10 Awesome Things To Do In Glacier National Park

A few years ago, I bought a United States National Parks book that had beautiful pictures of all 53 national parks in the USA. For days, I looked through the book and picked out all the national parks I wanted to see. Glacier National Park was at the top of my list. The glorious, tall standing mountains with the stunning, vast lakes caught my eye. The more pictures I saw of Glacier National Park, the more I wanted to see this park. We finally decided to go and experience this one of a kind national park. After much research, I have listed the best things to do in Glacier National Park Montana. This post includes lakes with surrounding mountains, waterfalls, wildlife, and incredible hikes. So read on 🙂

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you.

Where to Stay in Glacier National Park In Montana

I highly recommend booking accommodations as soon as possible because rooms tend to sell out quickly. When Jameson and I started planning, we were surprised how few rooms were available six months out. Luckily, we were able to find accommodations near Lake McDonald. Glacier National Park is pretty big with many areas, so make sure to think about which area you want to spend most of your time in. I have linked a few of the best hotels in the park below. >More about Glacier National Park Hotels

• Glacier Outdoor Center (West Entrance): If you want some cozy cabin vibes then this place is for you! This is a perfect option for families as there are options for cabins with multiple rooms. >Book Your Accommodation Here
• Lake McDonald Lodge: We ate here and had some drinks. I loved the cozy feels plus it is right next to the impressive Lake Mcdonald! >Book Your Accommodation Here
• Many Glacier Hotel: My favorite part of Glacier National Park was the Many Glacier area. I LOVED the lake views and the surrounding mountains. Plus the wildlife is abundant. I vowed to come back and stay at this hotel.  >Book Your Accommodation

Read More: Where to Stay in Glacier National Park | 14 Best Hotels & Lodges

Glacier National Park Camping

For more information on camping at the park, be sure to check out the official website. Please note that most campsites are first come first serve. We typically camp but we were a bit uneasy on gambling our luck on first come first serve, so we booked a hotel instead. Here are the few reservable campgrounds, but like the hotels, they are usually booked way in advance:

• Fish Creek
• St. Mary
• Apgar Group
• Many Glacier

Glacier National Park Map

The Google Map below shows the Glacier National Park activities, including the Going-To-The-Sun-Road. For an official Glacier National Park Map, click here.

Where is Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is located in northern Montana USA near the Canadian border. One of the airports near Glacier National Park is Glacier International Airport located in Kalispell. The airport is located 45 minutes West of the West Glacier National Park entrance.

Glacier National Park is also near other Candian National Parks like Banff, Yoho, Jasper, and Waterton. Jameson and I decided to make it a long trip, and so we visited Banff, Jasper, and Yoho during the same trip. Because of the Canadian park destinations, we flew into Calgary, Alberta.

The best way to get there is to drive to Glacier National Park. Renting a car or an RV near the airport is the best option.

READ BANFF, JASPER AND YOHO ITINERARY: The Best Two Week Canadian Rockies Itinerary

Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park

The best time to go to Glacier National Park is July, August, and September. Early September is probably your best bet for fewer crowds and great weather. Do note, the famous road, Going-To-The-Sun-Road, is usually closed during non-summer months due to snow.

We visited at the beginning of July and just a few days before we arrived, the Going To The Sun road opened.

• Winter Time: Good time for snowshoeing and skiing.
• Spring Time: Only lower elevation trails are open. You can start to see new life, like baby deer, baby bears, and baby moose.
• Summer Time: Most popular time to visit. Perfect time to hike and camp. Going To The Sun road is opened.
• Fall Time: Days are shorter and colder. Camping at night can be miserable.

