Going to The Sun: McCall to Glacier National Park
A week ago, two of my friends and I decided to do a road trip from McCall to Spokane through Glacier National Park. This was fueled by the fact that I’ve now started a new job in Coeur ‘dAlene, Idaho. It felt like the long way home. One of my best friends from New Zealand, Michael had flown over for two weeks, and I really wanted to explore some of the country while he was here as well. He’d never left New Zealand before, but when he went home – he’d crossed off five states. Not bad.
McKeely, my seasoned road tripper and best friend also joined us, and let us use her car Cece once again. We drove from Vancouver to Calgary together this time last year, so it was cool to reflect on that journey as well. You can read more of my diary from that trip here.
DAY ONE: McCall to Missoula
McCall was in the rearview mirror by 10AM. Kind of a miracle considering I’d had to pack my life from the last 6 months into one bag – but nevertheless we made it. Driving north from McCall took us to Missoula through Grangeville. A lot of this part of the drive is really stunning canyon areas, before popping out at the base of some what-feels-like-significantly-larger mountains than the McCall area. But the mountain elevation may have been similar, I suspect just a lower town elevation.
DAY TWO: Missoula to West Glacier
Missoula to West Glacier was incredible. Picture perfect snowy mountains framed by old wooden cabins and fresh, green pastures. Perks of travelling in spring I suppose. We passed these super bright fields of yellow flower, we don’t know exactly what they were, but we had the windows down taking in every bit of the floral smell. It made the random back road side cutthat google took us down a lot more enjoyable.
Miracles of America Museum
This place was the definition of a hidden gem. One of the best antique-style museums I’ve ever been to. I can hear younger me groaning in boredom. This place had every sort of display, from snowmobiles, bikes, war machinery, planes, ships, EVEN A KODAK BROWNIE! (the very first commercially available camera – you know I was nerding out trying to pick my jaw up off the ground). They had things you could try out, and even one of those awesome self-playing pianos like this one that you see in Westworld. *insert second nerding out moment.*
Amazing Fun Park
We had a bit of time when we jumped the border too, and passed a sign for mini golf, go karts, bumper boats and a maze – when in Montana, why not. So, we turned into The Amazing Fun Center, just outside of West Glacier.
We must have spent a good couple of hours here, from racing in super underwhelming go karts to getting drenched by Michael leaning the boat over so that the water blaster atop his boat would hit us in the face, I’d recommend this little spot for anyone wanting to stretch 20 dollars of fun. I got significantly humbled by the maze, Keely and Michael both made it out 15 minutes before me – though I plead vertically challenged.
DAY THREE: Glacier National Park
Going to the Sun Road
Glacier National Park took up most of our third day. We drove into the par as far as we could go – unfortunately a lot of the road was still closed due to snow and winter/spring conditions. The park fee was $35, which was a little kick in the gut as you could only buy 7 day passes, not single day ones, but it gave us the flexibility to come back the next day.
It is definitely worth stopping on the sides of the road to look at the waterfalls, McDonalds falls was pretty spectacular and this other one that I can’t remember the name of. Oops. There was still snow on the mountains, and it had just rained, creating a layer of mist on the mountains and depth to the roads. All three pairs of our eyes were as close to the windows as we could get while driving through – it was so worth going to. I also got a new pin for my camera bag – styled like the Patagonia logo- so that was a win too.
Montana Fur Trading
Just outside Glacier National Park and West Glacier is this little wooden shop tucked into the trees on the side of the highway. It’s a really cool place to stop and look, with a whole lot of native jewellery and a selection of different furs (as in the name). From wolves, to bears and rabbits, they had a huge variety. And thankfully, the closest I’ve been to wolves and bears.
Antiques Stores
If this part of Montana left me with any memory, it’d be the abundance of antique stores. We stopped in at a few of them, and man the things that people find and collect is insane. From antique coca cola bottles to old box cameras, they’re definitely worth having a look around.
FOR THE ADULTS – The Whiskey Barn
If you haven’t figured from the name – this was an awesome stop. I’ve never been tasting of anything really, so I guess whiskey was a good start. I was a bit of a sucker for the sweeter whiskeys, and fell in love with the Bear Proof Huckleberry Whiskey. It sounds exactly as good as it sounds. Like a cozy shot of berry juice from Winnie the Pooh, or something along those lines.
Michael got a shot of jalapeno whiskey as his last one, breathed fire for two minutes as a result, and Keely got a few stronger whiskeys.
DAY FOUR: Glacier National Park to Spokane
Spokane Comedy Club
Day four consisted of packing up from our campsite in West Glacier and driving the four or so to Spokane. We made the detour there mostly to drop Michael off at the airport to fly home to New Zealand. We arrived just after noon, unfortunately to a place that was more of a sleeping area than anything else. So we spent the afternoon wandering around the shops instead.
After a bit of trolling online we found that the Spokane Comedy Club was holding an open mic night, with free entry. Michael was also flying out at 5AM and needed to get an early night. We chose the comedy club.
When they say they host Spokane’s best and worst comedians that night, they weren’t kidding. Some we were doubled over laughing and some I definitely hid behind my beer for.
Wrapping Up…
I’ve had HECTIC week since we finished the road trip, from starting this new job and having hiccups with visa paperwork, but I am absolutely going to keep it in my best efforts to continue the two weeks schedule! For my friends in the USA, we’ll still be updating every second Friday, and for my loved ones and friends back home, it’ll be every second Saturday!
Love you all!
Emma xx
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