Montana is a stunning state. Not only is it covered by mountain ranges that are idyllic and representative of the American west, but it's also full of wildflower fields and crystal-clear lakes. When it comes to one of the most beautiful states in the country, it's no surprise that Montana is always in the top five, at least.
However, this state - and, especially, Glacier National Park - is home to an entire underwater world, as well. One might not guess it by just walking through the park, but the lakes in Glacier National Park are also hiding scenic views that can't be seen from the surface. From shipwrecks to an underground 'forest,' here's why visitors should be adding 'scuba diving' to their list of things to do along with hiking in Glacier National Park.
Lakes In Glacier National Park
There are four main diving locations in Glacier National Park, each of which is home to a unique dive site. It might seem unusual to go to a national park to go scuba diving but that's exactly why many people visit in the first place. In fact, this is what makes it one of the most unique national parks in the country!
Upper Waterton Lake
For those visiting from the Canadian side of the park (the park itself sits on the border), Upper Waterton Lake is a fantastic dive site. This expansive lake is home to a paddle-wheel ship named Gertrude that went down in 1918 after it was scuttled. Now, it resides on the north end of the lake in its original 1907 construction, roughly 100 feet in length. The deepest part of the vessel sits at a dive depth of about 60 feet, while the most shallow part of the ship, the stern, sits at a 20-foot depth. This is considered to be an easy dive site for divers, and much of the ship is still intact. There's also a picnic area nearby the dive site so if visitors want to spend the day, they should plan to pack a lunch.
- Be wary not to kick up sand from the bottom of the lake, as it can cause the visibility of the water to deteriorate rapidly.
- The ship is in fragile condition and divers are advised not to touch it or hang on it in any way.
Apgar At Lake McDonald
The interesting thing about Apgar Village, which now resides in Lake McDonald, is that it's home to the remnants of an entire community that once lived on the land. It's also one of the easiest dive sites in the park, making it one of the most popular, as well. Those diving can see the tools that people left behind, such as a small boat and a portion of a dock that was used to get in and out of the water. The most fascinating thing, about the underwater village of Apgar, though, is its tool 'forest.' A landslide was responsible for pushing many of the items belonging to villagers into the lake, and when that happened, they landed handle-side-up. This means that when divers make their way to the bottom of the lake, they often find a 'forest' of tools that have been stuck into the ground and have remained there, resembling a small grove of 'trees' that has been named the Shovel Grove Forest.
Additionally, there's an actual forest that can be found not far from the village site. It's still a mystery as to why and how these trees ended up under the water since the lake was not man-made.
Sprague Creek & Fish Creek
Both of these creeks are home to underwater dive sites and while they're not as popular as the lakes, they still see quite a bit of dive traffic. Sprague Creek is home to yet another underwater forest (as is a trend in Glacier National Park), where trees seemingly grow under the surface. In reality, these trees have stopped growing entirely and are just preserved incredibly well with no exposure to oxygen.
Fish Creek is one of the easiest dive sites and it's also shallow enough that those who opt for snorkeling will be able to spot its unique underwater features. Snorkelers can access the creek via the shore but it's more accessible by boat, which can be rented from the concession stand nearby. During their dives, visitors will have the chance to see the Fish Creek Bay Wreck, which is small in size but interesting nonetheless. Additionally, the deepest point in this creek is only about ten feet, so it's a quick dive, as well.