Ranger-led activities abound in Glacier Park

Ranger-led activities in Glacier National Park through July 7 include hikes, talks, boat tours, demonstrations and evening programs. Hour-long to day-long hikes led by rangers are offered in many areas of the Park, including Lake McDonald Valley, Two Medicine, Many Glacier, St. Mary and Goat Haunt.

• Visitors can learn about the role fire plays in the surrounding ecosystem and the impacts of the 2003 Robert Fire by joining “Fire in Glacier Walk,” a moderate two-mile hike beginning at the Rocky Point Trailhead north of the Fish Creek Campground.

• Diverse habitats near the shores of Two Medicine Lake can be seen on “Nature Hike,” an easy one-hour hike geared for the whole family that is led twice a week.

• For a more challenging hiking experience, visitors may participate in “Heart of Glacier,” a moderately strenuous 10-mile hike offered in the Many Glacier area.

• Visitors, especially families, are encouraged to visit the Discovery Cabin, an historic cabin with hands-on activities and displays located near the Apgar Visitor Center. Rangers and volunteers will be available to talk about predators and prey in the Park, and provide an opportunity to touch a grizzly bear’s claw or a wolf’s coat.

• Visitors can watch the “Connecting Art with Nature” demonstration at the historic 1913 Ranger Station, east of the St. Mary Visitor Center and help paint a mural with this year’s volunteer artist. The 2011 mural, “Touched by Glacier,” is featured on the 2012 annual Park pass with artwork from more than 700 visitors and Park staff.

• The Park’s Junior Ranger Program provides free junior ranger activity guides for children of all ages at any of the Park’s visitor centers or at the Discovery Cabin in Apgar Village. 

Most programs are free. For a complete schedule, visit online at http://home.nps.gov/applications/glac/inforequest/inforequest3.cfm or ask for a schedule at a Park entrance station or call 406-888-7800.