GLACIER NATIONAL PARK - Montana and Wyoming - page 203

bull trout populations in the lake for the patient. Shore fishing is possible, but the chances
for catching increase significantly out in the deeper waters. St. Mary Lake can get rough
quickly, with 2-3-foot swells, so keep a constant eye on the conditions.
In Many Glacier, presumably because of its proximity to the hotel and the road, the trout
in crystal-clear Swiftcurrent Lake see the most action, but they seem to have wised up.
Brook trout in the 10-inch range are the most common catches here. Lake Josephine and
Grinnell Lake have brook trout populations that seem more willing to take the bait or go
for flies.
There are some backcountry lakes worth hiking into if fishing is the goal. Red Rock
Lake, located along Swiftcurrent Creek, for example, is accessible by a fairly level two-
mile hike and holds plenty of brook trout in the 10-12-inch range. Dry-fly anglers will do
best in the morning or evening, but will have to go deep in the afternoons.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Although there are plenty of options in both St. Mary and Many Glacier for hotels,
motels, and cabins, there are not many budget-friendly choices. The prices seem to reflect
the scenery, which is spectacular, rather than the amenities, which can be quite modest.
Campgrounds and RV parks are more common, but small cabins can be found as well.
The Pinnacle Cottages (106 West Shore Dr., St. Mary, 406/599-9285,
www.glacierparkcottages.com , late May-late Sept., $375) offer stunning views of St. Mary
Lake and comfortable two-bedroom accommodations with a steep price tag. Still, for those
who want a full kitchen, Wi-Fi, and satellite TV, these cottages are excellent. In nearby
Babb, a couple of miles north of St. Mary, the Glacier Trailhead Cabins (U.S. 89, 406/
732-4143, www.glaciertrailheadcabins.com , mid-May-mid-Oct., $149-349) offers clean,
modern cabins in a quiet setting without TVs or phones. If you can get a cabin here, you will
not be disappointed with the amenities, the location, or the rate. In business for more than
70 years, the St. Mary Lodge & Resort (U.S. 89 and Going-to-the-Sun Rd., 406/892-2525,
www.glacierparkinc.com , June-Sept., $98-440) is a full resort with all the modern amenit-
ies. From tipis to cabins to luxury lodge rooms, this resort, which is now operated by Gla-
cier Park Inc., has 115 guest rooms among six facilities. Of note is that this lodge offers 10
pet-friendly motel rooms, a real rarity in and around Glacier.
Also operated by Glacier Park Inc. and adjacent to St. Mary Lake is the 1940s-era Rising
Sun Motor Inn and Cabins (Going-to-the-Sun Rd., 406/892-2525 or 406/732-5523,
www.glacierparkinc.com , June-Sept., $134-142) offering simple, clean, motel-style rooms
and on-site dining.