The ultimate family paddling trip

Unfortunately for us, the wind is blowing 30 knots when we arrive. No matter, Cree unloads the sea kayak, feathers her paddle to 45 degrees, loads up some gear so the kayak rides lower, and paddles out into the frothy whitecaps. My son and I sit on the rocky beach watching as Cree bobs in the spray. Tourists are practically getting blown over, but Cree likes paddling in rough conditions. Later in our trip we will encounter glassy water on St. Mary Lake, allowing us to paddle everywhere on the lake, including a trip to scenic Wild Goose Island. “Bear! Bear!” Skyler screams into my ear as we drive along St. Mary Lake. “It is right by the road...oh my gosh! Dad, take a picture!”

Sure enough, a blonde fuzzy grizzly is chomping away on some roots right by the road. The bear seems oblivious to the traffic backing up on the road, as he slowly meanders across a meadow. Skyler is so excited he is bouncing in the back seat. This is my kind of grizz encounter; the bear outside 100 feet away, my family barricaded in the truck, and the engine running. I smile at my son, and reach for my camera.

Lodging: Some of the most scenic grand hotels in America are located in Glacier National park, including the spectacular Many Glacier Hotel built in 1915 on the banks of Swiftcurrent Lake. The park has numerous campgrounds, including some with showers. To explore your options, go to nps.gov/glac.

While you are there: When you get tired of eating camp food, try out the Park Cafe in the town of St. Mary. If you want to catch your own fish to eat, then try your luck in the numerous lakes in the park for trout. No live bait is allowed, and no fishing license is required. Check with the park for current regulations.

Outfitters/Resources: Many of the lakes have canoe rentals available. Contact the Glacier Park Boat Company (406-257-2426; glacierparkboats.com) for more information. A great resource for planning your trip to the park is www.glacier.national-park.com/.

Logistics: Most visitor facilities are open from mid-May to late September. To see wildflowers at their peak, plan to visit in mid July. September brings cooler temperatures and fewer people, along with a touch of yellow in the cottonwood and aspen trees. There are numerous lakes to paddle in the park, from St. Mary and Two Medicine Lake on the east side to McDonald and Kintla Lake on the west side. All the park service requires is that you wear a PFD, which you should be wearing anyway.

Story and photos by first appeared in the Canoe & Kayak 2007 Beginners Guide

Don't miss this on MSNBC.com Pass it on: Sons of infertile men may be next The eight biggest Olympic marketing debacles Reality show judges range from wise to wacko Cosmic Log: Is this your jetpack? Forget your inhibitions: World's sexiest islands

MORE FROM ACTIVE

Active Section Front

World’s scariest ski slopes   Most roads closing for winter in Yellowstone Winter Trails celebrates 15th year with freebies The year of living dangerously Quest for the one-horned rhino America’s best hikes Colo. offers ‘snow virgins’ a free 3-month trip World’s wildest bungee jumping spots 10 places you thought you shouldn’t visit ... A new type of bachelor bash Active Section Front   Add Active headlines to your news reader: