Dog Friendly Glacier National Park & International Selkirk Loop

Just, sit back, take a load off, relax, and put those Paws up, as you join the PAW SQUAD  for OPERATION GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, Montana the last 2 days of this year’s West Entrance Going To The Sun Road Season, Thursday, September 29th and Friday, September 30th, 2022; with a side trip to the INTERNATIONAL SELKIRK LOOP.

Now, Follow the Bouncing Ball as our 8-day PAWTRIP takes us from…🎾PALOUSE FALLS in Eastern WA, to…🎾COEUR D’ALENE, ID…🎾GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, MT… then 🎾THE INTERNATIONAL SELKIRK LOOP, from BONNERS FERRY, ID up to NELSON, BC, across KOOTENAY LAKE on the KOOTENAY LAKE FERRY, and circles back to PONDERAY, ID.

DAY 1, Tuesday – LAKE OSWEGO OR,  PALOUSE FALLS STATE PARK WA, COEUR D’ALENE  ID

The birds aren’t even up at 4:30 am, but we are, ready to pack the car and head for PALOUSE FALLS STATE PARK in Eastern Washington, about a 5-hour drive without stops from Lake Oswego, OR.  Our plan is to meet up with the other members of our PAW SQUAD from Boise, ID at 12:30 pm PT, and go from there.

At 6:00 am, We’re on the road driving along OR HWY 84E through the Columbia River Gorge.

Sunrise on the Columbia River

Using GPS to guide us, we turn off the highway just outside of Boardman, OR onto the 730E and continue to follow the Columbia River, cross into Washington, then At HWY 12W, turn right/east onto Hwy 124…,

…take a left on Lyons Ferry Rd, another left on the 261N …

…and there on the right, is the sign for 🎾PALOUSE FALLS STATE PARK, WA, where a Rt turn, Washboard Gravel Road, and  2.5 miles later, we pull into the Park.

🎶”Well We Met Them on Tuesday. Doo Ronde Ronde Ronde PUPPA Dooo!”

PALOUSE FALLS FACTS:  Palouse Falls drop 200′ from a cataract into the Gorge, and is One of the last active Falls on the Ice Age Flood Path

WA DISCOVER PASS or FEE.  Automated Pay Station in Parking Lot.

From the Parking lot, it’s only a short walk to the Canyon for a .10 RT stroll along the fenced Rim to view the Falls.  See Map Below.

Meet the other members of this Trip’s PAW SQUAD, Maya Dog and Duane, from Boise, ID, who have come to join the FLYNNANIGANS!

After lunch, (in the shaded picnic area,) we head out in our CRV’s on the 261 for Coeur D’Alene, ID…making a quick stop for gas in nearby Washtucna! (A word to the wise, this is the closest gas station to the Park, so, Don’t blink, or you’ll miss the self-serve “FUEL” sign and pump as you drive through town!)

…then take Hwy 90N through Spokane where…

🎶 “Come on Doggies Let The Good Times Roll!”

… 2-hours later “We arrive at our Destination,” in 🎾COEUR D’ALENE, ID, and stop for a PAWSTRETCH and to Cool Off in the Spokane River at:

ATLAS WATEFRONT DOG PARK

…Next we head to McEuen Park for a Sunset Walk on a section of the TUBBS HILL Trail along Lake Coeur D’Alene, before…

PUBLIC PARKING FEE at Automated Pay Station

TUBB’S HILL TRAIL MAP

…making our way at 7:00 p.m. to dinner,@ the:

TRAILS END BREWERY
(Dog Friendly Patio in Back)

Temps today were in the mid to high 80’s.

OVERNIGHT LAQUINTA, Coeur D’Alene, ID

And, the FLYNN Dog is Out Like A Light!

DAY 2, Wednesday – COEUR D’ALENE, ID, BISION RANGE, FLATHEAD LAKE, HUNGRY HORSE, MT

Today our route takes us from Coeur D’Alene, ID on the 90E into Montana, a turn onto Hwy 135, then Hwy 200, and Hwy 212 N, to the Bison Range, Hwy 93 N to the town of Polson, a drive clockwise around Flathead Lake, veering off on  Hwy 82 east, to Hwy 35 N, and Hwy 2E to Hungry Horse, MT.

