zion forever as there are equally beautiful places in Utah without all of the crowds. It's unfortunate but true that many folks are out there wanting to explore their National Parks and some have gotten crazy busy.

[@Captndarty]

Thank you for taking me on such a wonderful adventure. Now I don’t have to go there and deal with slow traffic and a toll reservation system🤣

[@GrandAdventure]

😄Still worth going in person, though. Thanks for coming along!

[@TomSpurlock]

Nice one Marc, we were just there July 25-30 last month. Had a great time.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks Tom, and glad to hear that!

[@satajet883]

We were there about a year ago after a nice stay on Georgetown Lake ( that one of your vid’s led us to) Absolutely stunning NP. Taking our F250 up Logan pass was a little scary. Had to pull the mirrors in just to fit in our lane LOL. And that little wall between you and a very quick trip down hill. But wow, the views were incredible. Great vid!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you! After we parted ways, Homie at Large returned to that Georgetown Lake spot. I was a little jealous.

[@tigerfn84]

We visited in 2015. I couldn't pick my jaw up enough times. It was that breathtaking. Thanks for sharing.

[@GrandAdventure]

It's truly jaw-dropping, Mike. Thanks for watching!

[@lorih379]

We love your videos. You really showcase the places and the camping and tell the stories and history of the area.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks as always Lori! We sincerely appreciate you.

[@thewanderingshores]

We are even more excited to visit Glacier next week after watching your video. Great job Marc.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks Kyle! You'll both enjoy yourselves, it's such a beautiful area.

[@sueanna_banana]

Nice you've been with friends these past few months. Safety in numbers I always say. Especially when boondocking like you guys do...We've had too many sketchy experiences to boondock alone anymore. We're living in different times now.

[@GrandAdventure]

We had a wonderful three months traveling together, Julie. Even now that we've headed in different directions, text messages are exchanged almost daily.

[@akgobears]

Such a beautiful place...Makes me want to take up kayaking lol...Seems you enjoy yourself on the water...Dont blame you...Well am guessing your next video is coming from somewhere in eastern Montana or perhaps even S. Dakota being your in Iowa now....Travel safe, enjoy, be well...

[@GrandAdventure]

Your perception is right on target once again. Safe travels to you as well!

[@daviscrt]

Great video. Man that road is Sketchy. Can't believe someone tried to run your group off. Beautiful scenery thanks again Don

[@GrandAdventure]

Glad you enjoyed it Don, thank you!

[@skipwatson1951]

we just left there about 3 weeks ago. must have just missed you. looks like you had just a little more snow than we had along the sun road. we look forward to your next "grand adventure." 😊

[@GrandAdventure]

Yup, we were there right around the same time, and left the area on July 31st. We would've loved a chance encounter.

[@brookeshaffer4377]

Love the video👍So cool you had Bowman Lake all to yourselves.Did ya check out the Mercantile and Bakery in Polebridge? Try any huckleberry pie?Thank you again Marc.Take care🌟

[@GrandAdventure]

We were running late to get back so we didn't have the opportunity to stop, but the Merc in Polebridge looked like such a cool place. Thanks again for watching, Brooke!

[@dandtintennessee7675]

Come on down to Tennessee and let's do some kayaking st Rock Island.

[@GrandAdventure]

We loved our time in Tennessee back in 2020; however, this time we're going to hit a couple of nearby states that we missed that year.

[@dandtintennessee7675]

@@GrandAdventure If the opportunity ever presents itself I think you'd enjoy Rock Island State Park even if it's a few years down the road. We really had a great time. Great video

[@GrandAdventure]

@@dandtintennessee7675 thank you, we'll remember that!

[@jordancook1668]

Great video Marc. It’s funny, I just came across your 2018 one recently as I’ve been researching Glacier for my upcoming mid-September trip, so this new one is quite timely. Really appreciate all the work that goes into these videos.

[@GrandAdventure]

Glad it was helpful Jordan, thank you and have a wonderful trip!

[@Colleen1978]

We're too big to camp there bit its beautiful! Would love to see the area. I appreciate that you tell us if we will fit and even what the roads are like so we can avoid a predicament trying to drive our bigger rig through. Thanks!

[@GrandAdventure]

Our pleasure Colleen! There are lots of alternatives there, and you'll find room for a bigger rig in several large, albeit popular "group" boondocking sites along the North Fork Road between Columbia Falls and Polebridge.

[@Colleen1978]

@@GrandAdventure OOOH!! Thanks for the tip! We just installed a full solar set up on our fifth wheel camper so we can boondock! I will put your suggestions on our list. I have all fifty states with sections for places to see, places to eat and places to stay. All suggestions by people like you on youtube and facebook groups.

[@GrandAdventure]

@@Colleen1978 in that case, here's one of those spots: goo.gl/maps/pUk6YXxXX9oEB9tt6 It was packed with RVs when we drove past.

