Has anyone ever pulled a MacGregor through ...

[Tony E]

Hello everyone, I am heading down to the U.S. at the beginning of August to do some sailing on Flathead lake Montana. I was wondering if anyone has ever pulled their boat through the glacier National Park which is Route 2 that goes from East Glacier to Essex and on to Somers where I am going to be launching. I can take the highway that comes in from the North of Somers to Flathead but I think the other highway would be more scenic. I have pulled my 26X through the mountains in B.C. a couple of times but I'd like to avoid such steep mountains if possible. Is route 2 like driving through B.C.? Thanx for your help as always and happy sailing

[Russ]

I haven't been up that way in quite a long time, but I recall it's mostly a quiet highway. Big hills and such, but nothing crazy....like Going to the Sun road. I think they just finished plowing it open.

[Chinook]

Highway 2 around the southern edge of Glacier N.P. pretty much follows the river, with no appreciable grades. It's also the route for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (the old Great Northern, with the classic mountain goat logo) Railroad. I'm pretty sure you wouldn't even be allowed to try crossing the Going to the Sun Highway route through Glacier, which is the really spectacularly scenic route. I believe the Park Service has vehicle size/length limits for that road. I made the mistake, once, of towing our boat into Jackson Hole via US 26, over Teton Pass. The grade down into Jackson Hole has about 10 miles of 9% grade, frequent switchbacks, and a speed limit of around 20 mph most of the way. We got down ok, but when I checked the trailer wheels I discovered a real mess. With the surge brakes engaged for virtually the whole way down, I blew grease all over the wheel rims and ruined the brakes. Major repair job. Now, I avoid roads steep and slow enough for the trailer to be engaging the surge brakes on the downgrade. If I do unexpectedly get into such a situation, I will slide my big 9/16 bolt through the holes I've drilled in the trailer tongue, just behind the sliding coupler. This will prevent the surge brake from engaging, and I have enough confidence in the compression braking and brake system on my 3/4 ton diesel truck to keep things under control.

[Daniel]

We have not pulled our boat through there, but have with other trailers. Marias Pass, 5213 ft/1589 m, is the only one crossing the Continental Divide on hyway 2. It is 2 lane and winding, but a very relaxed drive. If you come in from the east to Browning and then East Glacier the drive is very manageable. Do not go through St Mary. The road south of St Mary to East Glacier is full of switchbacks and is very steep. We will be an hour south in Missoula that same week, but won't have the boat with us. Have a great time.

[1st Sail]

Another solution for long down hill slopes is to install a powered switch to engage the solenoid similar to the backup light circuit which does the same thing. Once you are on the flat or need to engage the trailer brake system you throw the switch.

[Tony E]

Okay so Route 2 it is. To hit the U.S. border its about 6 to 8 hours long and thats when i start wanting to find a place to stay. Coming south from Canada on the number 2 there are a few towns such as Sunburst, Shelby, Cut Bank and Browney before we get into the park. Once you are into the park then the hotels are over $250.00 a night so we are planning on staying in one of the 4 before mentioned towns but when i checked there are not a lot of hotel choices. Does anyone have any good spots to stay in that area between Sunburst and Browney?

[cptron]

Look for a KOA campground and sleep in the boat or look for a Wal Mart that allows overnight parking, which is free. That's what we do when traveling cross country.

[Russ]

Okay so Route 2 it is. To hit the U.S. border its about 6 to 8 hours long and thats when i start wanting to find a place to stay. Coming south from Canada on the number 2 there are a few towns such as Sunburst, Shelby, Cut Bank and Browney before we get into the park. Once you are into the park then the hotels are over $250.00 a night so we are planning on staying in one of the 4 before mentioned towns but when i checked there are not a lot of hotel choices. Does anyone have any good spots to stay in that area between Sunburst and Browney?

There is not much up there. Maybe in Cut Bank or Browning.

Be aware that there is a big fire in Glacier right now. Might cause delays.
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/mon ... ns-n396341

[Tony E]

Thanx for the heads up Russ. I'll keep an eye on it. What part of North America isn't burning right now? All western Canada is dry as can be and on fire. Hottest summer on record ever and lowest amount of water for the summer months so thats a bad combination. I was just up in Northern Alberta at Cold lake sailing and there are fires burning a few hundred miles to the east and one day I was coming in to the main dock and I had to do an "instrument landing!." I couldn't see the shore or dock until i got a 100 yards away from it so I came in using my compass and GPS. Sad to see all that good wood burning away. Thanx again:)

[Russ]

Yea, lots of fires. We've been spared fires up until this week. Been very clear skies. However, we now have several burning. It's wetter here than some parts of NA, but I hear what you are saying.

[Tony E]

Does anyone else have any suggestions? There are no KOA's on that route and only one Walmart that we could try. Anyone?