Introduction
Glacier National Park is one of my top three national parks within the United States. The park is located in northwestern Montana, on the border with Canada and stands as a testament to the raw beauty and ecological diversity of the Rocky Mountains.
Glacier National Park spans more than 1 million acres (4,000 km²), straddling the Canada–United States border. It encompasses parts of two mountain ranges, the Lewis and Livingston ranges, both sub-ranges of the Rocky Mountains. The park boasts over 130 named lakes, including the iconic Lake McDonald and Swiftcurrent Lake. Its pristine ecosystem is at the heart of the "Crown of the Continent Ecosystem," covering a staggering 16,000 square miles (41,000 km²). In 2023, Glacier National Park welcomed nearly 3 million visitors. Attendance dipped in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but rebounded. It remains one of the top 10 most visited national parks in the United States.
The region that would become Glacier National Park was inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years. European explorers encountered the Blackfeet in the east and the Flathead in the western regions. In 1895, the Blackfeet ceded their mountainous treaty lands to the federal government, which later became part of the park. On May 11, 1910, President Taft signed the bill establishing Glacier as the country's 10th national park. Influential leaders like George Bird Grinnell played a crucial role in advocating for its creation.
The park is home to 71 species of mammals, from the tiny pygmy shrew to majestic elk weighing over 500 pounds. Grizzly and black bears roam its forests. The park's waters host a mix of native and invasive fish species. Visit Wikipedia for more information on the park.
Drive the Goin-to-the-Sun Road is a must do. We have not been to the top of Logan Pass without seeing a mountain goat. Lastly, we would like to thank the Glacier National Park Conservancy for their webcams and the incredible work they do within the park.
Going-to-the-Sun Road stretches about 50 miles between the West Entrance and St. Mary Entrance, and climbs to 6,466 ft (2,025 m) at Logan Pass. The road is known for its spectacular views, rich history, and large glaciers that are visibly fragile. The road was first conceived by superintendent George Goodwin in 1917, who became the chief engineer of the Park Service the following year. The road was one of the first National Park Service projects specifically intended to accommodate the automobile-borne tourist. There are numerous stopping points along the road, and visitors can take advantage of the many pullouts to take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The road is open seasonally, typically from late June to mid-October, depending on weather conditions. There is a free shuttle that transports visitors along the road. For more information the link is below.
Vehicle Reservations are now required. Reservations can be made at recreation.gov.
Top Hikes
Glacier National Park is home to some of the most spectacular hiking trails in the United States. There are over 700 miles of trails. For a full list of hikes go to the NPS site.
The NPS has maps and hikes within the park, broken down by area. Click on the links to get more information. Lake McDonald, Many Glacier, North Fork and Goat Haunt, St Mary/Logan Pass and Two Medicine.
Here are some of our favorite hikes.
Highline Trail: I personally love this hike. It is 11.6 miles (18.7 km) point-to-point and has a total ascent of 800 feet (244 m) and a total descent of 3000 feet (914 m). The difficulty level is moderate, and the length of time required is 6 to 8 hours. The trail starts at Logan Pass and follows the Garden Wall, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail ends at The Loop, where you can take the free park shuttle back to your car at Logan Pass.
Avalanche Lake: This hike is 5.9 miles (9.5 km) out-and-back and has a total ascent of 500 feet (152 m). The difficulty level is easy to moderate, and the length of time required is 2 to 3 hours. The trail at Lake McDonald starts south of the Avalanche Gorge Footbridge on the Trail of the Cedars and winds its way through old-growth cedars and hemlock forest. The boardwalk meanders along the roaring stream to a beautiful glacial melt lake fed by waterfalls from the surrounding alpine bowl. The trail gradually climbs along Avalanche Creek, featuring spectacular scenery and glimpses of birds and wildlife that inhabit the area. Plant enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse species of flora.
