BetterPhoto Q&A
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...On The Road Again!

If anyone has photographed these wildlife areas in mid-June...or has some familiarity with these locales (or any others along my intended route that might be of interest), please let me know if any are worth visiting.

Thanks for your help,

Bob

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June 04, 2007

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June 05, 2007

I just spent a week in Northeast Washington. I saw more black bear this year than I ever remember seeing in the past, at least 2 a day.

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June 05, 2007

Dennis,
I had pretty much the same impression about highway 2 when looking at it on the map and hoped that a few side trips to those preserves might help keep me awake along the way.

I've never photographed black bears in the wild and hope to see some on this trip. Last year at Yellowstone I saw a mama grizzly with cubs but they were too far off for a decent photo.

Bob

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June 05, 2007

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June 05, 2007

Irene

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June 06, 2007

Irene,
I'm so glad you responded since you have been so helpful in the past.
I'm looking forward to whatever information you can provide that might save time (AND gas) on this trip.

Bob

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June 06, 2007

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June 06, 2007

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June 06, 2007

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June 06, 2007

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June 06, 2007

Bob C.,
Thanks for the tip about "dress codes" for the region. I will pack a few of those thick flannel over-shirts...which can offer protection from a cold wind but can be easily shed when things warm up.
I also have an insulated Gore-Tex rainsuit which accompanies me on every trip but I've not had to pull it out yet...(knock wood).

Debby,
Thanks for the link.
And be sure to tell your Mom that I too love road trips!
It's the only way to really see this great land we call home.

Bob

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June 06, 2007

Irene

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June 06, 2007

I am unclear whether you plan to drive through the Dakotas prior to entering Montana or not – actually, I am unclear whether you are flying to some point in MT and renting a car or what. On the chance that you might be driving up through North Dakota let me recommend a stop at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in far western ND. It is one of the least know parks in the system, but has a great deal to offer. If you are planning to go that way let me know and I’ll send you some info.

Okay, Northern Montana: Yes, Rt. 2 is long and can get boring, so take lots of breaks and enjoy some of the scenery.

From the North Dakota border Rt. 2 follows the Missouri river westward toward the Pacific Ocean. As you may already know, this is part of the route that Louis and Clark followed, so be prepared for lots of road side notices about the L&C trail. The first point of interest is Fort Peck Indian Reservation. The reservation has an interesting museum – located outside of Glasgow – along with a natural history exhibit that may be worth the time. There used to be a festival in early July, but I have no idea if they still have this festival, I’d suggest asking once you get into the area. The only other real photo op here is the dam which is just south of Glasgow. If you get there when the light is good the dam is pretty cool. Fort Peck Lake is also pretty and around the time that you will be there you probably will see lots of bird life. You can get up-to-date info in Glasgow or at the Indian Museum.

You asked about the wildlife refuges along Rt. 2. Bowdoin, just east of the small town of Malta, is considered to be one of the most important birding sites in North America. There you will likely see Great Blue Herons, Eagles (bald and golden); American Pelicans and cormorants. There is a short loop road – about 12 miles I think – that will provide good access to most of the refuge. Charles Russell, which includes the Fort Peck Reservoir, is just south of the town of Glasgow. It is a huge reserve that encompasses something like 130 miles of varied terrain. There are high prairie grasslands, river bottom, badlands and foothills. There is quite a bit of scenic potential for images. The bird and other wildlife is extremely varied from small mammals such as prairie dogs, deer, elk, lynx (if you are lucky), fox, and wolverines as well as wolves and bears. Birds include golden and bald eagle, raptors of all types and smaller prairie and grassland species. The reservoir is huge and the dam is interesting and can be a great place for images in early morning or at sunset. I haven’t visited Medicine Lake in years, but remember it as being somewhat disappointing after Russell.

From Malta you continue west into the City of Havre (pronounced Have-her). This is an interesting city with some notable architecture if this is of interest. It can also be a good half-way stopping point if you are tired from driving.

From Havre you continue west to Glacier passing a number of historic markers and several dams. In the tiny town of Browning you might want to stop and visit the Museum of the Plains Indian. Otherwise there is not a whole lot to see. Now you have a decision to make: you can continue on Rt. 2 and drive across the Marais Pass into West Glacier or head north to St. Mary and Glacier National Park. Which ever way you choose, consider driving both routes at some point.

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June 07, 2007

If you decide to follow Rt. 2, you might want to bring some picnic supplies with you so that you can stop at the summit and take in the incredible views. The road climbs gently as it leads west from Browning and then rises sharply as it goes up the pass. This is an amazing drive past incredible towering peaks and very rugged country. There are many, many photo ops all along the way, including water falls, mountains, wildlife and historic markers. At the top of the pass pull into one of the turnouts and look up at the train track. Those are avalanche chutes that protect freight trains from the many avalanches that come every winter. If you are lucky you will catch sight of a train coming through the pass.

At the top of the pass look for the sign to “Goat Lick” on your left (assuming you are heading westward). There is a short trail that leads to the lick. Keep your eyes open for Mountain Goats and perhaps Sheep.

After the pass the road heads down hill passing many turnouts and scenic stops. Keep your eyes open for eagles, deer and coyote. At Essex you might want to stop and visit the Izaac Walton Inn, one of the few remaining railroad inns left. There are numerous places where a short trail will lead you to some amazing scenic possibilities, just take your pick depending on your interests, none will disappoint! Just west of Essex is Belton Hills wildlife area. You may see elk here.