Packing

Day Hiking Glacier National Park

1. Sunscreen: When visiting Glacier National Park, it was sometimes overcast, bring some just in case! >Buy some sunscreen, so you don’t accidentally burn!
2. Hiking Boots/Shoes: OMG this was honestly one of the muddiest, wet places I have ever hiked. If you don’t get actual hiking shoes or boots, you will have wet soggy feet. >Don’t have soggy wet feet. Buy my Hiking Shoes
3. Hiking socks: Having the correct socks helps you prevent getting blisters. Smart Wool is probably my favorite brand out there. I also love how they now have pink socks too 🙂 >Buy Hiking Socks
4. Refillable water bottle: I always bring a Hydroflask on all my adventures. They are on the heavier side, but I know for a fact they will not break. I have had a few cheap water bottles break on me before. >Check Prices Now
5. Water: Hiking, for sure, requires water.
6. Sunglasses: Just in case you get lucky and the sun comes out. Also, I usually wear the most fashionable sunglasses when I hike. 🙂 >Check Out These Sunglasses
7. Snacks: The best snacks are jerky, nuts, energy bars. >Clif Bars are great for hiking so click HERE.
8. Trekking Poles: This is an optional product, but they help with the knees. The poles I have listed are known to be one of the best in the market. I am not going to lie I didn’t use trekking poles, but I don’t have problems with my knees. Not everyone’s bodies are the same, so if you feel like you need some extra help, then check out my trekking poles. >Buy My Trekking Poles Here
9. Camera: I have linked the camera I used to take pictures of The Canadian Rockies. The Sony A6000 is an excellent camera for people that want to start improving at travel photography.  >Buy Sony Camera Here
10. Crampons: This will help you not slip and fall with the snow and ice. We had to hike in the snow for one trail. If you are hiking before the end of June, I highly recommend getting crampons. It sucks walking in the snow without them. >Buy your Crampons Here
11. First Aid Kit: This is one of the first things I bought when I first started backpacking and camping. It is super portable. >Buy This Awesome First Aid Kit Here
12. Day Pack: The REI bag I have linked, we have had for seven years now, and it is still going strong! >Buy This Great Quality Backpack
13. Good hiking pants: These are probably the best hiking pants that I have found. They keep you dry in the crazy weather, and they are durable. I will say that I brought a lot of shorts with me but never wore them. It was a little too cold for me. Your best bet is leggings or hiking pants. >Buy my hiking pants here
14. Breathable sweat-wicking shirts >Check Out This Shirt
15. Sports Bra: For women.
16. Jacket: Yes it was chilly at times in the summer >Buy My Favorite Jacket
17. Base Layers: If you run cold like me, I recommend bringing them on the trip (Yes, even in the summer). When you start your hike, you can then judge if they are needed or not. >Buy the bottoms here, >Buy the top here
18. Tripod: This is an optional item, but it is excellent for getting the perfect sunset pictures. >Check out this tripod
19. Bear Spray: You never know!
20. Hammock: Hammocks are a great way to lounge around. They are perfect for naps. >Buy A Packable Hammock
21. Poncho or Rain Jacket: We were rained on so many times, so it is best to take a rain jacket with you at all times. >Buy Rain Jacket here
22. Headlamp: Just in case you get stuck hiking at night! >Buy A Headlamp Now

If Camping Around Glacier National Park

1. Everything in the Day Hike List Above and,
2. Tent: REI’s tents are one of my favorite tents. Love the excellent quality and how packable they are. >Buy The REI Half Dome Tent
3. Sleeping Pad: A sleeping pad is pretty much a small, packable inflatable mattress. I have tried many types of sleeping pads (cheap ones, light ones, comfortable ones), and the one I have linked is probably the best one in the market for comfort. It is my husbands sleeping pad, and it can be used all year long. >Check Out My All-Time Favorite Sleeping Pad
4. Spork: A spoon and fork in one. >Buy A Spork Now
5. Pillows: Pillows can take a lot of room, so I recommend buying an inflatable one. >Buy The comfy Inflatable Pillow Here
6. Sleeping Bag: One of the most critical aspects of getting a good nights sleep! Bringing a sleeping bag is a must. >Look At Prices
7. Sandals: I hate wearing my hiking shoes when I am hanging around the campsite, so bringing some sandals for leisure is a must for me. >Check Out These Sandals
8. Printed Camping reservations: Just in case anyone asks for it.
9. Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Medicine & Toiletries >Check Out This Toothbrush
10. Stove: Love this stove that we got for Christmas. Don’t forget to buy propane. (Note: Do not bring this on a plane with you, as it can get confiscated). >Buy Stove Here
11. Coffee Maker: Y’all this coffee maker is awesome! It comes with a press and cute little cups! >Buy This Awesome Coffee set here
12. Cookware Set: Love how packable my cookware set is. I can easily take it anywhere with me. We have used this countless times. >Buy My Cute Cookware Set