Bright-eyed and Bushy-tailed!
“Good Morning Coeur D’Alene”

🎶 “This is the way we start our Day, Early in the morning!” at…

CHERRY HILL DOG PARK
Coeur D’Alene, ID

And, All Systems are Go, as we head east on the 90, through the Panhandle, and Lolo National Forests, Coeur D’Alene and Flathead Reservations.

At 1:00 p.m., it’s time for another PAWStretch along the…

CLARK FORK RIVER

…before continuing on the 90, to the 135 at St Regis.

At 2:15 p.m. we see a Large sign that reads BISON RANGE,… “Hmm, Looks Interesting,” so we pull over, roll down our windows, confer, and decide, “Let’s Do it!”

$10 FEE per car, paid inside the Visitor’s Center

THE BISON RANGE, MT
(Here’s the Map of the drive clockwise)

…we don’t have long to wait before our First Bison sighting by the side of the road…

“Places Everyone!  Tourists!”

…then, up we go to:

HIGH POINT at 4,700′
where we Look out at the Mission Mountains

…It’s now been 2 hours traveling through the Bison Range without another wildlife sighting since the lone Bison at the start of our trip…

..when…

“Hello Buffalo!…Oh, Give Me A Home!”

…and, what do we see on the other side of the road,  Elk, cooling off in Mission Creek!

An Added BONEUS!

So, our 2-hour Detour through the Bison Range comes to a Happy End, and we are back on the highway, driving into the shadow of the Mission Mountains to Flathead Lake.

It’s  5:00 p.m. when we finally roll on down into Polson, MT at the South End of FLATHEAD LAKE, and begin our drive Clockwise along HWY 93…

FLATHEAD LAKE FACTS:  Largest Natural Lake West of the Mississippi, Length – 27.3 miles, Width – 15.5 miles, Max Depth – 371′, Surface – 197 Sq Miles

Flathead Lake Map

…stopping at:

FLATHEAD LAKE STATE PARK
BIG ARM UNIT
Exit on the  Right.

PASS OR FEE (Note: You only have to pay one Day Use Entrance Fee, and it is good for all MT State Parks visited on the Same Day)

…and:

FLATHEAD LAKE OVERLOOK

..before continuing to the North end of the Lake…

….where we take the 82 to the 35 North, then Hwy 2E to Hungry Horse, MT, and our Dog-Friendly, Family-Run:

MINI GOLDEN INNS MOTEL, Hungry Horse, MT

(our lodging for the next 3 nights, and just a 15 minute drive from the Glacier National Park Going to the Sun Rd. West Entrance)

At 8:00 p.m., FLYNN and MAYA are fed, and with all “QUIET on the MINI GOLDEN INN FRONT,” we leave the pups in our rooms (ok’d with Management) and head for the nearby…

PAUL BUNYAN BAR & GRILL
Martin City, MT
(Note: They have a Dog Friendly Front Porch,
but it is closed for the season)

OVERNIGHT:  MINI GOLDEN INNS MOTEL, Hungry Horse, MT

Temps today were in the Mid-50’s, – Low 60’s, with  a temperature of 48 at 6 p.m.

DAYS 3 & 4 , THURSDAY & FRIDAY
🎾 GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, MT

GLACIER FACTS:  Established in 1910 and our 8th National Park, Part of the first International Peace Park on the globe, Covers more than 1 million acres, Currently houses 26 named glaciers, The 53-mile Going to the Sun Road opened in 1933 and offers some of the most spectacular natural views!

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL PASS or FEE
VEHICLE RESERVATION:  None required on our visit, but click on “Vehicle Reservation” for information specific to the date of your planned visit.

DOGS IN GLACIER:  Here’s What You Need to Know:

• Dogs are allowed in Developed Areas such as; pullouts, of which there are many, along Going to the Sun Road, with the exception of Oberlin Bend where there are quite a few Mountain Goats, and Logan Pass Parking Lot, if Wildlife is present.
• Dogs are allowed in the West Tunnel Portals/viewing windows
• Dogs are allowed in Parking Lots, Picnic Areas, Campgrounds, and Boat Docks, and along the shores at Picnic and Camping Areas, but not on the shore on the edge of Going to the Sun Road
• Dogs are allowed at Lake McDonald Lodge on the paved walkways and Dock, but not in the Lodge
• Dogs are not allowed  on trails, along lakeshores outside of developed areas, in the backcountry or any building.  Note: when roads are closed, they are considered backcountry.
• Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6′, under physical restraint or caged at all times.
• Pets are not to be tied to any object unattended
• Pet owners must pick up after their pets and dispose of waste in trash receptacles
• Owners must not allow their pet to make noise that is unreasonable
• The Bike path between Apgar and West Glacier is considered Dog Friendly when not covered with snow.

