Discover the best activities in Glacier National Park, Montana, including top hikes, scenic drives, boat tours, and essential travel tips for an unforgettable adventure.
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Exploring Montana
Welcome to Glacier National Park in Montana! Glacier National Park, located on the U.S.-Canada border in northwest Montana, covers more than one million acres. It is famous for its high mountains, glistening lakes, waterfalls,
abundant wildlife, and beautiful glaciers. The park is divided into different areas, the most popular and accessible of which are the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and Two Medicine.
Let’s dive into the top 10 things to do in Glacier National Park, including easy hikes, difficult hikes, and non-hiking activities. Plus, we also have five useful travel tips at the end to help you get around the park.
Exploring Two Medicine
The Two Medicine area, located in the southeast of the park, is a Going-to-the-Sun Road that attracts fewer visitors than Meany Glacier. The scenery here is just as spectacular.
As much as it’s fun to see the spectacular views of Two Medicine Lake from the shore, you can also take a boat tour to appreciate the serenity of this landscape or hike along one of the many scenic trails.
Exploring Lake McDonald
Lake McDonald, which can be accessed through the West Entrance near West Glacier, is the largest and most popular lake in Glacier National Park. It has crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings.
Activities here include taking a relaxing stroll along the lake, sunbathing, taking a scenic boat tour, renting a kayak, or attending an evening program at the Apgar Campground Amphitheater. The historic Lake McDonald Lodge, built in 1914, is also worth a visit.
Driving on the Going-to-the-Sun Road
The 50-mile-long Going-to-the-Sun Road takes you from West Glacier to St. Marys and is one of the most scenic drives in the entire park, winding through the mountains on the Continental Divide. It takes about an hour and a half to drive the entire length,
but you’ll need more time if you want to include a few stops along the way. Notable stops include McDonald Falls, Sacred Dancing Cascades, Red Rock Point, the Loop, Paradise Meadow, Saint Mary Lake Overlook, and Wild Goose Island Lookout. The latter is especially mesmerizing at sunset.
Hiking the Avalanche Lake Trail
The Avalanche Lake Trail is a moderate out-and-back hike with an elevation gain of about 800 feet (250 meters). It begins at Cedar Cay Trail and continues along Avalanche Creek through a lush forest until you reach the picturesque lake itself.
You can also continue along the shoreline for different angles of the surrounding mountains. This trail is one of the most popular trails in the park, so it’s best to hike in the morning or evening.
Hidden Lake Overlook
Leaving from Logan Pass, Hidden Lake Overlook is another popular short hike in Glacier National Park. A combination of boardwalks and gravel trails take you through a beautiful alpine meadow.
Along the way, you may spot bighorn sheep and even a grizzly bear in the distance. The trail is about three miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 574 feet, making it easier than other trails in the park.
Ancient Lakes Boat Tour
Exploring the park’s lakes by boat is another great way to enjoy the scenery. We joined a tour on Lake Saint Mary, which leaves from the Rising Sun Boat Dock. The cruise lasts about an hour, with views of the surrounding peaks,
small islands, and glacially-carved valleys. Our guide also explained the lake and the geology of the area while we enjoyed the scenery. Boat tours are also available on Lake Josephine.
St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail
Along St. Mary Lake you’ll find several waterfalls. The St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail takes you from the lake shore through a forest that burned in July 2015. After enjoying the resurgent water at the beginning of the trail,
you’ll reach a two-tiered waterfall. From here, continue the trail to Virginia Falls, which are even more impressive. It takes about two hours to hike to both waterfalls and back.
Grinnell Glacier Trail
Our favorite hike in Glacier National Park is the Grinnell Glacier Trail. This trail begins at a parking lot near the Many Glacier Hotel and is about 10.5 miles round trip. The trail offers picturesque lakes,
alpine views, waterfalls, wildflowers, and several overlooks. You can also shorten this trail by taking a scenic boat ride across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine, although there will be an additional fee for this ride.
Highline Trail
The Highline Trail follows the Continental Divide, providing breathtaking views of high peaks, alpine meadows, and massive glaciers. We recommend hiking point-to-point from Logan Pass to the Granite Park Chalet and then ending on a loop trail.
This way, the elevation gain is minimal, and you don’t have to head back the same way. Along the trail, you’ll come to the Grinnell Glacier Lookout, a side trip that’s worth the detour. Keep in mind that the parking lot at Logan Pass fills up quickly, so arrive early.
Other Notable Hikes
There are many other trails to choose from in Glacier National Park. Red Rock Lake and Falls is a shorter trail option in the Many Glacier area, which features red-colored rocks. If we had the chance, we would have also hiked the Iceberg Trail, but it was closed due to a food-conditioned bear in the area. Here are some other beautiful hikes you can check out:
- Iceberg Lake Trail
- Swiftcurrent Pass Trail
- Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail
Top 5 Travel Tips for Glacier National Park
1. Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit this park is in the summer. Such as June to September. The Going-to-the-Sun Road, the main scenic road in Glacier National Park, is subject to seasonal closures due to snowfall and maintenance. It opens in June, July and remains open until mid-October, weather permitting. Get updates on the official National Park website.
2. Vehicle rules
The Going-to-the-Sun Road offers spectacular views and a thrilling drive, but because of its narrow lanes, sharp turns and steep slopes, some vehicle rules apply. Some larger vehicles are not allowed. This includes most RVs, trailers and large trucks. If you are in this situation, you can also experience the road by taking the free park shuttle.
3. Plan your trip ahead
Glacier National Park is a popular destination, so planning ahead is important. To access the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glaciers, Two Medicine and North Fork areas, you need a vehicle reservation. Reservations are made available about four months in advance, but if you can’t make your reservation so early,
you can apply for one at 8 a.m. Mountain Time the day before your trip. This timed entry allows entry for one day, and in the case of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, it is valid for three consecutive days. Check the park’s official website for reservations.
4. Bear Safety
Glacier has a large population of grizzly bears. Be sure to carry bear spray at all times to avoid bears. Familiarize yourself with bear safety protocols.
5. Be Prepared for Weather Changes
Be prepared for Glacier National Park’s weather and temperature changes, and possible rain or snow. Pack several layers of clothing, waterproof gear, and proper hiking shoes to be prepared for every weather condition.
Conclusion
We hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Glacier National Park. Whether you’re looking for easy hikes, challenging trails, or scenic drives, Glacier has something for everyone.
Don’t forget to check out our camping adventure site.com and the important links in the description to help you with your trip. Enjoy your adventure!