Glacier National Park Facts and Tips

1. Buy bear spray and always bring it with you.
2. Leave no trace behind.
3. Stay on trails to prevent trail damage.
4. The biggest lake in the park is Lake McDonald.
5. There are about 1,500 mountain goats in the park (the park’s official symbol).
6. The highest point on the Going to the Sun Road is Logans Pass at 6,646 feet.
7. Stop by the visitors center when you arrive at the park for more Glacier National Park information. Always check the visitor centers before hiking. Trails can be closed at any time due to bears, wildfires, etc.
8. There are 7 Glacier National park entrances. They are as follows: West Glacier Entrance, the Saint Mary Entrance, the Camas Creek Entrance, the Polebridge Entrance, the Two Medicine Entrance, the Many Glacier Entrance, and the Cut Bank Entrance. The West Glacier entrance, the Saint Mary Entrance and the Camas Creek Entrance are the only three that connect to Going to the Sun Road.
9. If you are heading to Glacier national park with kids, here are some great tips.

Things To Do In Glacier National Park

Going to the Sun Road Glacier National Park

Going-To-The-Sun-Road is an absolute must at Glacier National Park. The infamous road runs from the West entrance of the park to the Saint Mary Entrance. The exact location of this road is shown on the Google Maps above.

When I first heard about the road, I was curious about the fact that the road is closed the vast majority of the year. Living In Texas my whole life, I couldn’t quite grasp why this road opened the beginning of July. When we drove through it, I finally understood why. This road feels like you are going to drive into the sun. The road continues to climb in elevation until you hit Logan Pass.

The views are incredible throughout the drive but can be a little sketchy with crazy drivers, bicyclists, and visitors stopping every 100 feet to take pictures. Please be careful.

On our first day, the views on the road were obstructed by the clouds, so we decided to do some hikes at a lower elevation and to come back the next day. Luckily, it worked because we got great pictures like the one shown above. The image is one of my favorite Glacier National Park Pictures.

The safest bet on visiting this road is to go from the beginning of July through the third week of October. For more information on road closures click here.

Hike the Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake Trail

So when I first started researching the best hikes in Glacier National Park, I was a bit confused on the difference between the Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Trail. When we finally got there and attempted these hikes, I finally understood. The Trail of the Cedars is an easy loop hike (0.7 miles) on a boardwalk, and at the halfway point there is a junction that leads to a new trail.

The Avalanche trail. The Trail of the Cedars isn’t anything spectacular, I will admit. The highlight of the trail was the waterfall shown in the picture above (lower Avalanche Gorge). However, it is a leisurely stroll for anyone not wanting to do anything too difficult.

The Avalanche Trail is a moderate 2.1-mile hike from the picnic area (one way). The dirt path strings you along the woods where we surprisingly ran into a sleepy, cuddly, black bear. Not going to lie I did want to hug him, but I didn’t want to get mauled to death, so I thought better of it.

After admiring the bear, we arrived at the lake and saw the splendid views surrounding it. I loved how the basin area had magnificent waterfalls on the mighty mountains. The domelike surroundings produced views, unlike anything I have ever seen before.

I feel like this is one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park. I am fairly certain everyone knows how fantastic this hike is because it was PACKED! We were lucky enough to have hiked Avalanche Lake so early because, on the return hike back to the car, the trail was extremely crowded. Make sure to get there early, preferably before 8 am. The parking lot is VERY SMALL, so arriving early should alleviate parking issues as well.

Read More: 20 Best Hikes in Glacier National Park: Trails You’ll Love

Glacier National Park Boat Tours

For some reason, I tend to be drawn to boat tours. I am one of those people that loves staring out the boat and watching the glorious views surrounding me. I highly recommend taking at least one boat tour in Glacier National Park.

Jameson and I did the boat tour at Many Glacier. The hosts provided informative facts while boating us around the two lakes. Keep in mind that we had to hike a bit to get from Swiftcurrent Lake to Lake Josephine.

The best part of the boat tour is that it is an easy and fast way to get to Grinnell Lake. The boat drops you off pretty close to the lake, so you only need to hike 1.1 miles (one way) instead of the whole 3.4 miles (one way) from the Many Glacier Lodge.

