60+ BEST THINGS To Do In Glacier National Park

Hiking in Glacier National Park

Hiking is one of the best ways to experience the stunning beauty of Glacier. With over 700 miles of trails, there are routes for every skill level.

• Highline Trail – Iconic ridge walk with expansive mountain views.
• Avalanche Lake Trail – A moderate hike leading to a picturesque alpine lake.
• Hidden Lake – A popular trail starting at Logan Pass with stunning views.
• Grinnell Glacier Trail – Challenging but rewarding hike to one of the park’s most famous glaciers.
• Iceberg Lake Trail – Hike to a lake dotted with floating icebergs in the summer.
• Swiftcurrent Pass Trail – Scenic views and wildlife spotting opportunities in Many Glacier.
• Trail of the Cedars – A short, accessible loop through ancient cedar trees.
• Virginia Falls – Hike to a beautiful waterfall with turquoise waters.
• Sun Point Nature Trail – Short trail with stunning views of St. Mary Lake.
• Cracker Lake Trail – A 12-mile round trip to a strikingly blue alpine lake.

Scenic Drives

Glacier’s roads are renowned for their dramatic scenery, providing access to stunning vistas, wildlife viewing, and iconic landmarks.

• Going-to-the-Sun Road – The crown jewel of scenic drives in Glacier, winding through the heart of the park.
• Many Glacier Road – A must-see route for wildlife lovers and hikers.
• Two Medicine Road – A quieter area of the park with beautiful views of mountains and lakes.
• Chief Mountain Highway – A scenic road leading to the northeastern part of the park.
• North Fork Road – Access the remote Polebridge area and Bowman Lake with this rugged road.

Lakes and Boat Tours

Glacier National Park is filled with stunning lakes, offering informational boat tours, kayak rentals, and places to relax by the water.

• Lake McDonald – The largest lake in the park, perfect for boat tours or a relaxing day by the shore.
• Two Medicine Lake – Take a boat tour or paddle on this stunning, less crowded lake.
• St. Mary Lake – Home to Wild Goose Island, this lake offers stunning views and boat rides.
• Swiftcurrent Lake – Rent a kayak or take a boat tour in the Many Glacier area.
• Bowman Lake – A peaceful, less-visited lake ideal for kayaking and picnicking.

Wildlife Watching

Glacier is home to an abundance of wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, and more.

• Many Glacier Area – One of the best areas in the park for spotting bears and other wildlife.
• Logan Pass – See mountain goats and bighorn sheep in this high-altitude area.
• Lamar Valley (Yellowstone) – Take a detour to Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley, known as “America’s Serengeti” for its abundant wildlife.
• Two Medicine – Spot moose and bears in this quieter corner of the park.
• Polebridge Area – Watch for wildlife like foxes and black bears in this remote area.
• North Fork Area – A more rugged area with fewer crowds and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.

Waterfalls and Rivers

Glacier is filled with beautiful waterfalls, rivers, and streams to explore.

28. Virginia Falls – A tall, cascading waterfall accessible via a short hike.
29. St. Mary Falls – A stunning, turquoise-colored waterfall.
30. Running Eagle Falls – Located in the Two Medicine area, this unique waterfall appears to come out of a cave.
31. McDonald Creek – Scenic creek with small waterfalls and easy access along Going-to-the-Sun Road.
32. Baring Falls – A short hike leads to this peaceful waterfall in the St. Mary area.
33. Swiftcurrent Falls – Located near Many Glacier, this waterfall is accessible from the road.
34. Triple Falls – A hidden gem accessible via a short hike from Logan Pass.

Camping in and Around Glacier

Camping is a great way to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Glacier National Park. Campgrounds range from developed campgrounds with amenities to more primitive backcountry sites.

