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Jagged snowcapped peaks and glacier blanketed ridges stand guard over inexperienced and blue hued lakes, while wildflowers and wildlife fill alpine meadows and rivers and waterfalls gush by way of forested valleys.
That is the scene of Glacier Nationwide Park in Montana, a wilderness area identified for its excellent pure magnificence and greater than 700 miles of trails to hike.
Though mountaineering is the rationale most individuals come right here, there may be an unbelievable quantity of issues to do in Glacier Nationwide Park that make it a worthy cease on anybody’s Montana highway journey.
From scenic drives to wildlife recognizing alternatives, from waterfalls to lakes, in the event you’re in search of concepts on what to do in Glacier NP, then you definitely’re in the appropriate place. Learn on to find out about what we received as much as on our go to.
About Glacier Nationwide Park
Positioned within the Rocky Mountains on the border between Montana and Canada, Glacier Nationwide Park encompasses 1,583-square miles of wilderness.
It’s bordered by North Fork Flathead River to the West, Marias Go on US 2 to the South, US89 and Blackfeet Indian Reservation to the east and the Canadian border to the north the place you possibly can entry into Waterton Lakes Nationwide Park
The primary areas of the park are:
- Many Glacier
- St Mary
- Two Drugs
- Logon Go and Going-to-the-Solar-Highway
- Lake McDonald Valley
Though the title suggests it’s well-known for glaciers, it’s really extra well-known for its scenic drive – the Going-to-the-Solar Highway – and its grizzly bear inhabitants.
It’s the one place within the decrease 48 states the place grizzly bears nonetheless roam in abundance, plus it’s stuffed with bighorn sheep, moose, and mountain goats.
Seeing a grizzly has been on our bucket listing of issues to see AND the listing that claims, don’t let me get too near a grizzly after I do!
Glacier Nationwide Park additionally holds the next accolades; it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Website, Biosphere Reserve, Worlds’ First Worldwide Peace Park, and the World’s first Worldwide Darkish Sky Park. Fairly spectacular!
Glacier Nationwide Park Montana is called not only for its fast-paced rivers of ice, however for the dramatic ice-sculpted surroundings these glaciers have left for us to get pleasure from and gawk at.
The park’s glaciers are important lower than in close by North Cascades Nationwide Park, which stands at round 300.
The 25 glaciers on this nationwide park are sadly quickly shrinking. Get right here as fast as you possibly can to see them earlier than they do.
Enable Glacier NP to soften into your coronary heart, so you possibly can take no matter small steps you possibly can in your personal life to leaving a domino impact influence on preserving the wonders of Mom Nature, and primarily your personal survival.
Though it’s common, most guests persist with the Going-to-the-Solar-Highway, so you possibly can simply discover pockets of tranquility and seclusion (particularly on the east facet of the park).
How one can get to Glacier Nationwide Park?
Glacier Nationwide Park is situated in Western Montana, on the border of Canada to the north.
The best strategy to get to Glacier Nationwide Park is by automotive. It offers you the best flexibility in getting across the park, however you might also wish to contemplate the free shuttle.
You may get a non-public shuttle from Whitefish Lake and Glacier Nationwide Park Airport and wherever within the Flathead Valley to the park and again. Be taught extra about this service right here.
Glacier Nationwide Park gives a free shuttle bus stopping in any respect main spots on the Going to the Solar Highway, so all main trailheads are served by the bus. They’re air-conditioned, wheelchair accessible, and run on bio diesel.
There’s a shuttle service that additionally stops on the main locations to go to on the jap facet of the park.
Nonetheless, I cherished the liberty of getting our personal automobile as we explored the Going-to-the-sun-road at our personal tempo.
Amtrak’s Empire Builder runs from Chicago to Seattle stopping in each East Glacier and West Glacier, so you may as well get to the park by practice journey too.
Greatest issues to do in Glacier Nationwide Park
There may be an unbelievable and numerous quantity of points of interest in Glacier Nationwide Park. Listed here are among the hottest issues to do!
1. Drive the Going to the Solar Highway Scenic Drive
You’ll be amazed by this engineering feat that provides unbelievable vistas, sheer drop offs, and maybe slightly little bit of terror. It’s one in every of America’s greatest scenic drives.
