Montana’s Glacier National Park had been on my bucket list for some time. Rumors of Montana’s beauty had swirled in my outdoorsy-person circles and Instagram feed for years, tempting me.
When I saw it for myself, I understood what the hype was all about. The water is crystal clear, the wildlife is abundant, the stars are incredible. And where else do you have glaciers that accessible in the lower 48?
Like many people passing through, I had to make my time there count, since I didn’t have more than a couple of days to enjoy it, though I’m already planning on a return.
The following are the best things to do in Glacier National Park. I only had two days to explore, and there’s a lot more here than one can do in 48 hours, but it should help you pick and choose your must-sees.
There are several different areas of the park, with several east and west entrance options. For the purposes of this post I’ll start in the west (West Glacier entrance) and move east, beginning with the side that I explored more of, and what you’ll be closer to if you fly into Kalispell or are coming in from Idaho.
1. Lake McDonald
Perhaps Glacier National Park’s most famous lake, Lake McDonald is the largest in the park, at approximately 10 miles long. Like most otheres, it is characterized by its incredibly clear water, colorful rocks, and the mountains that frame it for a perfect sunset or sunrise.
This was my first stop in the park; if you’re coming in from the West Glacier entrance, it’s likely to be yours, too. There are several places along the lake where you can pull off to enjoy it; if you arrive at sunrise or sunset, you can avoid the crowds.
2. Avalanche Gorge and Lake
Avalanche Gorge and Avalanche Lake are two of the more accessible things on this list. The Trail of the Cedars loop that leads to the gorge is wheelchair accessible, totally flat, and pretty short. It’s also one of the most popular trails in the park for that reason.
You can add on another mile to get to the lake, if you feel so inclined, which will take you uphill. That said, the next lake on this list is worth a visit instead if you’re short on time.
3. Road to Logan Pass
You’ll be on Going-to-the-Sun Road from the moment you enter the park from the West Glacier entrance and as you pass along Lake McDonald. This road is incredible in terms of views and the ideal way to see the park’s main features. Keep in mind that the road is also quite narrow, and can get very popular in the summertime. I recommend heading out right at sunrise if you plan on parking at Logan Pass, which is where the following trailheads depart from.
4. Hidden Lake
I was amazed by Hidden Lake. I had it almost all to myself when I went stargazing there after dark. Given that Glacier National Park is a dark-sky park, and since I was there during the confluence of several meteor showers, I just had to experience it after dark. After much research, I found that the Milky Way would be perfectly situated for just the right photograph of the lake.
To get there, park at Logan Pass. You have a couple of options for this hike, including ending at the overlook a mile and a half in, or going three miles to the lake. The trail is pretty flat up until the overlook, then has a few steep parts leading to the lake.
Keep in mind that this is grizzly bear country, and it’s a good idea to carry bear spray, which I bought at Middlefork Cabins, where I stayed. It’s also available for rent at Logan Pass. Bears rarely attack groups, but as a solo hiker, it was a risk to hike down on my own, especially in the dark. Just something to keep in mind!
5. Highline Trail
The Highline Trail was my big hike during my visit to Glacier National Park, and it did not disappoint! I started it right at sunrise, watching as the rays of light danced across the mountains.
The hike can begin at the loop or at Logan Pass. You can either hike it out and back, or go all the way to the loop and take a bus back. Keep in mind that the buses can be full in the summer — if you finish late, you might have to hitchhike back (not a big deal — I picked up a hitchhiker myself!).
I did the trail as an out and back, adding on the Grinnell Glacier overlook. Although it’s a very steep final mile on an otherwise pretty gentle trail, the viewpoint at the end was worth it. My trip total was 15 miles (it would have been 13 if I’d gone to the loop instead). Keep in mind that this trail is mostly uncovered, gets very hot midday in the summer, and is very popular. There are a few steep drop-offs, which may bother those with a fear of heights. Still, if you start early or go in the off-season, you can get much of it all to yourself.
6. Many Glacier
Many Glacier is a valley that many consider to be the most beautiful part of the park. It’s accessible from the St. Mary entrance in the east, after which you will also find the famous Grinnell Glacier trailhead.
If you’re heading there from Going-to-the-Sun Road, be sure to stop by St. Mary Lake as well, particularly to catch sunrise or sunset with a view of Wild Goose Island.
