TRIP DETAILS   7 days   Dates: August 7-13, 2010 Arrival: Kalispell, Montana, (Glacier International Airport) before 5:00 PM on Saturday, August 7   Airport Code: FCA   Departure: Kalispell after 12:00, noon, on Friday, August 13   Price: $1995   Single: $560   Extras: $140 per room at the Rocky Mountain Lodge in Whitefish, includes airport or train station transfers, taxes, and light breakfast (pre-tour) $140 per room at the Kandahar Lodge at Big Mountain Resort (post-tour)   Fitness Level:  moderate Accommodations: Lake McDonald Lodge Many Glacier Hotel Kandahar Lodge Meals: All meals   Includes: Rafting on the Flathead River Hiking along the Continental Divide Horseback riding Mountain biking Entrance fees All ground transportation OutWest trip leaders All meals Not included: airfare, items of a personal nature, guide gratuities, trip insurance   Glacier Adventure August 7-13, 2010 Because of its stunning peaks, verdant valleys, and extensive trail system, Glacier National Park is known as the Switzerland of North America. In Glacier wildlife is plentiful. You’ll spot for eagles soaring overhead, moose meandering in the river bottoms, mountain goats grazing in steep meadows, and bears wandering in search of berries. On OutWest’s multi-sport trip, experience this wilderness by hiking the alpine trails, horseback riding across the foothills, rafting on wild rivers, and mountain biking. All the while enjoy national park lodges, great food, and gay camaraderie.   Highlights: Raft the Middle Fork of the Flathead River Spot for wildife such as ptarmigan, mountain goats, moose, and marmots Hike the highline of the Continental Divide Soak in the star-filled skies of Montana Horseback ride along the ridges and valleys of Glacier National Park   Rusty - Adventure Host OutWests' Director of Operations, Rusty loves everything adventure and everything outdoors. He and his partner Ron live in Red Lodge, Montana and find the serenity of nature to be their favorite place.

FULL ITINERARY:

DAY TWO.   RAFTING ON THE FLATHEAD.  This morning you’ll head towards the western boundary of Glacier National Park. The trip begins with a drive into this magnificent area and a rafting excursion on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. You may be tempted by possible warm temperatures to take a dip in the glacially sourced water. In the afternoon, we’ll check into the Lake MacDonald Lodge, enjoy views of the lake, and relax on the lodge porch. When the sun goes down, soak in the star-filled skies of Montana.

DAY THREE.  LOGAN PASS AND THE HIGHLINE.  The jagged peaks of the Continental Divide constitute the backbone of Glacier. Today, we’ll explore Logan Pass. At 6680 feet, we will experience stunning views of mountain ranges in Montana, Alberta, an d British Columbia, scores of lakes, and the endless expanse of the Great Plains. While hiking, wildlife viewing is typically plentiful and we’ll spot for hoary marmots, ptarmigan, and even mountain goats.

DAY FOUR.  TIME IN THE “SWITZERLAND OF NORTH AMERICA.” From Many Glaciers Lodge, trails spur off in all directions. Take your pick on a self-guided day hike. Maybe Iceberg Lake? The Ptarmigan Tunnel trail? Or a trip to Grinnell Glacier? Or maybe you’ll just want to relax at the hotel, enjoy the views of the mountains, and take a leisurely canoe trip across Swiftcurrent Lake?

DAY FIVE.  SADDLE UP!  Today, we’ll go horseback riding along the ridges and valleys of Glacier National Park, and enjoy views of the Blackfeet reservation and the Rocky Mountain Front. Our outfitter has hosted riders of all abilities, so no worries whether you’re a first time rider or a lifetime equestrian. In the afternoon we’ll take a boat tour of St. Mary Lake.

DAY SIX.   MOUNTAIN BIKING AT BIG MOUNTAIN RESORT.  After a drive back to the resort town of Whitefish, you’ll head to Big Mountain Resort. You can take the ski lift up to the summit for views of the Whitefish Range and then mountain bike down! With your lift pass you can ride multiple times or call it good after one descent. Afterwards, we’ll check in to the Kandahar Lodge where we’ll enjoy OutWest’s farewell dinner.

DAY SEVEN.   DEPARTURE.  Happy Trails!