Glacier National Park (Montana)
The "Crown of the Continent": glacier-carved peaks and turquoise lakes, with Going-to-the-Sun Road among the most spectacular mountain drives in the US.
Glacier National Park lies in northwestern Montana and borders Canada's Waterton Lakes National Park to the north; together they form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a World Heritage Site since 1995. The park covers about 4,100 square kilometers and is bisected by the Continental Divide; glaciers have sculpted its sharp peaks, U-shaped valleys and more than 700 lakes, earning it the name "Crown of the Continent." The best time to visit is July to early September: Going-to-the-Sun Road, which crosses the park, usually opens fully only around mid-July and closes with snow after mid-October; in May–June and in fall and winter, most high-country areas are inaccessible. In peak season some entrances require a vehicle reservation on recreation.gov; the rules change from year to year, so check the NPS website well ahead. The park divides into four areas: Lake McDonald and Apgar Village on the west side; Going-to-the-Sun Road and Logan Pass in the center (Hidden Lake, the Highline Trail); Many Glacier in the northeast (Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake); and Two Medicine in the southeast. The North Fork area in the northwest (Bowman Lake, Polebridge) is remote and wild. Getting there: the nearest airport is Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, about 40 km from West Glacier; Amtrak's Empire Builder stops at West Glacier and East Glacier. Driving is recommended; stay in West Glacier/Apgar or St. Mary/Many Glacier and allow 3–5 days. Bears are common throughout the park, so hike in groups and carry bear spray. Entry is about US$35 per vehicle (7 days), or use the America the Beautiful annual pass.
Top sights
- Logan Pass – The highest point on Going-to-the-Sun Road, at 2,026 metres. This Continental Divide pass is the starting point for the Hidden Lake and Hig…
- Lake McDonald – The park's largest lake, with clear water and a bed covered in red, green, blue and purple pebbles, backed by snowy peaks.
- Many Glacier – A glacier valley in the park's northeast, with lakes cradled by jagged peaks. It is the hub for classic trails such as Grinnell Glacier and…
- Grinnell Glacier Trail – The park's most famous glacier hike, climbing beside emerald lakes to the still-retreating Grinnell Glacier and its glacial lake.
- Hidden Lake Overlook – A boardwalk trail from Logan Pass to an overlook above the sapphire-blue Hidden Lake, beneath Bearhat Mountain. Mountain goats are often se…
- Highline Trail – A panoramic trail along the cliffs of the Garden Wall, overlooking Going-to-the-Sun Road and McDonald Valley the whole way.
- Avalanche Lake – At the end of a family-friendly trail through cedar forest lies a jade-green glacial lake, encircled by cliffs with several waterfalls.
- Trail of the Cedars – A fully wheelchair-accessible loop of wooden boardwalks through red cedar forests hundreds of years old, passing the emerald Avalanche Gorg…
- Saint Mary Lake – The park's second-largest lake on the east side, reflecting the surrounding peaks. Going-to-the-Sun Road runs along its eastern shore.
- Wild Goose Island Overlook – A small pine-covered island in St. Mary Lake, ringed by mountains. It is the park's most photographed postcard viewpoint.
- Swiftcurrent Lake – The core lake of the glacier lakes region. Many Glacier Hotel stands on its shore, and the lake surface mirrors Grinnell Peak.
- Many Glacier Hotel – A lakeside hotel in Swiss chalet style, built in 1915 by the Great Northern Railway. It is a National Historic Landmark.
- Iceberg Lake – A high alpine cirque lake surrounded on three sides by near-kilometer-high cliffs. Blue-white icebergs still float on the surface in midsum…
- Garden Wall & Granite Park Chalet – A knife-edge ridge on the Continental Divide. The high route follows its flank, and a century-old stone cabin sits on the slope.
- Two Medicine Lake – A quiet lake area in the park's southeastern corner. Mount Sinopah is reflected in the lake, and visitor numbers are far lower than along G…
- Running Eagle Falls – Also known as the 'Double Falls of the Running Eagle.' In spring, two streams pour out of the rock face at the same time, making this a rar…
- Apgar Village – A small village at the southern tip of Lake McDonald near the west entrance, with a visitor center, shops, dining and boat rentals.
- Lake McDonald Lodge – A lakeside lodge built in 1913 to 1914 in the style of a Swiss hunting lodge. The lobby is decorated with animal mounts and Indigenous desi…
- Bowman Lake – A remote, pristine lake in the far northwest corner. Reached at the end of a gravel road, it offers quiet waters and mountain reflections…
- Polebridge – An off-grid village in the North Fork Valley. The hand-made bread and bear claws from its century-old general store are the park's 'hidden…
- Jackson Glacier Overlook – The only spot on Going-to-the-Sun Road where you can see a glacier directly from the roadside. It offers a distant view of the glacier on t…
- St. Mary Falls & Virginia Falls – A popular waterfall trail on the eastern section of Going-to-the-Sun Road. The bright blue three-tiered falls and the taller Virginia Falls…
- Ptarmigan Tunnel – A hiking tunnel bored through a ridge in the 1930s. Walking through it reveals the view of Elizabeth Lake and the Belly River valley on the…
- McDonald Creek & McDonald Falls – A stream along the western section of Going-to-the-Sun Road. Its emerald waters tumble over colorful pebbles, and several roadside pullouts…
- Goat Lick Overlook – An overlook beside U.S. Route 2 along the park's southern edge, where mountain goats gather in groups at a natural mineral salt lick on the…
- Weeping Wall – A rock wall beside Going-to-the-Sun Road where snowmelt cascades down overhead like a curtain. Vehicles driving close by can get soaked.
Where to eat
- Polebridge Mercantile – A remote historic store dating back to 1914, whose signature huckleberry bear claws are a must-try treat on the park's…
- Two Sisters Cafe – A family-run roadside diner near the town of Babb, famous for its Blackfeet Nation bison and huckleberry desserts.
- Belton Chalet Dining Room – A historic chalet restaurant near the West Glacier entrance, famous for bison, trout, and huckleberry desserts, perfect…
- Glacier Highland Restaurant – A family-friendly diner near the West Glacier entrance, famous for its house-made huckleberry pie and popular breakfast.
- