Katner
07-24-2009, 12:51 AM
*ALL LINKS SHOULD NOW BE FIXED, INCLUDING THE ALBUM*
Recently returned from a trip to the Kalispell area of Montana. On the way down we hit Glacier National Park which is one of America's best drives.
Let me tell you the little 5 performed like a champ. Great mileage all the way down, and what a joy through the bends, some of which are depicted below. I'm so glad I wasn't in a Forester or a Rav4 for this drive.
HERE is a higher-res collection of shots (http://www.flickr.com/photos/katner/sets/72157621702714531/show/), although unfortunately they are not original size.
Entering the park:
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/Katner/Low-res/1.jpg?t=1248555262
Approaching the first of many cliffs:
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/Katner/Low-res/2.jpg
One of the early lookouts:
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/Katner/Low-res/3.jpg
A majestic valley view:
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/Katner/Low-res/4.jpg
Another sample of the scenery:
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/Katner/Low-res/5.jpg
Thick fog/cloud enveloped the higher elevations of the next pass. Missed out on a bit of scenery but it was eerily exciting to drive in.
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/Katner/Low-res/6.jpg
Fog begins to dissipate revealing a heavenly little road that we slithered down aside wet, moss-covered rock-faces. And noone in front of me now!
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/Katner/Low-res/7.jpg
"The Weeping Wall." Gentle water-falls splash off cliffs right onto the road. Close your sunroof, convertibles ye be warned.
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/Katner/Low-res/8.jpgNote the hazey mist in the distance. Very Jurassic Park.
You're then shot out into a wonderfully thick forest resembling something more like a Vancouver, or Seattle rain forest. Thick, green woods, with nearly every spot of the forest floor covered with ferns and moss. A turquoise-blue river runs rapid aside the road (thought any more pics would just be over kill).
This isn't a drive you want to speed on since the only thing stopping you from a 3000ft fall is a few rocks, but it's nice if you can do the drive on a weekday to avoid congestion. Park entry is $25/day/vehicle but pay an extra $10 for an annual pass.
For you hikers, the Canadian side (Waterton National Park) offers all the same beauty sans the brilliant road access. But since you drive a Mazda you're probably like me and it's actually the combination of the scenery and the brilliance of the narrow, slithery road that draw you. So in that case hit the US side and take in the sights, SMELLS, and driving pleasure.
Recently returned from a trip to the Kalispell area of Montana. On the way down we hit Glacier National Park which is one of America's best drives.
Let me tell you the little 5 performed like a champ. Great mileage all the way down, and what a joy through the bends, some of which are depicted below. I'm so glad I wasn't in a Forester or a Rav4 for this drive.
HERE is a higher-res collection of shots (http://www.flickr.com/photos/katner/sets/72157621702714531/show/), although unfortunately they are not original size.
Entering the park:
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/Katner/Low-res/1.jpg?t=1248555262
Approaching the first of many cliffs:
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/Katner/Low-res/2.jpg
One of the early lookouts:
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/Katner/Low-res/3.jpg
A majestic valley view:
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/Katner/Low-res/4.jpg
Another sample of the scenery:
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/Katner/Low-res/5.jpg
Thick fog/cloud enveloped the higher elevations of the next pass. Missed out on a bit of scenery but it was eerily exciting to drive in.
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/Katner/Low-res/6.jpg
Fog begins to dissipate revealing a heavenly little road that we slithered down aside wet, moss-covered rock-faces. And noone in front of me now!
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/Katner/Low-res/7.jpg
"The Weeping Wall." Gentle water-falls splash off cliffs right onto the road. Close your sunroof, convertibles ye be warned.
http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/Katner/Low-res/8.jpgNote the hazey mist in the distance. Very Jurassic Park.
You're then shot out into a wonderfully thick forest resembling something more like a Vancouver, or Seattle rain forest. Thick, green woods, with nearly every spot of the forest floor covered with ferns and moss. A turquoise-blue river runs rapid aside the road (thought any more pics would just be over kill).
This isn't a drive you want to speed on since the only thing stopping you from a 3000ft fall is a few rocks, but it's nice if you can do the drive on a weekday to avoid congestion. Park entry is $25/day/vehicle but pay an extra $10 for an annual pass.
For you hikers, the Canadian side (Waterton National Park) offers all the same beauty sans the brilliant road access. But since you drive a Mazda you're probably like me and it's actually the combination of the scenery and the brilliance of the narrow, slithery road that draw you. So in that case hit the US side and take in the sights, SMELLS, and driving pleasure.