Hidden Lake Overlook: This hike is 5.4 miles (8.7 km) out-and-back and has a total ascent of 1,325 feet (405 m). This hike takes about 3 hours. The trail starts behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center and winds through open meadows, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trail then leads to the Hidden Lake Overlook, where you can enjoy a sweeping panorama of the glittering alpine lake 750 feet (228 m) below, with Bearhat Mountain looming at 2,300 feet (700 m) over it and Sperry Glacier and Gunsight Mountain to the south.
Backpacking
Backpacking within the park is incredibly beautiful. Weather can turn ugly, make sure to bring clothing layers. There are around 1,000 bears in the park. Carry bear spray ( how to use bear spray ) and make noise to let them know you are around. Permits are required for any overnight stay. Advanced reservations/lottery can be made at recreation.gov. Make sure to carry a bear resistant food container and a water filter.
Below are three incredible hikes.
The Siyeh Pass Trail takes you through gorgeous alpine scenery, with stunning mountain vistas, wildflowers, and abundant wildlife. The trail reaches an impressive elevation of 8,000 feet and provides panoramic views of Mt. Siyeh, Going-to-the-Sun Mountain, Matahpi Peak, and St. Mary Lake. The trailhead is located 2.2 miles east of Logan Pass on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Roundtrip the trail is 9.4 miles (15.1 km), with an elevation gain of 2,135 feet (650 m). The highest point of the hike is at 8,000 feet (2,438 m).
Trails of the Cedars & Avalanche Lake is one of the most popular and easier backpacking trips in Glacier National Park due to the lake’s incredibly clear blue waters and the stunning views you will encounter throughout your trip. The Avalanche Lake Trailhead not far from the West Entrance of the park, just past Lake McDonald. Roundtrip the hike is 5.9 miles (9.5 km) roundtrip, with an elevation gain of 757 feet (231 m).
The Granite Park Chalet (Loop Trail) in Glacier National Park is a historic wilderness lodge nestled at an elevation of 6,693 feet above sea level. It offers unparalleled backcountry hospitality in one of the park's most panoramic and pristine wilderness environments. The hike to the Granite Park Chalet begins from The Loop, a sharp bend in the Going-to-the-Sun Road on the west side of the park, 13.1 miles east of the Lake McDonald Lodge, near the apex in the bend of the road. You will not need a backcountry permit with a reservation. The Loop trail is 8.4 miles (13.5 km) roundtrip, with an elevation gain of 2,450 feet (747 m). For more information on reservations and accommodations, visit the website.
Campgrounds
There are many campgrounds within the park. Some require reservations and some are first-come first-served.
There are several first-come, first-served campgrounds in Glacier National Park. Here are some of them:
Bowman Lake Campground: Located in the North Fork area of the park, approximately 32.5 miles (52 km) from the west entrance and 30 miles (48 km) from the Canadian border. The campground is located close to the shore of Bowman Lake and camp sites are within trees for shade and some privacy. The campground has 48 sites and is open from June 15 to September 15. Trailers and RVs are not allowed in the campground.
Cut Bank Campground: Located on the east side of the park, the campground is accessed by a 5 mile (8 km) dirt road off of Highway 89. The campground is located among trees, providing shade and privacy for tent campers. RVs are not recommended due to the road conditions and campground layout. The campground has 14 sites and is open from mid-June to mid-September.
Kintla Lake Campground Located in the uppermost northwest section of the park, known as the North Fork, approximately 40 miles (64 km) from the west entrance and the Canadian border. The campground is Glacier National Park's most remote campground. It offers 13 primitive sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground sits on Kintla Lake, which is surrounded by trees, providing shade, cover, and filtered views of the lake and the mountains that circle it. Trailers and RVs are not allowed in the campground.
Logging Creek Campground Located on the west side of the park, south of Polebridge. It is one of the smaller campgrounds in the park and offers 7 primitive sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is situated along Logging Creek between limestone cliffs and conifer-covered mountain sides at an elevation of 4,500 feet or 1,372 meters. Trailers and RVs are not allowed in the campground.