The Going to the Solar Highway begins on the west Glacier entrance earlier than heading northeast alongside Lake McDonald. After about 10 miles it begins its lengthy ascent to Logan Go.
The highway has been carved into the perimeters of the mountain because it winds its method as much as Logan’s Go after which again down eastwards in direction of St Mary Customer Heart the place it ends on the jap shore of St Mary Lake.
Interpretative panels are set alongside the highway so that you can be taught extra about how glaciers created this space and level out any notable options.
Being one of the vital common points of interest, we suggest getting an early begin because the highway can get very busy and discovering a park at Logan’s Go is difficult!
Factors of Curiosity alongside Going to the Solar Highway
There are many day hikes to do alongside the way in which, so in the event you solely have someday to discover the Going to the Solar Highway, then you definitely positively wish to begin early, particularly if you’re visiting Glacier with children.
Lake McDonald Valley
Your drive will begin by way of the Lake McDonald Valley, which has the park’s largest lake and dense historical temperate rainforests.
There are many mountaineering trails on this space so that you can get pleasure from this lush and verdant space so completely different to the remainder of the park.
I like to recommend leaving them for one more day, particularly if you’re doing different hikes up close to Logan Go, and you’re staying on the western facet of Glacier NP because it’s simpler to get to at any time.
The Loop
Right here you’ll discover the trailhead to one of the vital well-known mountaineering trails in Glacier Nationwide Park, the Highline Loop. Cease to benefit from the starting of the chic views to come back.
Backyard Wall and Weeping Wall
That is the part the place the highway cuts precariously into the Backyard Wall. Breathe deep as it may be scary at occasions.
The Granite Wall is a 8,999 ft. granite ridge that separates the west and east areas of Glacier alongside the Continental Divide. You’ll go by the favored Weeping Wall, which glistens as a result of seasonal waterfall working down it.
There wasn’t any actual water working once we drove previous. Your automotive might get a very good soaking if its working while you go to.
You can spend hours alongside this stretch of the highway pulling over on the many pullovers to benefit from the views.
Logan Go
Logan Go is the best level within the park navigable by automotive. Tens of millions of years in the past, highly effective glaciers carved out lush meadows stuffed with wildflower and wildlife.
This can be a nice stopping off level to stretch your legs, browse the customer middle and luxuriate in one of many a number of hikes that go away from Logan Go. We’ll share these within the hike part under.
As talked about, the Logan Go parking zone will get very busy throughout the common summer season months of July and August. So make sure you arrive right here as early as you possibly can.
If you happen to don’t get a spot instantly, be affected person and drive a number of laps till you see somebody returning to their automotive. We did about 10 laps earlier than one lastly opened up for us.
Cross over to the tip of the automotive park reverse the Customer Heart to understand views down over the St Mary Valley. We noticed numerous bighorn sheep right here proper on the sting of the parking zone.
Jackson Glacier Overlook
Jackson Glacier Overlook on the 36 mile mark is among the solely 25 glaciers left within the nationwide park.
St Mary Lake Overlook
The views of St Mary Lake as you drive into this glacier-carved valley from Logan Go are sensational. Of all of the Glacier Nationwide Park lakes this view needs to be the very best!
You’ll discover the results of the 2005 Eagle Hearth right here with a lot of the forest lining the lake shore nonetheless blackened. There are quite a few trailheads and viewpoints alongside right here.
Wild Goose Island
Wild Goose Island is a small piece of land in the midst of St Mary Lake.
We stopped right here on a separate day to admire the spectacular views of the valley, St Mary Lake, and the encompassing mountain views.
The afternoon mild doesn’t present its magnificence – its the morning mild that does so plan accordingly. This was one in every of my favourite views within the park so add it to your Glacier Nationwide Park should see listing.
2. Go whitewater rafting on the Flathead River
If you happen to’ve by no means been on a rafting journey, it is a great spot to strive it out. The Flathead River has sufficient rapids to make it adventurous, however not so highly effective it throws you out of the raft!
At present, 4 corporations have permits to run whitewater rafting journeys on the Center Fork and North Fork of the river, and you’ll select between half day and full day journeys.
Whereas that is whitewater rafting, it’s extra like mild paddling, and a family-friendly exercise.
