Swan Valley author's homage to Glacier Park

Imagine your taking a trip into Glacier National Park and you have an expert sitting by your side, telling you a little bit about all the cool things in front of you as you drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

That’s how author Alan Leftridge approached his latest book, “The Best of Glacier National Park,” a guidebook that focuses on the best the Park has to offer.

“Over the years, I’ve spent many hours exploring Glacier,” Leftridge, who lives in the Swan Valley, said. “I wanted this book to read like an insider’s guide, as though a trusted friend was divulging all the best things to see and do in the Park.”

Leftridge has close ties to Glacier — his daughter Miranda is a seasonal ranger there. While the book broaches many topics and subjects on the Park — in many ways it’s a fairly comprehensive guide — Leftridge still has his personal favorites.

If he only had one day hike? He’d pick the Hidden Lake Trail.

“If you’re going to get out of the car just once, you have to go to the Hidden Lake Overlook,” he said.

Leftridge noted it’s not just a great scenic hike, it’s also a great place to people watch. The trail, which is mostly boardwalk, attracts visitors from around the world each summer.

“You see people of all physical abilities and ages,” he said.

And a backcountry trip? He picks the Dawson-Pitamakan Loop in the Two Medicine area, which offers a little bit of everything.

Leftridge said he’s been working on the book for about seven years but began writing it in earnest about a year ago. He also took most of the photos in the book.

The book is published by Farcountry Press and retails for $19.95. It’s available at local bookstores and online retailers or online at www.farcountrypress.com.