After extensive research, and consulting with The Park, I’ve noted the most popular Dog Friendly Stops with a “dot” on the GOING TO THE SUN RD Map below, and have added those locations not already identified on the map…

GOING TO THE SUN ROAD MAP

Play By Play

DAY 3, Thursday – HUNGRY HORSE MT, GLACIER NATIONAL PARK WEST ENTRANCE GOING TO THE SUN RD, GLACIER NATIONAL PARK TWO MEDICINE SECTION, GOATLIK, CASCADILLA RIVER ACCESS, HUNGRY HORSE

Our Route Today: Hungry Horse to Glacier National Park Going to the Sun Road West Entrance to East, Hwy 89 S, Hwy 49 S through Two Medicine Valley, Glacier National Park Two Medicine Entrance, then Hwy 49 S, Hwy 2 West, and back to Hungry Horse, MT

It’s 6:30 a.m. and Dark, Very Dark!  Wet, Very Wet!  And, Foggy, Very Foggy, on our First Day in Glacier National Park with No Visibility Whatsoever, Nada, None, Zippo, as we drive to and into the Park for the first time!

What should we do?  Well?  Duane suggests, we use:  “THE BEAR WENT OVER THE MOUNTAIN” STRATEGY, AND SEE WHAT WE CAN SEE”… Good Plan!

So, Onward and Upward we drive…until we reach HEAVEN’S PEAK & THE LOOP, where Dawn is Breaking, and 🎶”We are literally driving the Roadway to HEAVEN!,” The Perfect Introduction to GLACIER NATIONAL PARK!

And, we burst into song:

🎶 “We’re out of the Woods, We’re out of the Dark, We’re out of the Night, Step into the sun, Step into the Light….” – Wizard of Oz

HEAVEN’S PEAK/THE LOOP

Next stop, we pull over to see the:

GARDEN WALL
“That’s What I’m Talking About,”
FALL in GLACIER NATIONAL PARK!
FLYNNTASTIC!

…then, go past:

HAYSTACK CREEK
(taking A quick pic of Upper Creek)

….We stop at:

LOGAN PASS @ 6,646′

The Large Paved Parking Lot is the Perfect Place for a PAWSTRETCH (with No wildlife present,) so “We’re in like FLYNN!”

(Note: Dogs are allowed in the parking lot, except when wildlife is present)

MAGIC LOOT!
“Beam Me Up”

…then, drive through the:

EAST TUNNEL

…Stop at:

ST MARY’S LAKE OVERLOOK Viewpoint

ST MARY’S LAKE FACTS:  2nd largest lake in Glacier, elevation 4,484′, 7-miles long, Maximum Depth 300′

…and:

WILDGOOSE ISLAND OVERLOOK Viewpoint

…before making a pitstop at the St Mary’s Visitor’s Center, where we pick up a Glacier National Park Map.

(Note: Dogs are allowed in the Large Parking Lot Area, but not in the building)

…then drive out the St. Mary’s Entrance onto Hwy 89 S, and we are on our way to Glacier National Park TWO MEDICINE,

…the Imposing Lewis Mountain Range to the west…

“Going My Way?”

From the 89, we turn onto Hwy 49/Looking Glass Hwy, and drive through:

TWO MEDICINE VALLEY
BONEANZA!

…arriving at:

TWO MEDICINE
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

Rising Wolf Mountain

Sinopah Mountain

Two Medicine Area Map

Note: the road to the Camp Store and Dock is closed on our visit, but we find the Picnic Area on TWO MEDICINE LAKE…

…and, Stop for Lunch.

“LET’S PICNIC!”