3. Go to Waterton-Glacier Worldwide Peace Park
The truth that you possibly can hike over the border into Canada boggles me, however that is one thing you are able to do! You do want your passport although, there’s a border crossing and immigration to go by way of – in any other case we’d all be doing it!
Go to the Waterton Glacier Worldwide Peace Park on the northern fringe of Glacier NP in Canada, which was created in 1932 because the world’s first Worldwide Peace Park.
The park was constructed as a logo of friendship and camaraderie between Canada and America in relation to preserving pure magnificence. It’s nicely value exploring this space for a singular perspective of the park.
4. Eat a huckleberry ice cream
One of many wild fruits that Glacier NP is thought for is huckleberry, which many individuals assume is a fictional fruit made up by Mark Twain in his Tom Sawyer novels.
Nope, they’re actual, and they’re scrumptious! They’re someplace between a blueberry and a blackberry, in the event you’ve by no means had one earlier than.
Head to The Huckleberry Patch, a restaurant that sells huckleberry ice cream and shakes, and check out it out.
Greatest Hikes in Glacier Nationwide Park
Apart from the scenic drive, mountaineering is one other prime factor to do in Glacier Nationwide Park.
It’s onerous to say what are the very best hikes in Glacier Nationwide Park as there are sooo many and we didn’t do all of them.
So we’ll share the Glacier Nationwide Park hikes we did and LOVED. Every of the next hikes would offer you a incredible overview of the varied surroundings of this nationwide park.
I really feel we did the very best mountaineering trails in glacier nationwide park. If you happen to can match any of those in you’ll have an unbelievable expertise. Make sure to select a hike that most closely fits your health ranges as a number of could have excessive elevation acquire.
All of those Glacier NP trails are incredible to do with children.
Lake McDonald Valley Hikes
Path of the Cedars (1 mile roundtrip)
The Path of the Cedars is a brief, paved wheelchair accessible one-mile roundtrip hike. Arrive early as parking will be a problem.
You’ll stroll alongside a rasied boardwalk by way of a forest of historical western purple cedars and western hemlocks.
The luxurious forest ground is roofed in ferns and mosses and a footbridge over Avalanche Creek gives attractive views of a small waterfall and the decrease Avalanche Gorge. That is the path for ambling and ideal household exercise in Glacier Nationwide Park.
Avalanche Lake (4 mile return)
You’ll be able to department off the Path of the Cedars to hike to Avalanche Lake. This can be a mild 4-mile return hike that follows the meandering Avalanche Creek.
It’s wooded and rocky in elements and barely elevated. It jogged my memory a lot of the Mirror Lake Path in Yosemite Nationwide Park, even the views on the finish had been very comparable.
Avalanche Lake is gorgeous and this is among the nicest Glacier Nationwide Park mountaineering trails for all ages.
Pack a picnic lunch. You’ll wish to relaxation on the shore of Avalanche Lake for some time to absorb the views of the towering mountains on the opposite facet with waterfalls gushing down its sides.
Apparently a bear was right here simply earlier than we arrived!
Logan Go Hikes
Hidden Lake Path (3.2 mile return)
Ranging from the Logan Go Customer Heart, that is one hike that’s simple for most individuals (and likewise highly regarded).
It’s 3 mile return that’s half boardwalk and path with an elevation acquire of slightly below 500 toes.
The stroll heads over lush alpine meadows and gives lovely expansive vistas and mountain views. With out realizing it you’ll cross over the Continental Divide right here simply earlier than the overlook.
The path brings you to the spectacular deep blue Hidden Lake. It’s bordered by rocky cliffs and mountain peaks. This can be a great place to have a picnic lunch.
We needed to proceed on all the way down to Hidden Lake (an extra 1.5 mile down a steep observe) however the grizzly bears had been simply not permitting it. Solely two days earlier than they’d killed a mountain goat which was nonetheless on the trail.
This makes it very unsafe to stroll so the path was closed. We didn’t see any bears on this path.
Highline Path (1 – 7.6 mile one-way)
Keep in mind that Backyard Wall I discussed on the Going to the Solar Highway? Now could be your likelihood to stroll alongside it and look down upon the Going-to-the-Solar highway.