Quartz Creek Campground L ocated on the west side of Glacier National Park, south of Polebridge. It is the smallest campground in the park with 7 primitive sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is situated along Logging Creek between limestone cliffs and conifer-covered mountain
Rising Sun Campground Located just west of St. Mary and halfway along St. Mary Lake in Glacier National Park. The campground offers 84 single-family campsites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs. Some sites are open, allowing for cool breezes throughout the day, while others are located among trees, accommodating those seeking some shade and privacy. The campground is situated at an elevation of 4,639 feet or 1,414 meters.
Reservation Campgrounds Reservations can be made at recreation.gov
Apgar campground is the largest campground in the park. It is located close to the amenities of Apgar Village and Lake McDonald. The campground has 194 sites. It is situated in trees and provides tent and RV campers with shade and some privacy. Evening sunsets on Lake McDonald are only a short stroll, and you won't want to miss evening programs with a ranger at the Apgar Amphitheater. Apgar is situated at an elevation of 3,173 feet (967 meters) above sea level.
Avalanche Campground, located in one of the most popular sections of the park, west of the Continental Divide. The campground offers 87 single-family campsites set beneath old growth cedar and hemlock trees. The elevation at the campground is 1,029 meters above sea level. The campground can accommodate trailers and RVs to 26 feet (8 m).
Fish Creek Campground, located on the northwest shore of Lake McDonald, the largest lake in Glacier National Park. It is the second largest campground in the park with 178 campsites for tents, trailers, and RVs. The campground is situated in a heavily forested area and many campsites have views of Lake McDonald. Each campsite also has a table, fire ring, grate, and food storage locker. The campground offers amenities such as drinking water, flush toilets, fire rings, food storage lockers, and an amphitheater with park-ranger programs. You can also enjoy hiking, fishing, picnicking, biking, and wildlife viewing in the area.
Many Glacier Campground is located on the east side of the park, near the town of Babb, Montana, at an elevation of approximately 4,500 feet or 1,372 meters above sea level. The campground offers 109 campsites for tents, trailers, and RVs. The area is known for wildlife viewing.
St. Mary Campground is the largest campground on the east side of the park, located approximately a half-mile from the St. Mary Visitor Center. The campground offers 178 campsites for tents, trailers, and RVs. The St Mary Visitor Center provides shuttle service tours.
Sprague Creek Campground is a small campground located on the northeast shore of Lake McDonald. The campground is situated within trees, providing shade during warm summers. Some sites near the shore have unobstructed views of Lake McDonald. The campground offers 25 single-family campsites and is only open for tent campers or RVs under 21 feet (6.4 m).
Two Medicine Campground, located in the Two Medicine Valley. It is situated at an elevation of approximately 5,183 feet or 1,579 meters above sea level. The campground offers 100 sites for tents, trailers, and RVs. Boat and Red Bus tours are located nearby.
Lodging
There are six lodges/chalets located in the park. Go to the NPS website for more information.
Lake McDonald Lodge is a historic lodge located within Glacier National Park, Montana, United States. The lodge is situated on the eastern shore of beautiful Lake McDonald and was built in 1913 based on Kirtland Cutter's design. The lodge offers a variety of rooms, including standard rooms, suites, and cabins. The rooms are rustic, yet comfortable, and offer guests modest amenities and old-world style accommodations resulting in a one-of-a kind, National Park lodging experience. The lodge has a picturesque location on the northern shore of Lake McDonald with 82 guest rooms split between a main lodge and a row of duplex-style cabins. The lodge is open from the end of May through September.
Many Glacier Hotel is a historic hotel located on the eastern shore of Swiftcurrent Lake. The building is designed as a series of chalets, up to four stories tall, and stretches for a substantial distance along the lakeshore. The hotel has 214 rooms and offers a fine dining restaurant, lounge, gift shop, and snack shop. Red Bus tours, boat cruises, and other activities, including horseback riding, are available at this Swiss-style lodge. There are no televisions or air conditioning. The hotel is open from mid-June to mid-September.