TWO MEDICINE LAKE FACTS:  2-miles long, .33-miles wide, Natural Lake, elevation 5,164′

Then, back it’s back in our cars, and out to Hwy 49 S, and Hwy 2 West, where “It’s Raining, Cat’s and Dogs”

…(oops!, we miss the Silver Staircase Waterfall,) but, stop at:

GOAT LICK OVERLOOK,
exit on the Left
(Apparently, No Goats to be seen this time of year)

…then:

CASCADILLA FLAT RIVER ACCESS (exit on the right)
Middle Fork Flathead River

..before looping back to our Motel in Hungry Horse

And, the FLYNN DOG is Down for the Count!

OVERNIGHT:  MINI GOLDEN INNS MOTEL, Hungry Horse, MT

DAY 4, Friday – HUNGRY HORSE, GLACIER NATIONAL PARK WEST ENTRANCE GOING TO THE SUN RD WEST to EAST, GLACIER NATIONAL PARK MANY GLACIER, GLACIER  NATIONAL PARK ST MARY’S ENTRANCE, GOING TO THE SUN RD EAST to WEST, HUNGRY HORSE

It’s Day 2  in Glacier National Park, the last day the West Entrance of Going to the Sun Rd. is open for this Season.

Our Route Today:  Glacier National Park Going to the Sun Road West Entrance to East, then Hwy 89 N, to Glacier National Park Many Glacier Entrance, Hwy 89 S back to Glacier National Park St. Mary’s Entrance, Going to the Sun Road East to West, and back to Hungry Horse, MT

This morning we hit the road at 9:30 a.m…. No early birds in this group!

And, “We can See!  We can See!”

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
WEST ENTRANCE
Going to the Sun Road
“The Better to see you with My Dear”

Today, the plan is to visit all of the DOG-FRIENDLY Spots on the Going to the Sun Road we couldn’t see, or didn’t stop at yesterday starting with:

MCDONALD LAKE
from
APGAR BOAT DOCK

LAKE MCDONALD FACTS:  Elevation 3,153′, 10-miles long, Over a mile wide, Surface Area  6,823 acres, largest lake in Glacier, Maximum Depth 472′

…then:

LAKE MCDONALD LODGE

(The Lodge is closed for the season. But, while dogs are not allowed in the Lodge, they are allowed in the parking lot, on the paved walkways, and boat dock)

MCDONALD FALLS VIEWPOINT

SACRED DANCING CASCADES VIEWPOINT

WEST TUNNEL

…where we drive through, pull over and walk back into the tunnel and viewing window area.

(Note:  Dogs ARE allowed inside the Tunnel and Viewing Window areas.)

…We stop at:

BIRD WOMAN FALLS VIEWPOINT

HAYSTACK FALLS VIEWPOINT

…drive past the:

LOGAN PASS WATERFALL
(photo taken from the Car)

…and stop at:

LUNCH CREEK

…where we set up “Lunch” on the rock wall.

“Did Someone Say LUNCH?”
LET”S PICNIC!

…then pull over for A glimpse of Jackson Glacier from:

JACKSON GLACIER OVERLOOK

…stop at:

RISING SUN BOAT DOCK & BOAT LAUNCH
on ST MARY’S LAKE

(On our visit, the boat dock is dismantled for the season, but we walk down onto the boat ramp for this photo)

…before heading out the St. Mary’s Entrance, this time driving North on the 89 to the GLACIER NATIONAL PARK MANY GLACIER Entrance…

…past:

Lake Sherburne

…through the:

MANY GLACIER Entrance
(Not Manned Today)

…and, on to:

Swiftcurrent Lake

…then, into the nearby Campground, where we take a quick walk around the Large Parking Area, before hopping back in our cars, and starting our drive out of the park…

…when what to our wondering eyes do we see???… cars pulled over on the side of the road, and people with spotting scopes; cameras; and binoculars all aimed at the hillside, so we pull over too, to see what all the Fuss is about…And,

FLYNN AND MAYA
BoL (Bark Out Loud)
“Hey there Grizzly Bears”!

Time for this PAW SQUAD to leave MANY GLACIER, and head for the:

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
ST MARY’S ENTRANCE

…where at 5:00 p.m., we drive the GOING TO THE SUN RD this time in reverse from east to west…

…stopping along LAKE MCDONALD at 6:30 p.m. for Golden Hour.

And, as our visit to GLACIER NATIONAL PARK comes to an end, the PAW SQUAD rides out of the Park one last time, off into the Sunset, on a GLACIER HIGH!

