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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 via 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 mountain climbing is the rationale most individuals come right here, there’s an unimaginable quantity of issues to do in Glacier Nationwide Park that make it a worthy cease on anybody’s Montana street journey.
From scenic drives to wildlife recognizing alternatives, from waterfalls to lakes, for those who’re in search of concepts on what to do in Glacier NP, then you definately’re in the fitting place. Learn on to find out about what we received as much as on our go to.
About Glacier Nationwide Park
Situated 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 Cross 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 Cross and Going-to-the-Solar-Highway
- Lake McDonald Valley
Though the title suggests it’s well-known for glaciers, it’s truly 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 record of issues to see AND the record that claims, don’t let me get too near a grizzly once I do!
Glacier Nationwide Park additionally holds the next accolades; it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, 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 take pleasure in and gawk at.
The park’s glaciers are vital 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.
Permit 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 basically your personal survival.
Though it’s widespread, most guests keep on 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).
The way to get to Glacier Nationwide Park?
Glacier Nationwide Park is positioned in Western Montana, on the border of Canada to the north.
The best solution to get to Glacier Nationwide Park is by automotive. It offers you the best flexibility in getting across the park, however you may additionally need to contemplate the free shuttle.
You may get a personal shuttle from Whitefish Lake and Glacier Nationwide Park Airport and wherever within the Flathead Valley to the park and again. Study 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 japanese facet of the park.
Nonetheless, I cherished the liberty of getting our personal car 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 too can get to the park by practice journey too.
Finest issues to do in Glacier Nationwide Park
There’s an unimaginable and various quantity of points of interest in Glacier Nationwide Park. Listed here are a number of the hottest issues to do!
1. Drive the Going to the Solar Highway Scenic Drive
You’ll be amazed by this engineering feat that gives unimaginable vistas, sheer drop offs, and maybe a bit of little bit of terror. It’s certainly one of America’s finest 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 Cross.
The street has been carved into the perimeters of the mountain because it winds its means as much as Logan’s Cross after which again down eastwards in the direction of St Mary Customer Middle the place it ends on the japanese shore of St Mary Lake.
Interpretative panels are set alongside the street so that you can be taught extra about how glaciers created this space and level out any notable options.
Being one of the widespread points of interest, we advocate getting an early begin because the street can get very busy and discovering a park at Logan’s Cross is difficult!
Factors of Curiosity alongside Going to the Solar Highway
There are many day hikes to do alongside the best way, so for those who solely have at some point to discover the Going to the Solar Highway, then you definately undoubtedly need to begin early, particularly in case you are visiting Glacier with children.
Lake McDonald Valley
Your drive will begin via the Lake McDonald Valley, which has the park’s largest lake and dense historic temperate rainforests.
There are many mountain climbing trails on this space so that you can take pleasure in this lush and verdant space so totally different to the remainder of the park.
I like to recommend leaving them for an additional day, particularly in case you are doing different hikes up close to Logan Cross, 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 well-known mountain climbing trails in Glacier Nationwide Park, the Highline Loop. Cease to benefit from the starting of the elegant views to return.
Backyard Wall and Weeping Wall
That is the part the place the street cuts precariously into the Backyard Wall. Breathe deep as it may be scary at instances.
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 move by the favored Weeping Wall, which glistens because of the seasonal waterfall operating down it.
There wasn’t any actual water operating after we drove previous. Your automotive might get soaking if its operating whenever you go to.
You would spend hours alongside this stretch of the street pulling over on the many pullovers to benefit from the views.
Logan Cross
Logan Cross is the very best level within the park navigable by automotive. Tens of millions of years in the past, highly effective glaciers carved out lush meadows full of wildflower and wildlife.
It is a nice stopping off level to stretch your legs, browse the customer middle and revel in one of many a number of hikes that depart from Logan Cross. We’ll share these within the hike part beneath.
As talked about, the Logan Cross car parking zone will get very busy through the widespread summer time months of July and August. So you should definitely 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 Middle to understand views down over the St Mary Valley. We noticed numerous bighorn sheep right here proper on the sting of the car parking zone.
Jackson Glacier Overlook
Jackson Glacier Overlook on the 36 mile mark is likely one of 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 Cross are sensational. Of all of the Glacier Nationwide Park lakes this view needs to be one of the 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 course 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 encircling mountain views.
The afternoon gentle doesn’t present its magnificence – its the morning gentle that does so plan accordingly. This was certainly one of my favourite views within the park so add it to your Glacier Nationwide Park should see record.