The boat tour in Many Glacier is not the only one in Glacier National Park. Make sure to check out all the options here.

Eat Huckleberries

I am not going to lie to you; I honestly had no idea that huckleberries were an actual thing in Montana. I had never eaten or heard of Huckleberries until I got to Montana. They are everywhere! Of course, I had to try them and holy cow, they were so good! My favorite was the Huckleberry ice cream. I am not a big ice cream fan, but that ice cream was delicious! I even tried huckleberry pancakes and salads. Any chance I got, I ate them. It was glorious.

There are some roadside stands where you can buy huckleberries or if you are near the West Entrance of the park stop by Huckleberry Patch for more huckleberry items.

Photograph Wildlife

If viewing wildlife is one of your life goals, then Glacier National Park is the place to find them because animals are everywhere. We were lucky enough to see a black bear, a fox, big horned sheep, and marmots. Before this trip, we never really had any luck with wildlife. In Glacier National Park, the wildlife seems to love being around trails and roads. The Big Horned sheep, for example, were hanging out near the Many Glacier Hotel. They were having an afternoon stroll through the streets.

Glacier National Park Backcountry Camping

One of my bucket list items is to go on a Glacier National Park backpacking trip. Our original plan was to go backpacking through Glacier, but after much thought, I decided against it due to time constraints. If you have time and the right equipment, I highly recommend it. I have heard about what a fantastic experience this is. For permits, please check out the official website.

Take Photographs of Goose Island

Goose Island is located in the middle of Saint Mary Lake on the Going to the Sun Road. The view of the small island with the mountain backdrop is one of the best views in Glacier National Park.

Go Kayaking

Lake McDonald is a great place to kayak at, mainly because it is the largest lake inside Glacier National Park. There is also a chance to kayak at Swiftcurrent Lake. The views are stunning during the sunset, and it is an excellent alternative to taking the boat.

Visit Logans Pass and Hike to Hidden Lake Overlook

Some of the top things to do in Glacier National Park is to do one of the many hikes near Logans Pass. Logans Pass is the highest point on Going-To-The-Sun-Road and stands at 6,646 feet. It also has a visitors center which has information on all the hikes nearby.

One of the most popular trails is the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail (1.4 mi one way). Even with the crowds, the hike was pretty fun mainly because it was still early in the year (4th of July) and there was a ton of snow. At times, it was a little tricky, but it didn’t stop anyone. Plus we also got to slide on the way down on our butts!

The Hidden Lake was primarily frozen over, but we didn’t mind because the views were spectacular. Plus, we also got to see the cutest Big Horned Sheep and Marmots on the trail. Please note that the trail does go on past the overlook. The end of the trail ends right next to the lake (Additional 1.2 miles one way).

For another great trail near Logans Pass make sure to check out the Siyeh Pass Trail or the Highline Trail.

Hike to St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls

Some of the best things to see in Glacier National Park are the waterfalls. So that is why I included St. Mary Falls and Victoria Falls, the best Glacier National Park waterfalls. The hike is a moderate hike with great views of Saint Mary Lake along the way. The trail was somewhat-crowded in the middle of the day. St. Mary Falls was a 1.2 mi one-way hike from the Saint Mary Trailhead.

Virginia Falls was my absolute favorite of the two (1.8 mi one way), especially when the sun came out, the waterfall was radiating with beauty.

Please note that the parking for this trail can get crowded. If the trailhead does not have any parking spots, check out Sun Point Trailhead. There is usually plenty of parking, and the trailhead connects to the Saint Mary Trail.

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Glacier National Park Attractions: Conclusion

Well, that is it on the best things to do in Glacier National Park. As always please let me know if you have any questions and also check out these other posts on National Parks:

• The Best Two Week Canadian Rocky Itinerary
• 21 Awesome Things to do in Jasper National Park
• The 15 Best Hikes in Banff National Park
• Best Things To Do In Yellowstone National Park
• Best Things To Do In Grand Teton National Park
• The Ultimate 7-Day Grand Teton To Yellowstone Road Trip Itinerary
• 12 Great Tips On Biking Going To The Sun Road In Glacier National Park

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