Glacier National Park manages to maintain much of its pristine natural beauty and wild appeal since its inception as a national park
in 1910, protecting over one million acres of forests, rivers, lakes, meadows, mountains and glaciers. It is part of a larger ecosystem collectively known as the "Crown of the Continent Ecosystem," all of which is primarily untouched wilderness.
Glacier receives nearly 2 million visitors annually, a large majority of which come during the summer months. Summer is when wildflowers bloom, wildlife is abundant and waterfalls and rivers are flowing at their peak levels. Fall and winter, however, can be an amazing time to visit as well. During the winter months, snow blankets the park, creating snow-covered trees, locally known as "snow ghosts", and trails perfect for snowshoers and cross-country skiers.