2. Go whitewater rafting on the Flathead River
If you happen to’ve by no means been on a rafting journey, this can be 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 firms have permits to run whitewater rafting journeys on the Center Fork and North Fork of the river, and you may 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 move via – 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 an emblem of friendship and camaraderie between Canada and America on the subject of preserving pure magnificence. It’s nicely value exploring this space for a novel 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, for those who’ve by no means had one earlier than.
Head to The Huckleberry Patch, a restaurant that sells huckleberry ice cream and shakes, and take a look at it out.
Finest Hikes in Glacier Nationwide Park
In addition to the scenic drive, mountain climbing is one other high factor to do in Glacier Nationwide Park.
It’s exhausting to say what are one of the 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 provide you with a implausible overview of the various surroundings of this nationwide park.
I really feel we did one of the best mountain climbing trails in glacier nationwide park. If you happen to can match any of those in you should have an unimaginable expertise. Remember to select a hike that most closely fits your health ranges as a number of can have excessive elevation acquire.
All of those Glacier NP trails are implausible 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 via a forest of historic western purple cedars and western hemlocks.
The plush 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 excellent household exercise in Glacier Nationwide Park.
Avalanche Lake (4 mile return)
You possibly can department off the Path of the Cedars to hike to Avalanche Lake. It is 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 have been very comparable.
Avalanche Lake is gorgeous and this is likely one of the nicest Glacier Nationwide Park mountain climbing trails for all ages.
Pack a picnic lunch. You’ll need to relaxation on the shore of Avalanche Lake for some time to soak up 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 Cross Hikes
Hidden Lake Path (3.2 mile return)
Ranging from the Logan Cross Customer Middle, that is one hike that’s simple for most individuals (and in addition extremely popular).
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 stunning 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. It is a good spot to have a picnic lunch.
We needed to proceed on right down to Hidden Lake (an extra 1.5 mile down a steep monitor) however the grizzly bears have been simply not permitting it. Solely two days earlier than that they had 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’s your likelihood to stroll alongside it and look down upon the Going-to-the-Solar street.
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 means alongside the start of this path, which is the place you get probably the most stunning views.
The overall size of this path is 11.6 miles – a technique! It would finish at The Loop the place you possibly can then type out a trip again on the shuttle bus. I doubt you’ll want to hike again!
The start of the path is kind of steep, slim and a bit of scary originally. Ropes tethered to the wall are there to information you and show you how to really feel a bit of 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 overlook to yell out “Hey Bear!”
We stopped right here after which turned again. You would 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 record for after we return.
Many Glacier Hikes
When individuals gush about their Glacier experiences, it’s often Many Glacier they discuss probably the most.
This space has a number of the most accessible glaciers and is probably one of the best place to identify wildlife. We noticed a mum and child black bear foraging by the facet of the street as we drove into this space.
The views right here driving in alone are sufficient to let you know, you’ve gotten arrived at a particular place.
Grinnell Glacier Hike (11 mile return)
Wow! The place do you begin with the Grinnell Glacier hike?
We have been hesitating as we knew it was an 11 mile return hike, with the tip being very steep. We weren’t certain if mountain climbing all the best way as much as Higher Grinnell Lake could be value it?
Ought to we simply hike to Grinnell Lake and be happy? 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 high of our record 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 mentioned it was most likely one of the 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 having the ability to see icebergs on the Iceberg path, not one ranger or individual talked about that after 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 understand our breath and asking, “Are we there but?” and we noticed a milky turquoise lake fully coated in bopping icebergs.
We have 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 perhaps a bit of dangerous given the slippery sloping sides we’d should attempt 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 great thing about Mom Nature and vowing to do much more to scale back our influence upon her treasured assets.
How may it’s doable that our future grandkids might by no means see this?
My favourite was listening to the youngsters say – after a few hours of exhausting mountain climbing and whining – “Oh my God, this was so completely value it.”
What’s even higher concerning the Grinnell Glacier hike is that the views all the best way there and again are completely beautiful. You get panoramic views down into the valley over the sensible aqua of the well-known Glacier Nationwide Park Lakes: Grinnell Lake, Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine.
You stroll via huckleberry gardens and forested sections. It’s simply stunning.
We nearly noticed a grizzly bear as nicely. A fisherman yelled to us from down beneath {that a} grizzly was ingesting from the sting of the lake. It was ready the place we couldn’t see it (however we have been in a secure place).
The Fisherman, while alert didn’t appear to bothered, and quietly snuck on out. Seeing that grizzly would have made Grinnell Glacier one of the best hike in America!
You possibly can simply hike to Grinnell Lake which is totally beautiful. I favored wanting down on it from above the path.
To save lots of your legs, you may get a ferry from Many Glacier Resort 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 result of ferry ready instances and the price of the ferry, it might simply be simpler to only hike it.