Apgar Village Lodge is situated on the western shore of Lake McDonald and offers rustic lodging at one of the best locations in Glacier National Park. The lodge offers a variety of rooms, including standard rooms, suites, and cabins. The rooms are rustic, yet comfortable, and offer guests modest amenities and old-world style accommodations resulting in a one-of-a kind, National Park lodging experience.
Motel Lake McDonald is situated on the western shore of Lake McDonald and offers rustic lodging at one of the best locations in Glacier National Park. The motel offers a variety of rooms, including standard rooms, suites, and cabins.
Sperry Chalet is a historic hotel, opened in 1914 by the Great Northern Railway and was a National Historic Landmark contributing property, being one of five structures in the Great Northern Railway Buildings National Historic Landmark. The chalet is located about seven miles east of Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park. The chalet offers 17 guest rooms and is only accessible by hiking or horseback riding. The chalet is open from July to September and reservations are required. Meals are provided.
Granite Park Chalet was opened in 1914 by the Great Northern Railway and is a National Historic Landmark contributing property, being one of five structures in the Great Northern Railway Buildings National Historic Landmark. The chalet is located about seven miles east of Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park. The chalet offers 17 guest rooms and is only accessible by hiking or horseback riding. The chalet is open from July to September and reservations are required. Meals are provided.
Restaurants
There are a number of restaurants in Glacier National Park.
Apgar Area
Eddie's Cafe is a family-owned and operated restaurant, gift shop, camp supply, and ice-cream shop located in Apgar Village in Glacier National Park. It has been open in the park for over 60 years and is a popular spot for visitors to the park. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is open daily. The menu includes American cuisine, vegetarian-friendly options, and ice cream.
Lake McDonald Lodge
Russell's Fireside Dining Room is a unique dining space that recalls the building’s hunting lodge origins. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is open daily. The menu focuses on local fare and includes a full breakfast buffet as well as a lighter, continental buffet option. The restaurant seats on a first-come, first-served basis.
Jammer Joe's Grill & Pizzeria is a family-friendly restaurant offers a variety of American cuisine, vegetarian-friendly options, and ice cream. The restaurant is open daily. The menu includes all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, create-your-own-pizza, and fresh soup, salads and sandwiches. Customers have praised the restaurant for its good pizza, friendly staff, and relaxed atmosphere.
Lucke's Lounge is a restaurant located in Apgar Village and offers a relaxed atmosphere with views of shimmering Lake McDonald. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is open daily. The menu includes American cuisine, vegetarian-friendly options, and crafted cocktails.
Many Glaciers
Ptarmigan Dining Room offers a continental cuisine with a view of the lake and the surrounding peaks. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is open daily. The restaurant does not accept reservations and seats on a first-come, first-served basis.
Swiss Lounge offers a relaxed atmosphere with views of shimmering Lake McDonald. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is open daily. The menu includes American cuisine, vegetarian-friendly options, and crafted cocktails.
Nell's offers a variety of dining choices in a fast casual environment. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is open daily. The menu includes American cuisine, pizza, and vegetarian-friendly options. Customers have praised the restaurant for its good food, friendly staff, and relaxed atmosphere.
Heidi's Snack Shop & Espresso Stand is a restaurant located in the basement of the Many Glacier Hotel. It offers a variety of snacks, sandwiches, and drinks, including coffee and espresso-based beverages. The restaurant is open daily.
Stores
The stores below are located within Glacier National Park. The stores are listed by location. A link to the NPS site is below.
Apgar: Eddie's Mercantile is a family-owned and has been open in the park for over 60 years. It is a full park mercantile including wine and beer, and is proud to be the only grocery type store in the park. They also offer camping supplies, firewood, and ice.
Lake McDonald: The Lodge Campstore offers a variety of camping supplies, groceries, and souvenirs.
Many Glacier: The Swiftcurrent Campstore is a located in the main building off the lobby of the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. It offers a wide variety of grocery items, hot coffee, camping supplies, and souvenirs.
Rising Sun: The Rising Sun Campstore offers a wide variety of grocery items, hot coffee, camping supplies, and souvenirs.