[@Thesaltymedic36]

Nice camp spot. Wonder what the locals have against people boondocking there? What’s the issue? Road to the sun looks amazing but wow, it’s tight 😂.

[@GrandAdventure]

Best we can tell TSM, it's a case of NIMBYism. They claim in their lawsuit that campers are trashing the area, but it was one of the cleanest boondocking sites we've encountered.

[@johnholliday6011]

Absolutely stunning Great video and top quality video as always Much appreciated from Aiken,S.C.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you John! FYI we'll be rolling through parts of your great state in early October.

[@annjoseph6191]

Hi Marc. New subscriber here. Went to GNP 10 yrs ago…just awesome! I love kayaking. How cold was the water where you kayaked? Keep up the great work!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Ann, and welcome aboard! We were surprised that the water of Bowman Lake wasn't as cold as we'd anticipated, especially given that it's basically pure snow melt.

[@mickster1780]

hey Marc - great video. what a special place. that Bowman Lake kayaking looked really awesome. question: how does the Going to the sun road compare to the Beartooth Pass highway? i've driven the Beartooth and being a flatlander from Texas it was a bit of a white knuckle ride.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks Mickster! We were drawing comparisons to the Beartooth the entire time -- it's very similar.

[@EmekliMasası]

18.08.2022 Ankara

[@therusticcollectionebaysto7028]

New sub ! Liked 😉🙌😊🐸

[@GrandAdventure]

Glad to have you along! Thank you.

[@laughingram7287]

Hi Marc! We were looking forward to doing this park next year. Good thing we watched your video. We had no idea that vehicle reservations were required. Do you happen to know when the roads are normally cleared of snow? We had planned to go in May, but are thinking of going in September. Nice kayaking at the end. Thanks for sharing, Ram 👍🏼👍🏽

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks Ram! The road normally opens late June/early July. So May is way too early. And FYI it can snow again by mid to late September.

[@laughingram7287]

Maybe we go the first week after the Labor Day weekend. Thanks, Ram

[@cabinvibeetsystore9094]

New sub ! Liked 😉🙌🐸🙏

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks! Happy to have you aboard.

[@jacktoy3032]

What are options if Logan Pass is not open? E.g., drive as far east from the west entrance and enjoy Lake McDonald, then go around to St Mary?

[@GrandAdventure]

Plus the Many Glacier area on the east side, and North Fork on the west.

[@gorrdd]

Thanks Marc... what a wonderful adventure this one was. The weather was perfect for you. I was surprised you got hit with those kinds of temps that far north and at an elevation at the foot hills of GNP, Montana. That is not normal... We expect it down here in Texas, but not Montana. I loved the views... you covered them perfectly. What was the elevation from the Sun Road down to the base of the valley? Also, the elevation from the Sun Road up to the peaks above? Very bizarre that the locals had any kind of issue with what the National Forestry Service allows on it's own land. Something else must be going on there that is pushing that issue... Beautiful lake that you kayaked on... very tranquil for sure. Gord

[@GrandAdventure]

Hey Gord! Montana is well north, which is its saving grace from most heat waves, but it's surprisingly low. Our campsite was only at 2,800'. The GTTS road tops out at 6,647', and the surrounding peaks are barely over 8,000'. So when a heat wave does reach the region, as it did during our visit, it gets mighty toasty in the valleys. As for the issue with the boondocking site, best we can tell it's a NIMBY syndrome. The irony, of course, is that camping likely took place long before those homeowners bought in the area. I also understand that the area was once a local hideaway, but when the National Park campgrounds closed due to COVID in 2020 far more outsiders discovered the spot.

[@gorrdd]

@@GrandAdventure Thanks Marc. Yes, that is much lower than I was expecting. Just don't tell the bears, they think they're really up there. Gris don't take to correction... Gord

[@fliguy41]

Nice Mark you ever fly fish any of those rivers?

[@GrandAdventure]

I haven't. Honestly I'm a really bad fisherman, so it doesn't behoove me to buy a license in every state.

[@fliguy41]

@@GrandAdventure well nobody is a perfect fisherman. I went up to Green River Lakes after watching your video couple years ago. Besides the terrible road and mosquitoes that place was by amazing. Caught lake trout up on the south beach of the lake. Thanks for sharing these places Mark.

[@SevenBears1]

Did you have time for Flathead lake this trip ?

[@GrandAdventure]

No J, but we did on the first trip through: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5PZc3qVjpuXibs

[@terrymoses7548]

What's a "F5" key?

[@GrandAdventure]

It's right next to the "any key".

[@moretoliving2236]

We often hear about Karens freaking out and with proliferation of social media, it is even more apparent. My Karen harassed me at Mulley Point East in Mexican Hat Utah. Perception of power does weird things to people who conflate people's politeness not to exercise modest amount of knuckle sandwich with ability to act up like that.

[@GrandAdventure]

So very, very true.