Unveiling Nature's Gem: Coeur d'Alene to Glacier National Park Loop - An Epic Wandervan Adventure!

By: Vanessa Temblador, @hey.vanessa.renee

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Day 1: Pick up Wandervans in Coeur D'Alene -> Glacier National Park

It’s the first day of a 2-week road trip exploring Glacier National Park and beyond! After picking up a Wandervan rental in Coeur d’Alene, ID, and a quick stop at the grocery store, we begin the 4-hour drive to West Glacier.

The drive through Coeur d’Alene is beautiful and I wish I would have spent more time exploring the surrounding area and beautiful lakes.

It’s mid-May and the national park is in-between seasons. Winter is over and spring is here, but most of the park's amenities do not open until late May. On the west side, Apgar Campground is open for primitive camping.

We will be spending a couple of nights dispersed camping outside of the national park before making reservations when the campground opens for the season in a few days.

No better way to adventure than in a Wandervan!

Day 2: A Day in West Glacier/Apgar Village

Arriving at Glacier National Park was stunning- despite the moody weather and the dark clouds. The welcoming park ranger briefly mentioned that the bears are out and to not forget the bear spray!

Did you know that you can rent bear spray?! I picked up a weekly rental at Glacier Outfitters inside the national park at Apgar Village which made things super easy and convenient.

Lake McDonald Lodge was still closed for the season, but the surrounding views of the lake were breathtaking!

Lake McDonald Glacier National park — Lake McDonald Glacier National Park

Day 3: Moody Montana: Rain, Rain- Go Away!

I forgot to mention the beautiful 80-degree weather on my drive to Montana from Idaho- but that quickly changed in the coming days.

It’s Day 3 and has been raining all night. Prepared with rain gear, I just wasn’t up to exploring that day. I spent most if not all day inside the van. It was nice having Wi-Fi access to get work done.

Rainy days from the comfort of the Wandervan were almost too good to be true. Just listening to the rain from inside the van, and watching the clouds roll by looking through some of the biggest backseat windows I’ve ever seen. I was comfortable, warm, and dry - and there was no reason to change that.

Happy Camper enjoying the rain from inside the Wandervan

Day 4: Hike Going-To-The-Sun-Road/John’s Lake Loop

Finally waking up to some sunshine on Day 4- let's hike!

Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile scenic route that connects the west and east sides of Glacier National Park. It is closed in the winter and partially open to hikers and bikers in the spring. ***EXPERT TIP: Text “GNPROADS” to 333111 for road updates!***

Starting from Lake McDonald Lodge I was able to hike along the road to John Lakes Loop trailhead. While there is an actual trail that connects from the lodge, I wanted to experience hiking Going-to-the Sun Road while it was still closed to vehicle traffic. It was beautiful. I was inspired by the bikers and how much more they were able to see.

John’s Lake Loop is an easy trail and just under 2 miles. It started to sprinkle just enough to get everything wet, but it was still a beautiful experience nonetheless.

Day 5: Bike Rental from Glacier Outfitters

After yesterday's hike, I was inspired to rent a bike from Apgar Village and see how far I can bike Going to-the-Sun Road. Talk about an epic national park bucket list adventure!

Everything worked out perfectly. I was able to pick up a day rental from Glacier Outfitters and happy to say that there was no need to rent a bike rack- a small hybrid bike fits perfectly in the back of the van!

A little nervous about the journey, since I hadn’t ridden a bike for a couple of years- but it was a lot easier than I imagined! I highly recommend renting a bike (or bringing your own) and riding while the road is still closed to vehicle traffic.

Road crews were hard at work getting the road opened for the summer season so always check about road conditions and closures before your adventure.

Day 6: Camping at Apgar Campground & A 24-mile Bike Ride!

Yesterday’s bike ride was so nice, I rented twice! The weather just keeps getting better, so I went for another ride and made it a lot farther this second time, a 24-mile round trip! It was tough and it was incredible. I cried- both happy and sad tears.

I prepared a sandwich lunch almost every day thanks to having a fridge keeping my perishables fresh and my drinks nice and cold. I packed my lunch and when I came to a picnic area, stopped, parked the bike, removed my helmet, and enjoyed my sandwich and some epic views.

After returning the bike rental, I ended the day with campground reservations at Apgar Campground and my first shower in 6-days.