The Backyard Wall is the sharp, glacier carved ridge that varieties a part of the Continental Divide. Strolling alongside it’s a spotlight of Glacier Nationwide Park.
Because the Hidden Lake Path was closed, we had a bit of additional time and determined to stroll a brief method alongside the start of this path, which is the place you get essentially the most lovely views.
The full size of this path is 11.6 miles – a method! It can finish at The Loop the place you possibly can then kind out a experience again on the shuttle bus. I doubt you’ll want to hike again!
The start of the path is sort of steep, slender and slightly scary firstly. Ropes tethered to the wall are there to information you and assist you really feel slightly safer. The views are phenomenal – watch out to not get too distracted by them.
It then widens and flattens out and takes you thru the huckleberry bushes. Don’t neglect to yell out “Hey Bear!”
We stopped right here after which turned again. You can proceed strolling to Haystack butte which is 3.5 miles into the stroll. From there the path takes you to Grinnell Glacier Overlook (7.6 miles) and on to Cracker Lake.
Flip again right here or hold strolling to The Loop. Of all of the epic Glacier Nationwide Park issues to do, this path is on my listing for once we return.
Many Glacier Hikes
When individuals gush about their Glacier experiences, it’s normally Many Glacier they speak about essentially the most.
This space has among the most accessible glaciers and is probably the very best place to identify wildlife. We noticed a mum and child black bear foraging by the facet of the highway as we drove into this space.
The views right here driving in alone are sufficient to let you know, you have got arrived at a particular place.
Grinnell Glacier Hike (11 mile return)
Wow! The place do you begin with the Grinnell Glacier hike?
We had been hesitating as we knew it was an 11 mile return hike, with the tip being very steep. We weren’t certain if mountaineering all the way in which as much as Higher Grinnell Lake can be value it?
Ought to we simply hike to Grinnell Lake and be glad? We received up near a glacier in North Cascades Nationwide Park only a few weeks earlier than.
Boy are we so glad we determined to maintain going!
On the prime of our listing of Glacier Nationwide Park hikes was the Iceberg Lake. It was shorter than Grinnell Glacier and also you’d get to see icebergs on the finish of it. That was going to be the final word.
However, then a grizzly bear killed a mountain goat so the path was closed.
After chatting with a number of rangers, we determined to do Grinnell Glacier as all of them stated it was in all probability the very best hike in Glacier for its excellent views and since you get to see a glacier, which sadly is quickly melting.
Surprisingly, particularly contemplating since we expressed our disappointment at not with the ability to see icebergs on the Iceberg path, not one ranger or particular person talked about that once we arrived at Higher Grinnell Lake we might see this…
Are you able to think about our shock and elation as we got here up from the final of the steep climbs attempting to know our breath and asking, “Are we there but?” and we noticed a milky turquoise lake fully lined in bopping icebergs.
We had been like what glacier?
However Grinnell Glacier was there on the mountain face standing guard over its chunks of ice it launched into the water. It was mesmerizing.
It was a scorching day as nicely and all of us contemplated leaping in for a calm down till we caught our huge toe in and determined it is likely to be slightly dangerous given the slippery sloping sides we’d need to try to climb again out of.
I don’t assume our physique would have too lengthy earlier than it shut down in these freezing temperatures.
So we sat within the solar having fun with the beautiful fantastic thing about Mom Nature and vowing to do much more to scale back our influence upon her treasured sources.
How might it’s doable that our future grandkids might by no means see this?
My favourite was listening to the children say – after a few hours of onerous mountaineering and whining – “Oh my God, this was so completely value it.”
What’s even higher in regards to the Grinnell Glacier hike is that the views all the way in which there and again are completely beautiful. You get panoramic views down into the valley over the good aqua of the well-known Glacier Nationwide Park Lakes: Grinnell Lake, Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine.
You stroll by way of huckleberry gardens and forested sections. It’s simply lovely.
We virtually noticed a grizzly bear as nicely. A fisherman yelled to us from down under {that a} grizzly was consuming from the sting of the lake. It was able the place we couldn’t see it (however we had been in a protected place).
The Fisherman, while alert didn’t appear to bothered, and quietly snuck on out. Seeing that grizzly would have made Grinnell Glacier the very best hike in America!
