Bad Time to Visit Glacier NP?

[bighammer]

I talked to a friend of mine in Butte tonight and told him we were planning on visiting them in a couple weeks and heading up to Glacier. He said the wildfires are making things pretty smokey and it might not be the best time to come.

I think he understands I'm in northern Michigan, used to clean air, and have no concept of how bad a really dry Montana fire season can be. With an early start, dead vegetation from drought, and dead trees from beetle infestation, he said it could be the worst he's seen there.

Am I nuts to postpone the trip 'til next spring?

 

[PC12Driver]

I was there last year during fire season, and some of the views were a bit hazy. In fact, one of the roads through the park was closed the week before because of a fire, and there were still a few burning in the park. But, it was still an amazing place to visit (and had a nice campfire smell everywhere you went). It really depends on which way the wind blows. It still wouldn't be bad to have a plan B just in case something flares up during your trek out there, since pretty much all of Montana is on fire right now.



Here's some pics from last year. Some of the mountain pics aren't that clear, but the views are still breathtaking when you're there!



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[bighammer]

The plan changed and it looks like wife and son will fly to Portland and I will drive and meet them. We'll hang out at my brother's place and see some of the coastal sights.

I think I'll enjoy the peace of a long road trip alone. I do wish I could just fly with them and then rent a car, but I have a sinus problem that just about knocks me out on descents. :{ Maybe I can find some kind of load to take there and or back.

 

[scootergmc]

Man, enjoy the drive. You're going through some of my favorite country.

 

[bighammer]

Yea, I'm excited, but the wife said she and my son couldn't share that excitement. I'm trying to decide which way to go-- Chicago and west (mapquest route, or UP route, (slightly longer ESTIMATED timewise) or ferry across Lake Michigan.

Not sure I want to add to the chaos in Minneapolis/St Paul, so I'll steer clear of there.

It's tempting to take the new mountain bike and pick a trail or 2 along the way, but extra time with my brother sounds good too. Too many choices... :{

 

[scootergmc]

Well, if it's me I'm taking the Ferry across and going through the Dakotas. Even if it's longer. I'd do it every time... and take plenty of non-interstate highways.

 

[jkalchik]

Heading west from Tragic City? Gawd, stay AWAY from Chicago, then.

I live just south of the Twin Cities, and make at least 1 run a year back over to my folks in Bellaire (35 miles northeast of TC. ) There is no earthly way I'd ever consider going through Chicago, I always go through the Upper Peninsula. Yes, it's slower, it's also a hundred miles shorter. And much less stress.

Just for the stress factor, I'd go over the Bridge.

BTW, I lived in Chicago's western suburbs from 1994 to 2006. I've made the trip around the bottom of Lake Michigan a bunch of times heading back to Bellaire. Personally, I'd prefer the northern route.