Going camping in Many Glacier

[Need4Speed]

Got questions.

First off, looking at pulling our 24foot camper out there, middle of June. We'll probably stay at Many Glacier campground a couple of nights, then go over to Two Medicine. Neither of these places accept reservations, and they each only have 13 sites big enough for a camper from what I understand. Has anybody stayed at either of these places? What are the chances that I don't find an open site?

Next, while we are in Two Medicine my 19 year old son and the wife want to do the overnight backcounty hike to Mount Stimson. I get to stay back with the kids that don't want to do this. I'm worried about the bears and mountain lions. I will get them the pepper spray chit, but I'm almost thinking I might want the young lad to pack some heat....say a 25 cal pistol or something. This should be enough to give a big cat problems...but I'm sure it would just piss a bear off. Is it illegal to carry a heater in the park....say stuffed away in a backpack somewhere??

Anybody have any other words of wisdom?

 

[Skogen]

It is illegal to carry ANY fire arm in the park.

I have no idea about camping there, never had the need. I have a cabin at Duck Lake. Take your fishing pole. Good fishing up there.

 

[Need4Speed]

Any jailtime if they catch you packing heat? Maybe I'll tell the wife to carry it instead....

If you read this post I'm just kidding honey. I know better than to give a heater!

 

[Yellow Sno]

In the middle of June you shouldn't have too much trouble getting a spot to park the camper at either. I have never camped at either, but the park doesn't get really busy until July/August. You may want to call and ask someone who knows better though.

Fire arms are a no no. I don't know about jail time. I wouldn't worry about critters too much. Make sure they both know what to do in case of an encounter. The park will make them watch a video before they get their backcountry permit. It is boring, but informative as well.

 

[CatWoman]

Bear spray is very effective! When hiking, just keep chattering, talking about anything....just to alert any animals to your presence. I camphost at the other end of the park.....just on the outskirts at Big Creek Campground which is on the North Fork of the Flathead River (GNP is across the river). I've seen lots of bears, but they've known I'm coming so no incidents.

Some of the BEST fishing on that river!!

June typically is slow, up until towards the end of the month. Once kids are out of school, it starts getting busier.....with the season in full swing by the 4th of July.

Sandy

 

[24footjet]

Isn't the road to the sun supposed to be closed this year?

If you want to see Bear, many glacier is the ticket. Also, we were within 30 yards of 2 bull moose eating in a small lake close to the park store...

While on our way in last year, we saw a car pulled over and a guy running like mad towards the lake, so of course we say, "Bear", and I jump out too. Pretty cool watching this big black bear swimming and getting out of the water to disappear in the woods.... until we saw a park ranger getting ready to give us a tongue lashing afterwards.... it was worth it. He almost got his one bullet out to put it into his six shooter, but he was young and shaking so bad that I think he dropped it while we were walking up to him!

Not sure about campgrounds though. We stayed at a really nice one in Hungry Horse, way too far from where you are going.

 

[wildcard]

A 25 is not a heater, not even a warmer, really not even a pisseroffer. I suggest y'all pack some common sense, works much better.

 

[woodies]

ttt