“We May Never Pass This Way Again!”
– Seals & Crofts

Long Day!  By now, it’s 9:00 p.m. when we finally stop for dinner on our way back to Hungry Horse at the:

GLACIER GRILL
Columbia Falls, MT
(Dog Friendly outdoor seating. Closed for the season)

OVERNIGHT:  MINI GOLDEN INNS MOTEL, Hungry Horse, MT

Temps today were in the Low 50’s – Mid-60’s

DAY 4, Saturday – HUNGRY HORSE, HUGH ROGERS DOG PARK WHITEFISH MT, MCGREGOR LAKE, KOOTENAI SWINGING BRIDGE & FALLS MT,  BONNERS FERRY ID

Today’s route:  Hungry Horse, MT to Whitefish, MT, then along MT HWY 2W to Boiverts-Thompson Lake State Park on McGregor Lake, the Kootenai Swinging Bridge & Falls, and Bonners Ferry, ID

Goodbye Hungry Horse!  Today, we’re heading west to Bonners Ferry, ID and the INTERNATIONAL SELKIRK LOOP.

But First, “Time for Some Fun in the Sun” at the Famed:

HUGH ROGERS WAG PARK
Whitehorse, MT

And our postcard reads:
“Wish You Were Here, Having a Ball!”

..before continuing west on Hwy 2, where an hour later, we stop for lunch at:

BOISVERTS-THOMPSON STATE PARK
on MCGREGOR LAKE
MT

STATE PARK DAY USE FEE (Cash)

“LET’S PICNIC!”

…then, Another hour, and we arrive at the:

KOOTENAI FALLS OVERLOOK AND SWINGING BRIDGE, MT
(which you can’t miss on the right!)

…”Boot Up DOGGIES and Let’s BOOGIE”…

…And, down the 1.25 RT SWINGING BRIDGE and KOOTENAI FALLS TRAIL we go..

…across the Railroad Bridge…

…down 3 Flights of “Bear” Spiked Stairs…

…to a fork in the trail, and we take a left to the 220′ KOOTENAY SWINGING BRIDGE…

…where on  the other side we do some exploring and pose for a Photo Op…

THE PAW SQUAD
Left to Right:  FLYNN, Carole, MAYA, Duane

…then head back in the other direction to KOOTENAI FALLS…

KOOTENAI FALLS
50′ Plunge

….Play time is over, so, back up the Stairs we go (the now Bootless Maya hitching a ride with Duane) over the Railroad Bridge and back to the parking lot…

..making one last stop at the Trail Head Grill, to quench our thirst with a Mouthwatering Huckleberry Lemonade, before getting back in our cars, and back on Hwy 2 west bound to Bonners Ferry ID.

And, We haven’t gone far, when “what do WE spy with our little eyes?” walking across the forested highway around 5 p.m.?  But, Kootenai and Bonner (as we fondly named the kittens,)…to make a long story short, while We (Carole & FLYNN DOG) stop traffic in the Lead Car, Honking and Flashing our Lights, Duane hops out of his car and rescues them…

“Here Duane Comes to Save the Day”

So, on our way to tonight’s lodging, We make a quick stop in town at the grocery store for Kitty Supplies, before checking into:

DODGE PEAK LODGE, BONNERS FERRY, ID

It’s 9:30 pm, and Our Stomach’s are Growling, when we drive into Bonners Ferry for a late dinner on the Dog-Friendly front porch at:

MUGSYS TAVERN 

OVERNIGHT:  DODGE PEAK LODGE, Bonners Ferry, ID

DAY 5, Sunday – BONNERS FERRY, PONDERAY, SWEET CREEK REST AREA, NELWAY BC  BORDER CROSSING, NELSON BC

Today’s Route: 🎾The INTERNATIONAL SELKIRK LOOP Clockwise to KOOTENAY LAKE – Hwy 92 to Ponderay, Hwy 2W, Hwy 20N, Hwy 6 N to Sweet Creek Rest Area, across the Border at Metaline Falls WA, and on to Nelson BC.

And, the PAW SQUAD is off to explore the 🎾INTERNATIONAL SELKIRK LOOP.

But first, Our Sunday starts with an about face on the Loop, as we head south to Ponderay, ID to drop off Kootenai & Bonner at the local Panhandle Animal Shelter, with an assist from the Pend Oreille Veterinary Service who just happens to be open on a Sunday, across the street, and graciously agrees to take our charges to the Shelter when they open later that morning.

