We’re excited to introduce Roxy Dawson, co-author of this definitive guide - and one of CleverHiker’s talented editors. She’s passionate about making the outdoors accessible and memorable for hiking families.
Q&A with Roxy:
Q: What inspired you and your partner to write a family-focused hiking guide for Glacier National Park?
A:This is our third guidebook for Falcon guides, and the folks over there really gave us room to choose what we’d like to write about next. Now that we had our little boy in tow, we knew we had to include him in the adventure. We’ve visited Glacier many times before he was born, and jumped at the opportunity to explore it fully as a family.
Q: How did you choose which hikes made the cut for families with kids?
A:We hiked every single mile of every trail included in the guidebook, and then some. We chose hikes that we enjoyed and that fit our “kid” criteria. There isn’t a dull or ugly spot in Glacier National Park, so it was tough to narrow it down to the best of the best. The hikes included showcase the wide range of beauty Glacier offers, featuring many different difficulty levels, perfect for every iteration of family.
Q: What’s your favorite trail in Glacier for families?
A:St. Mary and Virginia Falls is one of the best hikes in Glacier for families. It offers everything you would want in a single hike – sweeping vistas, glacier-blue lakes, TWO waterfalls, and a place to relax and picnic. We even spotted a moose on our way to the first waterfall.
Q: What’s one essential tip for hiking with kids?
A:One tip I constantly remind myself of when hiking with children is to adjust my expectations. Simply reaching the trailhead can be a battle of wits, grit, and stamina. So, if you’ve made it that far, congratulate yourself, then temper your expectations for completing the hike. A close second – snacks.
Q: Gear must-have when hiking with little ones?
A: I mentioned that an essential tip is snacks, so my first recommendation for gear would be a fanny pack for easy snack accessibility. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa is our favorite overall fanny pack, and it easily fits over or under backpack hipbelts to keep snacks front and center. I like to do a fanny pack/child carrier combo while hiking with kids; we use the Osprey Poco Premium for any hikes over three miles.
Q: Are there any safety tips you feel are especially important for families hiking in bear country like Glacier?
A: If you are hiking with your partner, ensure that both of you are carrying bear spray. We encountered multiple bears while hiking, and we were glad to have both directions covered without needing to rearrange. Keep it accessible; we hook ours to our shoulder straps.
Q: Favorite post-hike treat?
A: I’m going to have to defer to my oldest son on this one and say chocolate ice cream. Order of importance of things in his life: Mom, Dad, ice cream, his baby brother, trucks.
