Conquering Bear Country: Our Family's Unforgettable Camping Trip to Many Glacier

Glacier National Park. Just the name conjures images of towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and untouched wilderness. For our family (the Millers: Mom, Dad, and kids aged 8 and 10), it represented a dream vacation. But it also represented something new: camping in bear country. We're moderately experienced campers, but the thought of sharing our campsite with grizzlies added a whole new level of excitement...and anxiety. We chose Many Glacier Campground for its stunning location and family-friendly activities, and we were determined to make it a safe and memorable experience. This is our story, the challenges we faced, and the rewards we reaped, all while navigating the beautiful, but potentially dangerous, terrain of Glacier National Park.

Our campsite at Many Glacier Campground, ready for adventure!

The Road to Many Glacier: A Scenic Adventure

Our trip took place in late June, a time when Glacier is bursting with life. The drive to Many Glacier was an adventure in itself. The roads leading into the area are winding, but the payoff is incredible. We were treated to breathtaking views of Swiftcurrent and Sherburne Lakes, shimmering turquoise against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. It’s hard to keep your eyes on the road, but trust us, you’ll want to! Finding the campground entrance wasn't too difficult, thanks to the well-placed signs. We were so eager to get set up, but a sense of apprehension lingered – we were officially in bear country.

Settling into Campsite B-46: Bear Aware from the Start

We were assigned campsite B-46, a decent spot that was conveniently close to the bathrooms (a big plus with kids!). However, it was a bit of a walk to the lake. The first order of business: setting up camp, bear-style. Our Coleman Sundome 6-person tent provided ample space for all of us. We immediately deployed our bear safety measures. Our chosen food storage was an Ursack AllMitey – a lightweight, bear-resistant bag that we hung from a tree well away from our tent. We also invested in a portable electric fence for around the tent. Yes, it seemed a little extreme, but peace of mind is priceless, especially when you're sleeping a few feet away from the wilderness. Setting up the electric fence was a bit fiddly, but after a few test shocks (mostly to ourselves!), we felt much safer.

Campground Rules: Living by the Bear's Rules

The park rangers at Many Glacier take bear safety very seriously, and for good reason. Upon arrival, we were given a thorough briefing on the campground rules, which are strictly enforced. These included:

• Proper Food Storage: All food, toiletries, and anything with a scent must be stored in bear-resistant containers (like our Ursack) or in the bear lockers provided.
• Avoiding Scented Products: Using unscented soap, deodorant, and other personal care items is crucial. Bears have an incredible sense of smell!
• Bear Encounter Protocol: We learned what to do if we encountered a bear – stand our ground, make ourselves look big, and use bear spray as a last resort.
• Trail Closures: Each day, the ranger station posts a list of trail closures due to bear activity. Checking this list became a ritual.

That daily ritual of checking the trail closures often brought a wave of anxiety. Would our planned hike be cancelled? Would we encounter a bear on a trail we could access? It was a constant reminder that we were guests in their home.

Bathroom Breaks and Bathing Options

Let's be honest, campground bathrooms are rarely glamorous. Many Glacier Campground has vault toilets, which are basically glorified outhouses. They were generally clean and well-maintained, but definitely not luxurious. Showers are not available in the campground itself. However, the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, located a short drive away, offers showers for a fee. We took advantage of this option a couple of times to freshen up after long days of hiking. Worth every penny!

Family-Friendly Adventures: Hiking and Paddling

Many Glacier is a hiker's paradise, with trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs. We focused on family-friendly options that would keep the kids engaged without pushing them too hard.

• Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine Loop: This was our highlight hike. We started with a leisurely walk along the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake, taking in the incredible views. The real treat was the boat ride across Lake Josephine. The kids were thrilled! From there, we continued hiking towards Grinnell Falls, which was stunning. The total hike took about 2.5 hours, including the boat ride. The kids kept asking if we'd see any bears, which kept us on high alert, constantly scanning the trees and making plenty of noise.

Hiking the Swiftcurrent Lake trail with bear spray at the ready.

• Redrock Falls Trail: This easy, relatively flat hike was perfect for the younger kids. The trail leads to Redrock Falls, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. It was a short 1.5-hour hike, and we even spotted a marmot sunning itself on a rock!

• Canoeing on Swiftcurrent Lake: We rented a canoe at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and spent a glorious afternoon paddling on the lake. The views of the surrounding mountains were simply breathtaking. Before heading out, we attended a ranger talk about bear safety and local wildlife, which was both informative and reassuring.

Paddling on Swiftcurrent Lake offered incredible views!

Bear Safety: Our Constant Companion

Bear safety wasn’t just a set of rules; it was a mindset. We carried Counter Assault bear spray everywhere, making sure we knew how to use it. We made plenty of noise while hiking, singing silly songs and talking loudly (much to the kids' amusement). We were constantly aware of our surroundings, scanning the trees and listening for any unusual sounds. One evening, while sitting around the campfire, we heard rustling in the bushes near our campsite. Our hearts skipped a beat! We grabbed our bear spray and cautiously investigated, only to discover it was a deer. But that moment served as a stark reminder of the wildness that surrounded us.

Overall Impression: A Challenging, Rewarding Experience

Many Glacier Campground is an unforgettable place. The scenery is simply stunning, and the opportunities for outdoor adventure are endless. Camping in bear country with children definitely added a layer of challenge, but it also made the experience all the more rewarding. We learned so much about bear safety and the importance of respecting wildlife. And we left with a profound sense of accomplishment, knowing that we had safely navigated this incredible landscape with our family.

Roasting marshmallows and sharing stories under the Montana sky.

Would we do it again? Absolutely! With the right preparation and a healthy dose of respect for the wilderness, camping in Many Glacier is an experience that every family should consider. Just remember: be prepared, be aware, and be ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

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