Alternate Route Thru Glacier?

[MaryK]

My husband and I are on the Northern Tier heading west towards Glacier.  In looking at the map, it appears that a possible alternate route is to stay on 2 west out of Cut Bank into Browning, then head north on 89 to St. Mary and into the park.  

Can anyone comment on this route?  I'm not sure what the loop into Canada adds and we definitely want to do the ride over Logan Pass.

Many thanks -- Mary

[rabbitoh]

Mary,

Hello, hope your ride is going well. How is the wrist holding up?

The alternative you are considering is the way I went when I cycled the Northern Tier. Although it was some time ago now, I don't imagine that too much has changed. Highway 89 into St Marys is quite scenic, and it gives you a good sense of commencing being in the Rockies. You should notice a lovely fragrance if the wild flowers are in bloom.

There are (or at least were) a couple of intersting Museums in Browning. One is the Indian Plains Museum and the other is a Wildlife of Montana Museum.

From Browning,it is a comfortable day's ride to St Marys where there is an excellent camping ground. From St Marys, it is up and over the big hill.

Take care
Dennis

Good Cycling
Dennis Schluter

[FredHiltz]

Hi Mary,

Having ridden the mapped route and driven the Rte 2 alternate, I'd agree with Dennis' assessment. However, you would miss the chance to visit Waterton Park, which is well worth a day or two. Waterton is definitely not a clone of Glacier. Some think it is even more spectacular.

If you are equipped and interested in hiking, another assessment I'd agree with is "The Crypt Lake trail is one of the top rated hiking trails in Canada" from http://www.watertoninfo.com/14crypt.html. It certainly knocked my socks off when I visited Waterton.

Fred

[MaryK]

Dennis - good to hear from you!  The wrist is holding up just fine.  I keep telling friends that there are enough other things that hurt, so it takes my mind off my wrist.

We did do the ride up 89 from Browning, starting in Cut Bank.  It was 68 miles and our 14th consecutive day of riding, so we're now taking a day off in St. Mary's before doing the climb over Logan Pass. I have to admit that the hills between Browning and St. Mary's took us a little by surprise so I'm pleased to have a day of rest.

There have also been forest fires burning south of the park and route 2 was closed yesterday.  We caught a lot of smoke coming out of Cut Bank and we know it's forced at least one pair or cyclists off the road outside of Havre.  The fires were not something we were prepared to encounter.  The road has reopened today and we hope it stays open tomorrow, as it will keep some traffic off Logan Pass.

Fred - we had also heard that the Canadian loop was beautiful but we're not equipped to hike and, after 55 days on the road, we're getting ready to be done with this trip.  We're already planning a return trip to Glacier, this time to hike.

  -Mary