You’ll be able to simply hike to Grinnell Lake which is completely beautiful. I favored wanting down on it from above the path.
To avoid wasting your legs, you may get a ferry from Many Glacier Lodge to the opposite facet of Swiftcurrent Lake. A brief hike will take you to Josephine Lake the place one other boat will take you to the opposite facet.
From there it’s 1.5 miles overland to Grinnell Lake. We contemplated it, however figured as a consequence of ferry ready occasions and the price of the ferry, it will simply be simpler to simply hike it.
I’m so glad we did! Though I do assume boat excursions on the lake can be serene and exquisite. A unique household pleasant exercise in Glacier for us to return and do.
Two Drugs Valley Hikes
Two Drugs Valley is a quiet nook of Glacier Nationwide Park.
Earlier than the Going-to-the-Solar Highway was opened, this was one of many busier areas of the park. This space is for avid hikers in search of some high-altitude passes throughout the Continental Divide and people content material with a brief stroll and a picnic by the lake.
You may as well get pleasure from a cruise on Two Drugs Lake, the place you possibly can soar off and luxuriate in a two mile hike to double-flumed Twin Falls.
Operating Eagle Falls (0.6 miles roundtrip)
That is solely a brief path 0.6 miles roundtrip, however is de facto value doing if on this space. It’s handicap accessible and has a well-maintained path.
You’ll cross over a footbridge close to the stream which ends up in a surprising waterfall. There are many vantage factors within the space.
What made this waterfall so distinctive is that it seems to come back gushing out of a cave. Apparently throughout spring that is lined up by the amount of water speeding excessive of the 40 ft. ledge above.
As soon as that water dries up you possibly can see the water popping out of the 20 ft. sinkhole. I’m so glad we noticed it once we did because it was cool!
I cherished the story surrounding the title of this waterfall as nicely. It’s named after Operating Eagle (Pitamakan) a feminine warrior chief of the Blackfeet Nation who skilled a four-day imaginative and prescient quest within the mountains excessive above the falls.
It has a non secular essence right here.
FAQs About Visiting Glacier Nationwide Park
What number of days do you want in Glacier Nationwide Park?
I can’t fathom that you just’d go to Glacier Nationwide Park in a day, but when that’s your solely alternative, then do it. And comply with the Going-to-the-Solar highway and add in at the very least one of many hikes under.
Our suggestion is to go to for at the very least three days. We had 5 days within the Western Montana space, however solely spent three days exploring the nationwide park.
What time of 12 months is the very best time to go to Glacier Nationwide Park?
Peak season for visiting Glacier Nationwide Park is in July and August, so I’d purpose for the shoulder seasons of late June and early September to get pleasure from the very best climate and keep away from the crowds.
On account of its excessive altitude, many amenities don’t open till late June/early July, so that you may discover a few of these trails are closed in the event you go to within the Spring.
Decrease elevations will be visited as early as Could. From the tip of September, you will see that the climate will flip chilly and the paths sprinkled in snow.
You’ve gotten a comparatively quick window to get pleasure from Glacier NP with out snow.
What to do in the event you see a bear in Glacier NP?
Welcome to the land of the grizzly bear – essentially the most feared animal in my world. Keep in mind the Glacier Nationwide Park is their dwelling and you’re a visitor. So go to with respect and warning.
In case you are as scared as I used to be about grizzlies (and nonetheless are), you gained’t be as scared when you find yourself there on this beautiful park having fun with many lovely hikes and beautiful vistas.
We did take many precautions and had been very bear conscious your complete time.
Low and behold we didn’t see one grizzly! We did see just a few black bears although.
A couple of ideas for in the event you encounter a bear:
- By no means give bears quick access to your meals. On your security and theirs. Any bears searching for human meals should be faraway from the park so please defend their dwelling in addition to your self.
- Observe the rangers recommendation. They’re soo good at monitoring bears and shutting down trails as a consequence of any threatening bear exercise. Verify in with them. They’re working to maintain you and the bears protected.
- Hike in teams. We had a gaggle from 10 – 16 mountaineering on each path so I felt very protected with all our noise, particularly the children singing and screaming, Hey bear.