(Instead of keeping you in suspense, we’ll  let you know Kootenai and Bonner found a Foster Home and their Happily Ever After,)

…So we’re now back on the International Selkirk Loop driving clockwise…

…stopping at the:

SWEET CREEK REST AREA
Hwy 31, WA
where a .7 mile walk leads to the Lower, Middle and Upper Falls
which drop 20′, 13′ and 16′

Lower Sweet Creek Falls

Upper Sweet Creek Falls

..before we head for the Border into Canada at METALINE-NELWAY BC , armed with our Passports and Dog’s Rabies Certificates. (Be sure to check the Visit Canada website for the current human and pet requirements)

🎶”Oh, CANADA, Glorious and Free, We Stand on Guard, We Stand on Guard For Thee!”

..then it’s on to:

…🎾NELSON, BC

…where first we check into our hotel, the BAKER STREET BEST WESTERN PLUS, then walk downhill to the Prestige Hotel for a stroll on the  LAKESIDE PARK WALK along the WEST ARM of KOOTENAY LAKE, following the sidewalk right to the Orange Bridge, then walking back to the other end, and “dog pathway,” and uphill from “RAILTOWN” to our hotel; about a 5.5 mile walk in total. See the Map Below for our route.

Rush Hour on our Lakeside Park Walk:
“Honk, Honk”

ORANGE BRIDGE
and
“The Colours of Nelson Mural”
(Can you Spot the Paw Squad in the Mural Below?)
(Click here for other Murals and the  Nelson Mural Tour)

6:30 p.m. and Golden Hour on
West Arm Kootenay Lake

OVERNIGHT: BAKER STREET BEST WESTERN PLUS, Nelson BC

Temps today were in the 50’s/60’s

DAY 6, Monday – NELSON BC, KOKANEE CREEK PROVINCIAL PARK, FLETCHER FALLS, KALSO RIVER TRAIL, BALFOUR, KOOTENAY LAKE FERRY, PONDERAY, ID

Our Route today: A drive Across the Orange Bridge, Hwy 31 N to Kokanee Provincial Park, Fletcher Falls, Kalso, then back on Hwy 31 S to Balfour, across Kootenay Lake on the Kootenay Lake Ferry to Crawford Bay, Hwy 3A South to Creston, Hwy 3E to 95S through the 24-hour Kingsgate Border Crossing, then Hwy 2 S to Ponderay, ID.

KOOTENAY LAKE FACTS: Long Fjord, 65-miles long, 3.1-miles wide, 490′ maximum depth, el. 1,745′

Our first stop this morning is off Hwy 31N, at the well signed:

KOKANEE CREEK PROVINCIAL PARK on KOOTENAY LAKE, where we take a right off the highway into the Park, the next right to the Nature Center, and we  park…

..and, hike the 1.4 mile RT KOKANEE CANYON TRAIL, which takes us under the highway, then up to the viewing platforms above the Canyon and Kokanee Creek.

(Note:  There is also a Dog-friendly Beach on Lake Kootenay at the Park. See Above Map)

NO PASS OR FEE REQUIRED

…From here we drive 30 minutes north, and when we see the sign for  FLETCHER FALLS, take a right off the hwy, park immediately on the right, walk across the street, and down the trail to the Falls and Kootenay Lake. (Note: this is part of the Water Access Trail which explains the 4-campsites, picnic tables and grills at the bottom of the trail.)

.3 mile RT walk downhill to
FLETCHER FALLS,
a 50′ Plunge

NO FEE

…Another 10 minutes further north on Hwy 3 to KALSO, a left turn on C Street, another left onto 5th, and we find the:

2.1 mile  KALSO RIVER LOOP TRAIL 

NO FEE

…From the North side of the Kootenay River, we hike clockwise across the Ornamental “UNITY” BRIDGE,” then up along the River for about a mile…

…to where, we stumble onto THE FAMILY of KOOTS…

“Time for some Pawtrip FLYNNANIGANs!”

…before we continuing, across the “TRAILBLAZER BRIDGE”, and hiking back along the other side of the Kalso River, to our starting point and cars.

