By Amanda May
Staff Writer
Canadianrockies.net

Glacier National Park should be at the top of any Montana vacation list. The glacier-cut mountain ranges, clear cold streams, lush mountain meadows, waterfalls and lakes in the park make it a beautiful place to visit.

Backpack, fish, camp, raft or take a vacation at a dude ranch to explore this huge park that rivals Yellowstone to the south.

The northern Rockies park borders Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada. The two together make the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park World Heritage Site.

If you’re not the camping or backpacking type, there is a variety of cozy Montana hotels and accommodations in towns like Columbia Falls, Whitefish and Kalispell, each with great local restaurants and entertainment. Great places to base your day trips from!

The park itself occupies about 1,600 square miles, more than enough space to get away from civilization for a while. Photographers love the unspoiled, rugged beauty of the mountains, as do the hikers and backpackers who visit the area.

Real wilderness awaits visitors on more than 700 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding.

The size of Glacier National Park may be a little intimidating, as is the monster list of activities, so hiring an experienced guide is a good idea. They can show everything- from the best spots for fly-fishing to where to set up your campsite.

2010 is a special year to visit Glacier National Park because it will be celebrating its 100-year birthday. Music, festivals, tours and presentations will help to mark the park’s centennial.