Pack your bags for an unforgettable adventure in Montana Glacier National Park, where the rugged peaks of the Rockies meet wild, untouched wilderness. Traveling through Going-to-the-Sun Road, find peace beside the calm waters of Hidden Lake, and trek through diverse landscapes with wildlife.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker eager for challenging trails or simply yearning to relax in nature, this guide offers the best experiences Majestic National Park has to offer. Let’s explore the 15 best things to do in Glacier National Park.
Table of Contents
Below are the 14 best things to do in Montana Glacier National Park.
1. Travel along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Driving along Going-to-the-Sun Road is an iconic experience in Glacier National Park. This scenic route offers unparalleled views of the park’s rugged terrain, providing travelers with a picturesque journey across the Continental Divide. The road itself is an engineering marvel, winding through mountains and offering views of valleys, waterfalls, and glaciers.
Visitors are encouraged to take their time, utilizing the pullouts to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. The drive is a highlight of any visit to Glacier, encapsulating the park’s majestic beauty.
2. Next head toward Logan Pass.
Logan Pass, accessible via the Going-to-the-Sun Road, is a must-visit destination within Glacier National Park. As the highest point on the road, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The area is a starting point for several popular hiking trails, including the Hidden Lake and the Highline Trail. The pass is known for its vibrant wildflower meadows and frequent wildlife sightings, including mountain goats and bighorn sheep, providing an immersive nature experience.
3. Try different hikes.
Glacier National Park’s hiking trails offer something for everyone, from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. Each trail showcases the park’s diverse ecosystems, from dense forests and alpine meadows to rugged peaks and serene lakes.
Popular trails include the Trail of the Cedars, Avalanche Lake, and the strenuous Grinnell Glacier. Hiking in Glacier allows visitors to explore the park’s natural beauty up close, encountering waterfalls, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes.
4. Explore the region surrounding the Many Glaciers.
The Many Glacier area is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, featuring rugged mountains, sparkling lakes, and active glaciers.
This region, often referred to as the heart of Glacier National Park, provides a sanctuary for diverse wildlife and offers some of the most spectacular hiking trails in the park, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
5. Find out about the Two Medicine Area.
Two Medicine Area offers a serene escape within Glacier National Park, distinguished by its dramatic scenery and peaceful ambiance. This lesser-visited part of the park allows visitors to experience the tranquility of nature through its pristine lakes, dense forests, and quiet trails. It’s a perfect spot for those seeking solitude and an intimate connection with the natural world.
6. Enjoy a day at Lake McDonald Valley.
Lake McDonald Valley boasts the iconic Lake McDonald, known for its crystal-clear waters set against a backdrop of towering mountains. The valley is a hub for outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and wildlife watching.
Its accessible location and breathtaking scenery make it a favorite among visitors, encapsulating the majestic beauty of Glacier National Park.
7. Join a Red Bus Tour.
Experiencing Glacier National Park through a Red Bus Tour offers a unique and comprehensive way to see the park. These vintage vehicles provide a nostalgic touch while allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic views and insightful commentary from knowledgeable guides.
It’s a perfect option for those who prefer a guided experience or have limited time in the park.
8. View the Island of Wild Goose.
Wild Goose Island, set against the backdrop of Saint Mary Lake, is one of Glacier National Park’s most photographed spots. Its small size belies the grandeur of its setting, offering a picturesque scene that encapsulates the park’s natural beauty. It’s a must-see for every visitor, providing a moment of awe and wonder.
9. Cruises around the lakes in Glacier National Park.
Boat tours on Glacier National Park’s lakes offer a serene and immersive way to experience the park’s stunning landscapes from a different perspective.
These tours allow visitors to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery, including rugged mountains and pristine waters, making for an unforgettable adventure.
10. Enter the national park of Waterton Lakes.
Crossing into Waterton Lakes National Park from Glacier National Park extends your adventure into Canada, where you can enjoy a different, yet complementary, natural landscape.
Waterton Lakes offers its unique beauty, with stunning vistas, wildlife, and trails that range from leisurely walks to challenging hikes, making it an essential extension of your Glacier National Park visit.
11. Follow the Cedars Trail on foot.
The Trail of the Cedars is an accessible nature trail in Glacier National Park, offering a tranquil walk through a lush cedar forest. This loop trail features boardwalks and bridges over Avalanche Creek, leading to a viewpoint of Avalanche Gorge, making it suitable for all ages and abilities.
12. Gain an understanding of Avalanche Lake.
Avalanche Lake is a popular destination within Glacier National Park, known for its crystal-clear waters framed by steep mountainsides and waterfalls. The hike to Avalanche Lake starts with the Trail of the Cedars, then splits off through the forest, opening up to the spectacular views of the lake, and providing a rewarding experience for those who undertake the journey.
14. Hike up to St. Mary Falls.
Journeying to St. Mary Falls involves a relatively easy hike that rewards visitors with views of one of Glacier National Park’s most accessible and beautiful waterfalls. The trail winds through recovering forest areas, offering a mix of shade and open areas, with the falls providing a cool, serene spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.
13. Get a glimpse of Hidden Lake.
Discovering Hidden Lake involves a scenic hike starting at Logan Pass. The trail offers panoramic views of alpine meadows and mountain peaks, and chances to see wildlife. Reaching the overlook rewards with stunning views of Hidden Lake, a pristine alpine lake nestled among the mountains, making it a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers alike.
15. Hike along the Highline Trail.
The Highline Trail presents a more challenging adventure, known for its breathtaking views along the Continental Divide. Starting from Logan Pass, this trail offers a thrilling experience with its narrow paths and cliffs, while also providing opportunities to see diverse flora and wildlife. It’s a rewarding hike for those looking for a bit of adventure and stunning landscape views.
Avalanche Lake is the ideal spot for hikes in Glacier National Park.
To truly explore Glacier National Park, a weekend isn’t enough. Many visitors return annually, always discovering new areas. Opt for at least a four-night stay to delve deeper.
Montana’s Glacier National Park and Alberta’s Waterton Lakes National Park, together known as the first international peace park, provide a breathtaking high-country spectacle of wood, ice, water, and rock.
The most scenic drive in Glacier National Park and the US is Going-to-the-Sun Road. This 50-mile road goes through mountains and over the Continental Divide.