…Sadly, we must leave this enchanting Trail, and make our way to BALFOUR to catch the 4:45 p.m. Kootenay Lake Ferry to Crawford Bay.

…🎾KOOTENAY LAKE FERRY
BALFOUR to CRAWFORD BAY

KOOTENAY FERRY FACTS:  The Kootenay Bay Ferry is the Longest FREE Scenic Ferry carrying vehicles in the world, Crossing Distance:  5-miles, Crossing Time:  45 minutes.

2022 FERRY SCHEDULE

…Guess what? we’re early, so with time to spare, hat to do while we wait?… You guessed it!

“LET’S PICNIC!”

Kootenay Ferry Crossing To Crawford Bay
(Dogs are Allowed on the Car Deck)

FLYNN’s first Ferry Ride

And, When we reach Crawford Bay at 5:30 p.m., the sun is going down as we drive along the east side of Kootenay Lake on the BC 3A to Creston BC, where we continue to follow BC Hwy 3A to the BC 95S, and 24-hour  Kingsgate Border Crossing.  (Note:  The Creston Border Crossing hours are:  7am – 5pm, so, too late for the PAWSQUAD!)

And, in Creston, We enjoy One Last Sunset for the Road!

From the border, it’s another 1-1/ 2 hour drive in pitch darkness to Ponderay, ID…and, our Pawtripping adventure on THE INTERNATIONAL SELKIRK LOOP comes to an end.

OVERNIGHT: BEST WESTERN PLUS, Ponderay ID

(photo taken in daylight)

DAY 7– Tuesday,  HOME

Congratulations PAW SQUAD!

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK AND INTERNATIONAL SELKIRK LOOP MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

After breakfast, we say our Goodbyes to our PAWTRIPPING Partner’s in Crime!  “Bye Bye Duane, So Long Maya, Farewell Paw Squad,” and make tracks for home.

What an AMAZING Time and ADVENTURE we’ve All had visiting GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, and driving the INTERNATIONAL SELKIRK LOOP, remembering:

“Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we Must Carry it with us, or, we find it not.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
–

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
(see above maps and links for additional information)

DAY 1 Tuesday – Palouse Falls State Park, WA to Coeur D’Alene, ID

• PALOUSE FALLS STATE PARK -Palouse Falls Rd, Kahlotus, WA
• Hwy 261 to Hwy 90 to Coeur D’Alene, ID
• ATLAS WATERFRONT DOG PARK – 2310 W Suzanne Rd., Coeur D’Alene, ID
• TUBBS HILL PARK TH – McEuen Park Parking – E. Front Ave, Coeur D’Alene, ID
• TRAILS END BREWERY – 350 W. Bosanko Ave, Coeur D’Alene, ID
• LA QUINTA – 333 W Ironwood Dr., Coeur D’Alene, ID

DAY 2 Wednesday – Coeur D’Alene, ID, to Hungry Horse, MT

• CHERRY HILL DOG PARK -1525 E Hazel Ave, Coeur D’Alene, ID
• Hwy 90 E to St. Regis, Hwy 135E, Hwy 200W, Hwy 212S
• THE BISON RANGE – 58355 Bison Range Rd, Charlotte, MT
• Hwy 212, Hwy 93
• BIG ARM UNIT FLATHEAD LAKE STATE PARK – Hwy 93
• Hwy 82E, Hwy 35N, Hwy 2E
• MINI GOLDEN INNS MOTEL – 8955 Hwy 2E, Hungry Horse, MT
• PAUL BUNYAN BAR & GRILL – Martin City, MT

DAY 3 Thursday – Hungry Horse, MT to Glacier National Park Going to the Sun Rd, Two Medicine, Goat Lick Overlook, Cascadilla Flat River Access, Hungry Horse

• Hungry Horse, MT
• Hwy 2E to West Glacier
• GLACIER NATIONAL PARK WEST ENTRANCE – Going to the Sun Rd. West to East
• Hwy 89 South, 49S
• TWO MEDICINE GLACIER NATIONAL PARK – Two Medicine Rd
• Two Medicine Rd, to 49 S, to Hwy 2W
• GOAT LICK OVERLOOK – Hwy 2, Essex, MT
• CASCADILLA FLAT RIVER ACCESS – Hwy 2, Essex, MT
• MINI GOLDEN INNS MOTEL – Hungry Horse, MT