Day 7: West Glacier -> St. Mary Campground

It was a slow morning at camp and the last day on the west side of Glacier National Park.

This afternoon I drove through East Glacier and camped at St. Mary Campground. The drive from West Glacier to St. Mary was incredible. St. Mary is the only other campground open for primitive camping in the off-season. Campsites are first-come-first-serve, so I paid for 2 nights.

I had plans to hike Going-to-the-Sun Road from the east side the following day, but naturally found myself wandering the road with a curious heart. I made it as far as Goose Island Lookout before turning around. I should have been better prepared with water and snacks, or else I could’ve kept going!

Day 8: A Day in Many Glacier

Did you know there are 7 entrances to Glacier National Park?

A quick 30-min drive from St. Mary Campground to the entrance of Many Glacier and I was excited to be back. I was able to knock out 2 beautiful scenic hikes, however, most of the trails were still snow-covered and not accessible.

On my way to Red Rock Falls, I saw a moose for the first time. It was a magical intense moment and I was grateful for the couple who warned me about it up ahead. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get a photo, it had been hiding in a bush. The second hike I did was to Grinnell Lake. It was still mostly frozen, but it was beautiful! On my drive back to St. Mary Campground, I received a text notification that Going to-the-Sun Road was opened to vehicle traffic up to a certain lookout point on the east side.

Day 9: Last Day in Glacier National Park

It’s the last day in Glacier National Park. I am so excited I was able to drive part of Going-to-the-Sun Road on the east side. I stopped at the first trailhead I saw and did a quick morning hike to Barring Falls. My first waterfall hike in Glacier National Park!

I drove as far as Jackson Glacier Outlook before turning around and heading out.

It was recommended by a friend to check out Hungry Horse Reservoir and the camping options outside of the national park. What a special place to camp. Located on the South Fork of the Flathead River just 15 miles south of the West Glacier National Park entrance, all campsites are first-come-first-serve and I lucked out with one of the very last sites.

Day 10: Visiting the Huckleberry Patch, Hiking Kootenai Falls, & Camping at Yaak River

It was a warm morning in Hungry Horse, Montana and spring is in the air!

After leaving the campsite, I stopped at The Huckleberry Patch to stock up on some huckleberry treats for the journey back to Couer d’Alene, Idaho. From lemonade to cheesecake, a slice of pie, and the most delicious huckleberry jalapeno dipping sauce- when I say I stocked up I had to remember that I was flying home and had limited space in my luggage.

Up next- Kootenai Falls and the Suspension Bridge! What a unique area. I got out for a quick hike and ended up spending a few hours here. I’ve never hiked on a suspension bridge, so that was a neat experience. I didn’t think I feared heights, but it wasn’t that bad. There were people having picnics and I thought that was a nice way to enjoy the view.

Later that afternoon, I found camping available nearby at Yaak River Campground, and must admit it was one of my favorite sites yet! With beautiful weather comes mosquitoes! Thankfully, the Wandervan was equipped with Skeeter Beaters- which were easy to use and so helpful in keeping those annoying bugs out!

Day 11: Back in Idaho and Camping at Springy Point Recreational Campground

I wanted to spend at the very least one night in Idaho on my way back. The weather was beautiful and so inviting- I kept thinking of ways to extend this trip even longer!

The drive through Sandpoint, Idaho was one of my favorites and after a quick research, I was able to book a last-minute reservation at Springy Point Campground. It's the last full day with Wandervans, a bittersweet moment. While organizing the van, I realized that I purchased a little more food than I would need. I dropped off the remaining of what I had at the local food bank before settling in at camp.

Day 12: Car Wash and Van Return

The great thing about dispersed camping is the solitude-with that comes dirt roads.

Even though it rained most of my trip, the van wandered well and got a little dirty. To avoid any additional cleaning charges, it is recommended to wash the van upon return. I know, it doesn’t sound fun- but trust me, it can be!

The check-out/check-in process is super easy and convenient. After submitting post-trip photos, my shuttle ride picked me up and took me to Spokane International Airport to catch my flight back home to California.

It was an incredible time on the road with Wandervans. Off-season travel is becoming a favorite. After 12 days on the road, wandering just a little over 1,400 miles with one too many huckleberry treats, and a heartful of Glacier memories- I simply can't wait for my next road trip adventure with Wandervans!