35. Many Glacier Campground – Located in one of the most scenic areas of the park.
36. Apgar Campground – The largest campground, located near Lake McDonald.
37. Two Medicine Campground – A quieter, scenic campground near Two Medicine Lake.
38. St. Mary Campground – Near the east entrance of the park, providing easy access to popular trails.
39. Backcountry Camping – For experienced adventurers, backcountry campsites offer a more secluded experience.
40. KOA West Glacier – A family-friendly campground with modern amenities just outside the park.
41. North American RV Park & Campground – Located just outside the park, offering RV hookups and tent camping.

Historical Sites and Cultural Experiences

Learn about the history and culture of the region while exploring these sites.

• Glacier Park Lodge – This historic lodge, built in 1913, offers a glimpse into the park’s early days.
• Belton Chalet – One of the park’s original lodges, offering tours and dining.
• Great Northern Railway Buildings – Learn about the role the railroad played in the park’s history.
• Blackfeet Indian Reservation – Visit the reservation to learn about the Blackfeet Tribe, whose ancestral lands include parts of Glacier.

Winter Activities

While many visitors think of Glacier as a summer destination, winter offers a peaceful, snowy experience for those looking to escape the crowds.

• Snowshoeing – Take a ranger-led snowshoe walk or explore trails on your own.
• Cross-Country Skiing – Several areas of the park are open to cross-country skiing in the winter.
• Backcountry Skiing – For experienced skiers, Glacier offers challenging backcountry skiing opportunities, however, Whitefish Resort has great, groomed ski runs.
• Ice Climbing – For adventurers, the park’s frozen waterfalls offer ice climbing challenges.
• Wildlife Watching – Winter is a great time to spot wildlife, including elk, moose, and bighorn sheep.

Adventures Just Outside the Park

Explore the areas surrounding Glacier for even more outdoor activities.

• Whitewater Rafting on the Flathead River – A thrilling way to experience the beauty of the park’s western boundary.
• Horseback Riding in West Glacier – Take a guided trail ride through the forest and mountains.
• Helicopter Tour of Glacier – For a bird’s-eye view of the park’s landscapes.
• Flathead Lake – Just south of the park, this large lake offers boating, fishing, and swimming.
• Bigfork – Visit this charming town on the shores of Flathead Lake for art galleries, dining, and theater.
• Kalispell – Stop in the nearby town of Kalispell for shopping, museums, and more.
• Whitefish Mountain Resort – Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and summer activities like mountain biking and ziplining at this nearby resort.
• Polebridge Mercantile – Visit this off-the-grid bakery for fresh baked goods in a remote corner of Glacier.
• Kootenai Falls – A short drive away, this stunning waterfall and suspension bridge offer a great day trip.
• Hungry Horse Dam – Take a tour of this massive dam located just outside the park.

Photography and Scenic Stops

Capture the beauty of Glacier National Park with stops at these stunning viewpoints and photo ops.

• Wild Goose Island Overlook – One of the most photographed spots in the park, offering views of St. Mary Lake.
• Logan Pass – Dramatic mountain views at the highest point on Going-to-the-Sun Road.
• Lake McDonald Lodge – A historic lodge with stunning views of Lake McDonald.
• Apgar Village – Scenic views of Lake McDonald and easy access to the lakeshore.
• Many Glacier Hotel – Incredible views of Swiftcurrent Lake and the surrounding peaks.

Bike Riding in and Around Glacier National Park –

• Apgar to West Glacier Bike Path – This paved path connects Apgar Village with West Glacier and is perfect for a leisurely ride with family or friends.
• Lake McDonald Area – Take a scenic bike ride along the roads near Lake McDonald, offering beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
• Camas Road – A quieter route with less traffic, Camas Road offers a great alternative for cyclists who want a peaceful ride through forested areas.
• Two Medicine Road – Enjoy a bike ride in the quieter Two Medicine area of the park, where you can pedal along scenic lakes and valleys.
• Whitefish Legacy Trail – Just outside the park, this multi-use trail offers over 40 miles of biking through the forests and foothills around Whitefish, MT.

With these options, biking in and around Glacier is an amazing way to get closer to nature while taking in the breathtaking views at your own pace!

So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to discover the natural wonders of Glacier National Park!