In late September my son and I visited Glacier National Park for the first time. The company was great, the weather was glorious and the landscape - well, it's truly spectacular. These photos don't come close to doing it justice. If you've never been here, go and be transformed!

Morning at Bowman Lake - Glacier National Park

Bowman Lake is in the northwest section of the park, a bit remote from the more popular visitor spots. It's not easy to get there but well worth the effort. Late in the season you'll be rewarded with profound silence, serenity and a pretty good chance of seeing big wildlife.

Allen Mountain as seen from Many Glacier Road

The rain stayed mostly on the west side of the park, where it's typically wetter than the higher elevation east side from where this image was taken.

This neat hotel is situated just outside the southwest corner of Glacier National Park, in the town of Essex. It's a good place to stay if you want a taste of early twentieth century rustic - lots of log beams, wood paneling, animal heads on the walls and great stone fireplaces. It was originally built to house workers on the Great Northern Railway, whose right-of-way passes directly in front of the hotel. It's been completely refurbished and now caters to rail fans, winter sports enthusiasts and those looking for something less hectic that the busy park lodges. The restaurant is quite good, as is the wine list. You can even get a room in a converted railroad caboose! The Amtrak Empire Builder still makes a regular daily stop at the Izaak Walton Inn.

Late September weather can be tricky - snow isn't unusual and can limit access to parts of the park. But if the weather cooperates, it's a perfect time to visit - crowds are light, the Aspens are at their peak and wildlife is active

Mount Clements on the trail to Hidden Lake

Heaven's Peak from Going-to-the-Sun Road

Going-To-The-Sun Road is a "must drive" when you visit Glacier. It was completed in 1932 and hugs the side of the mountain, blending beautifully with the landscape and offering stunning views of McDonald Valley and the surrounding country side. Eye candy around every turn!