DAY 4 Friday – Hungry Horse, MT, Glacier National Park West Glacier Entrance Going to the Sun Rd, Many Glacier, St. Mary’s Entrance Going to the Sun Road east to west, Hungry Horse

• Hwy 2E to West Glacier
• GLACIER NATIONAL PARK WEST ENTRANCE – Going to the Sun Rd. West to East
• Hwy 89 North,
• MANY GLACIER GLACIER NATIONAL PARK – Route 3, Browning, MT
• Hwy 89 S.
• ST MARY’S ENTRANCE GLACIER NATIONAL PARK – Going to the Sun Rd, Browning, MT
• Going to the Sun Road east to west
• GLACIER GRILL – 10126 Hwy 2, Columbia Falls, MT

DAY 5 Saturday – Hungry Horse, Whitefish MT, Boiverts-Thompson State Park, Kootenai Swinging Bridge & Falls, Bonners Ferry, ID

• Hwy 2W
• HUGH ROGERS WAG PARK – 1720 E. 2nd St, Whitefish, MT
• Hwy 2W
• BOISVERTS-THOMPSON STATE PARK – (on McGregor Lake) 12900 US HWY 2W, Marion, MT
• KOOTENAI FALLS & SWINGING BRIDGE – US Hwy 2 MP 21, Libby, MT
• DODGE PEAK LODGE –  5952 Main St,  Bonners Ferry, ID
• MUGSY’S – 7161 Main St, Bonners Ferry, ID

DAY 6 Sunday – Bonners Ferry, Sweet Creek Rest Area, Metaline Falls WA/Nelway BC Border Crossing, Nelson BC

• BONNERS FERRY
• Hwy 2W to Ponderay, Hwy 2W to Hwy 20, Hwy 31,  to
• SWEET CREEK REST AREA – WA Hwy 31, Metaline Falls, WA
• NELWAY BC BORDER CROSSING – WA HWY 31/BC Hwy 6
• BC Hwy 6 to Nelson, BC
• BAKER STREET BEST WESTERN PLUS –  153 Baker St,  Nelson, BC
• LAKESIDE PARK WALK along West Arm Kootenay Lake – 701 Lakeside Drive, Nelson, BC

DAY 7 Monday – Nelson BC, Kokanee Creek Provincial Park, Fletcher Creek Falls, Kalso BC, Balfour BC, Kingsgate Border Crossing, Ponderay ID

• NELSON BC
• Rt onto Hwy BC 3A
• KOKANEE PROVINCIAL PARK – BC Hwy 3A, Nelson, BC
• Hwy 3A to Hwy 31
• FLETCHER FALLS – Fletcher Creek Frontage rd, Kalso, BC
• Hwy 31 TO Kalso, BC, Left on C Street, left on 5th St.
• KALSO RIVER TRAIL – 5TH STREET, KALSO,BC
• Hwy 31 S to Balfour BC
• KOOTENAY LAKE FERRY – Ferry Landing Rd, Balfour BC
• Ferry across Kootenay Lake to Crawford Bay
• BC Hwy 3AS, to BC Hwy 95S
• KINGSGATE 24 hour BORDER CROSSING – Hwy 95, Kingsgate BC
• BC 95 S to US 95 S
• BEST WESTERN PLUS –   477326 US-95, Ponderay, ID

DAY 8 Tuesday – Home

RESOURCES

PINTEREST- Various Blogs
PALOUSE FALLS STATE PARK, WA
TUBBS HILL, Coeur D’Alene
THE BISON RANGE
FLATHEAD LAKE STATE PARKS, MT
ALLTRAILS
VISIT MONTANA
VISIT IDAHO
TRIPADVISOR
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK WEBCAMS
NELSON KOOTENAY LAKE TOURISM
INTERNATIONAL SELKIRK LOOP
BRINGFIDO
GOPETFRIENDLY
GOOGLE MAPS
SUNRISE SUNSET

FLYNN’S PACKING LIST

Dog Food
Treats
Paw Butter
Mushers Secret
Dog Boots
Dog Jackets
Towels
Toys
Kong Bone
Dog Bowls
Sheet for furniture
Dog Blanket
Dog First Aid Kit
Bottled Water
Leash – Regular and Handsfree
Dog Waste Bags
Safety Harness