I’m so glad we did! Though I do assume boat excursions on the lake could 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 also take pleasure in a cruise on Two Drugs Lake, the place you possibly can soar off and revel 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 actually 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 results in a surprising waterfall. There are many vantage factors within the space.
What made this waterfall so distinctive is that it seems to return gushing out of a cave. Apparently throughout spring that is coated up by the quantity 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 after 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 simply’d go to Glacier Nationwide Park in a day, but when that’s your solely alternative, then do it. And observe the Going-to-the-Solar street and add in at the very least one of many hikes beneath.
Our advice 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 yr is one of the best time to go to Glacier Nationwide Park?
Peak season for visiting Glacier Nationwide Park is in July and August, so I’d intention for the shoulder seasons of late June and early September to take pleasure in one of the best climate and keep away from the crowds.
As a consequence of its excessive altitude, many services don’t open till late June/early July, so that you may discover a few of these trails are closed for those who go to within the Spring.
Decrease elevations will be visited as early as Could. From the tip of September, you’ll discover the climate will flip chilly and the paths sprinkled in snow.
You’ve got a comparatively quick window to take pleasure in Glacier NP with out snow.
What to do for those who see a bear in Glacier NP?
Welcome to the land of the grizzly bear – probably the most feared animal in my world. Keep in mind the Glacier Nationwide Park is their residence 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’re there on this beautiful park having fun with many stunning hikes and beautiful vistas.
We did take many precautions and have been very bear conscious the complete time.
Low and behold we didn’t see one grizzly! We did see just a few black bears although.
A couple of suggestions for for those who encounter a bear:
- By no means give bears easy accessibility to your meals. To your security and theirs. Any bears searching for human meals have to be faraway from the park so please defend their residence in addition to your self.
- Comply with the rangers recommendation. They’re soo good at monitoring bears and shutting down trails as a result of any threatening bear exercise. Test in with them. They’re working to maintain you and the bears secure.
- Hike in teams. We had a gaggle from 10 – 16 mountain climbing on each path so I felt very secure with all our noise, particularly the youngsters singing and screaming, Hey bear.
- Remember 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 one of the 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 undoubtedly add plenty of coloration 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 solution to sit again with the highest open, benefit from the views and have glacier guides let you know all concerning the park and what you’re seeing.
It’s a Glacier Nationwide Park exercise for individuals who need a extra enjoyable expertise.
The place to remain for Glacier Nationwide Park
Near the western gate is the West Glacier, most likely the most well-liked and nice gateway city for those who don’t need to keep within the park.
I’d advocate staying right here, close by Columbia Falls, or the stunning city of Whitefish, which has numerous lodging choices.
Belton Chalet is the park’s oldest resort inbuilt 1910. We stayed not too far outdoors 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 are not 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 positioned on the sting of the lake and close to many mountain climbing trails. Value taking a look even for those who aren’t staying right here.
Many Glacier Resort
I’m disillusioned we completed our Grinnell Glacier hike so late and missed trying out Manny Glacier Resort, a well-liked and beautiful previous fashion lodge on Swiftcurrent Lake.
The views right here of the glaciers and lakes are supposed to be phenomenal. If you happen to can, this may be a fantastic place to remain full of otherworldly allure and tranquility.
Issues to Do close to Glacier Nationwide Park with Children
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 via they usually needed to shut the course.
It was most likely one of the best excessive ropes course we now have completed. We traversed the bushes through cable bridges, climbing rope ladders and swinging trapezes. And a few enjoyable zip strains too!
What I cherished most was watching the youngsters working collectively to get via the course, supporting and inspiring. That is why you do actions like this – it’s true workforce constructing and reveals you that we’re all on this collectively, and true pleasure comes from collaboration and attaining collectively.
I spent the complete time transferring via the programs with the youngsters and I had a blast spending such treasured time with them.
Whitefish Mountain Resort additionally gives zip line excursions, scenic elevate rides, alpine rides and mountain biking in the summertime.
In fact, within the winter it’s all about snowboarding. Their lodges with scorching tubs on the deck look very engaging.
Discover Bigfork and Flathead Lake
The close by city of Bigfork is value trying out. 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’ll discover the Jewel Basin mountain climbing space, via Flathead Nationwide Forest, but it surely’s value staying within the city too.
Bigfork has a vibrant arts scene, significantly on the Bigfork Summer time Playhouse, a famend theater which frequently has Broadway productions and globally recognised acts.
Remaining Ideas
From hikes, to lake actions, to scenic drives, horseback driving, 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 finest USA street journeys record!
What do you assume? Would you want to go to Glacier Nationwide Park? The place else is in your record? Tell us within the feedback.
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