- Make sure to make noise. Yell out “hey bear”, clap and sing. Make the noise on blind corners so that you don’t startle any bears.
- Carry bear spray and solely use it if the bear comes near you. It’s a final resort however is supposed to be the very best one.
Excursions of Glacier Nationwide Park
Crimson Jammer Buses
You can not escape seeing the purple jammer buses driving alongside the Going-to-the-Solar-Highway. They positively add a whole lot of colour to the views.
They’re a nostalgic reminder of days passed by and have been serving the park for over 70 years.
It’s a simple strategy to sit again with the highest open, benefit from the views and have glacier guides let you know all in regards to the park and what you’re seeing.
It’s a Glacier Nationwide Park exercise for individuals who desire a extra stress-free expertise.
The place to remain for Glacier Nationwide Park
Near the western gate is the West Glacier, in all probability the most well-liked and nice gateway city in the event you don’t wish to keep within the park.
I’d suggest staying right here, close by Columbia Falls, or the beautiful city of Whitefish, which has numerous lodging choices.
Belton Chalet is the park’s oldest resort inbuilt 1910. We stayed not too far exterior West Glacier.
Glacier Nationwide Park Tenting
Most campgrounds function on a first-come, first-served foundation with various charges.
Fish Creek and St Mary Campgrounds and half of Many Glacier Campground will be reserved. There aren’t any hook ups.
Get all the main points right here.
Glacier Nationwide Park Lodges
When a Swiss chalet meets a looking lodge, you get the ambiance of Lake McDonald Lodge.
It’s completely situated on the sting of the lake and close to many mountaineering trails. Price taking a look even in the event you aren’t staying right here.
Many Glacier Lodge
I’m dissatisfied we completed our Grinnell Glacier hike so late and missed testing Manny Glacier Lodge, a well-liked and beautiful previous type lodge on Swiftcurrent Lake.
The views right here of the glaciers and lakes are supposed to be phenomenal. If you happen to can, this could be an incredible place to remain stuffed with otherworldly allure and tranquility.
Issues to Do close to Glacier Nationwide Park with Youngsters
Aerial Journey Park
Head to the impediment course excessive up into the bushes on the Whitefish Mountain Resort. We cherished the 2 hours we spent there with associates for Savannah’s birthday.
We want we had extra time to finish the tougher blue and black ranges of the Aerial Journey Park however a thunder storm unexpectantly rolled by way of they usually needed to shut the course.
It was in all probability the very best excessive ropes course we’ve performed. We traversed the bushes by way of cable bridges, climbing rope ladders and swinging trapezes. And a few enjoyable zip strains too!
What I cherished most was watching the children working collectively to get by way of the course, supporting and inspiring. That is why you do actions like this – it’s true crew constructing and exhibits you that we’re all on this collectively, and true pleasure comes from collaboration and reaching collectively.
I spent your complete time transferring by way of the programs with the children and I had a blast spending such treasured time with them.
Whitefish Mountain Resort additionally gives zip line excursions, scenic raise rides, alpine rides and mountain biking in the summertime.
After all, within the winter it’s all about snowboarding. Their lodges with scorching tubs on the deck look very attractive.
Discover Bigfork and Flathead Lake
The close by city of Bigfork is value testing. Nestled on the northeast nook of Flathead Lake, the most important pure freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, it’s surrounded by beautiful forests and near the Rocky Mountains in Glacier NP.
It’s the place you will see that the Jewel Basin mountaineering space, by way of Flathead Nationwide Forest, however it’s value staying within the city too.
Bigfork has a vibrant arts scene, significantly on the Bigfork Summer season Playhouse, a famend theater which regularly has Broadway productions and globally recognised acts.
Closing Ideas
From hikes, to lake actions, to scenic drives, horseback using, and wildlife viewing, any type of curiosity is catered to at Glacier Nationwide Park.
It has waterfalls, lake, alpine and wooded forests, snow peaked mountains, valleys, grizzly bears, icebergs and glaciers.
It’s on par with Olympic Nationwide Park and Yellowstone Nationwide Park for unrivalled variety, which is why it’s included in our greatest USA highway journeys listing!
What do you assume? Would you want to go to Glacier Nationwide Park? The place else is in your listing? Tell us within the feedback.
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