West Glacier: This is a good place to stop and get a local up date on what is happening in the Park and the surrounding area. I am not sure if you know, but this past year has been really rough in the area. There was a major fire last fall followed by a rough winter and even floods this spring. I understand that parts of Going to the Sun road were washed out. You really need to visit the ranger station and get an update. But, don’t fear, from what I understand you can still drive the entire length of the road.

Glacier:

First piece of advice: make sure that you make your lodging reservations ASAP. The good places fill up quickly this time of year. If you plan to stay in the park you can go to: http://www.glacierparkinc.com/Lodging.htm and find out about availability. My favorite in-park place to stay is at McDonald Lodge on the western edge of the park.

Glacier is an amazing place full of photo ops. GTTS road is only 50 miles long, but it can take you all day to drive it if you stop as often as I do. I usually pack a lunch for the summit. As others have already advised, be prepared for extremes in temperatures. It can be 80 in West Glacier and then drop to 40 at the summit. Photographically speaking, take everything you can carry because you will probably use it all. A polarizer is essential and you might want to take a GND filter as well. I’m not going to go into detail about what to see and do because you can get this easily from the Glacier web site. http://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm

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June 07, 2007

What to see/do around Glacier NP:

On Rt. 2 just west of West Glacier is the town of Hungry Horse. Make sure that you take the side trip to visit Hungry Horse Dam. It is well worth the time. Also, if you enjoy hiking, there is a really nice trail that leads around Blaine Lake – just before you reach the dam follow the signs to the picnic area. The trail leads from the parking lot, through the picnic area itself and then around the lake. Keep your eyes open for Mountain Lion – I once had a much too close for comfort encounter with one here! You may also see osprey, eagle and perhaps elk.

Whitefish Montana is worth a visit. Even though it is touristy, the town offers some nice art galleries and a few good restaurants. One of my favorite places to stay – actually of anyplace I have been – is the North Forty Resort right outside of Whitefish. They have really nice cabins and because they are not right in town, it is quieter. http://www.northfortyresort.com/?gclid=COPT1a-SyIwCFQwzZAodKwNOaw

My favorite restaurant is the Tupelo Grille in downtown Whitefish. It is worth the visit if you are in the mood for great food.

For good photo ops visit Whitefish lake at dawn or sunset.

You said that you are heading toward Idaho. There are several options, depending upon what part of Idaho you are planning to visit. This first route is for Northeastern Idaho and is one of the most scenic drives in this part of the country: from Whitefish take Rt. 93 North. This takes you through parts of Flathead National Forest past many lakes and rivers. Along this route you should see eagles, hawks, deer, elk and perhaps mountain sheep. At the town of Eureka there are several small galleries that might be worth a visit. From Eureka follow route 37 south (yes, I know, you will be going back south after heading north and yes, you will be doubling your route, trust me, its worth the drive!) to Libby Dam. This is the Lake Kodcanusa Scenic Byway and it is really spectacular. You should see all sorts of wildlife, birds and scenery. Libby Dam is quite spectacular and very worthy of stopping for images. Follow Rt. 37 west through Libby and then pick up Rt. 2 again and cross into Idaho.

The other option from Whitefish – and also extremely scenic – is to head south toward Missoula on Rt. 93 South. This road follows Flathead Lake and features some terrific photo ops all along the route. The small town of Polson, at the bottom of Flathead, offers some nice galleries and a wonderful view across the lake northward. As you follow the road keep your eyes open for eagles and other raptors.

From Polson the highway heads south through Mission Valley and past the magnificent Mission Mountain range. Nine Pipe National Wildlife Refuge offers many species of water fowl, but check locally to see what is around when you are in the area. St. Ignatius Mission features a great museum of Indian art and history. The setting is wonderfully photogenic.

I think I might have already told you about the National Bison Range outside of Ravalli. If you haven’t visited there yet, you may want to make this a stop. Try getting to the park before sunrise and then follow the tour road past the visitor’s center and to the top of the hill. From here you can watch the sun come up over the Mission Mountains and, if it is clear, you can get great images of Bison below the hills. The park is home to bison, deer, elk and lots of birds. The last time that I visited I ended up filling a 2gb memory card before the park even officially opened!

If you are going to Idaho you can take Rt. 200 west from the Bison Range through Quinns Hot Springs – worth a stop – and then pick up Rt. 135 to St. Regis. In St. Regis take the Scenic Byway along the river to where it meets with Interstate 90. As you drive toward the Idaho border make sure you pull off at Lookout Pass for pictures. Depending upon the weather, the views from here can be spectacular.

Let me know where you are thinking of going in Idaho and perhaps I can give you some ideas of good photo places.

Irene

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June 07, 2007

	Beast Slayer "Watch out grizzlies,...I'll get you THIS time!" :) Bob Cammarata

What a wealth of great information you are Irene. I'm forever grateful!

I will print your suggestions and add them to my trip log.
...And yes, I will be driving and was planning to spend a night near the ND/MT border. Maybe I'll skip Medicine Lake and check out T.R.N.P instead.

Thanks again,
Bob

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June 07, 2007