7. Grinnell Glacier Trail
This was the trail I had my sights on when I first started looking at options in Glacier National Park. It has it all in terms of views, and finishes at an aquamarine lake and the famous Grinnell Glacier. The trail begins at the Many Glacier Hotel boat dock, where there’s an option to take a boat for part of the way.
It’s a 7.6-mile out-and-back trail with an 1,840-foot elevation gain. If you hiked to the overlook on the Highline Trail, this will be a chance to see the glacier up close, and from another point of view.
8. Two Medicine Lake
Two Medicine Lake is high on my list to visit next time. The best way to get there is through the East Glacier Park area off of Highway 49. There’s a campground and several hiking trails branching off from the lake as well.
A Few More Things…
9. Rafting
Glacier Guides offers guided hikes of the park, as well as rafting adventures, including dinner. Though the rapids are pretty tame (mostly Class II), it’s ideal for a relaxing afternoon, and offers a chance to raft on super clear water.
While I didn’t get a chance to check these out, the following are still high on my list:
10. The Triple Divide Pass Trail
The Continental Divide runs right through this part of Montana, as you’ll see if you go to Logan Pass. The Triple Divide Pass Trail, a 14.6-mile out-and-back trail with a 2,400-foot elevation gain, begins at Cut Bank in the East Glacier area. It’s known for spectacular views as it weaves in and out of forests and past meadows.
11. Bowman Lake
If you’re looking for something more secluded, try this lake, which is supposed to be amazing. The road in can be difficult, which keeps most people out, unless you have a 4×4 vehicle.
12. Backcountry hiking
If you’re more into backcountry, multiday hikes, read more on the National Park Service website. Apply for permits in advance.
As a bonus, from Glacier National Park, you can head all the way into Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta. That would be one epic trip if you ask me.
13. Snowshoeing
If you’re visiting Glacier in the wintertime, definitely consider renting some snowshoes to explore. You can rent snowshoes in West Glacier; ask about which trails nearby are in the best condition.
14. Rent an ATV in Whitefish
You can explore Whitefish by renting an ATV, giving you more freedom if you’re in a time crunch. Go at your own pace, enjoying the adventure of driving your own ATV.
15. St. Mary Falls
This hike is 1.7 miles and begins at the small car park on Going-to-the-Sun Road. Getting to St. Mary Falls is a pretty easy trek, as it’s mostly downhill. The waterfall itself has two distinct streams and is especially abundant in the spring and early summer, after the snow has melted.
Leaving No Trace
Please endeavor to leave no trace when enjoying nature in Glacier National Park (and anywhere you may go). That means packing out all your trash, always staying on the trail, not picking any flowers, and only camping in designated spots.
Avoiding Crowds
The best way to avoid the crowds in Glacier is to head there during a shoulder season. September is apparently the most beautiful time in the park, provided there aren’t fires that close it for the season. You can also snowshoe in the winter, and enjoy the heavier water flow and higher lakes in the spring.
In the summer, I was able to avoid the crowds by heading out at sunset, catching the stars, and making it in around 5am, before the sun had risen. Most people aren’t willing to do that, but if you are, then you’ll see the park in its best light and are sure to get parking!
The Bob Marshall Wilderness is also a great option. Locals refer to this as the “local” Glacier National Park since there are so few people and the views are spectacular as well. It is even more expansive, and is best for multiday hikes, since the only way to access most of the wilderness is by horse or foot. Dropstone Outfitting is a local women-owned, women-run company that took me out for a day hike and left me wanting a longer, multiday experience!
Where to Stay
The West Glacier Village was so nice! It seemed pretty new, had a sitting area, and a full kitchen. I’ll definitely stay there again next time I visit Glacier.
I hope this post helped you to find some amazing destinations for your trip to Glacier National Park. There are so many things to do there, but then again, it’s all so beautiful that you can’t really go wrong.
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*This post was brought to you in partnership with Visit Montana. All thoughts on the amazing national park are my own. How could one not be impressed, right?
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long phan says
Thank you for sharing this beautiful place
Kristin says
My pleasure
Ashley says
When did you go in the summer? Month/which week?
Kristin says
I think it was the first week of August.
Lee says
Going there in early August on a train trip. Staying for an extra day to do something on our own. So hard to decide what to do on that one day.
Kristin says
You can’t go wrong with the hikes I mentioned!
R. Weinberg says
Next time you’re at Glacier, you MUST do the hikes to Iceberg Lake and to (and through) the Ptarmigan Tunnel. Both are outstanding! Siyeh Pass is pretty special too.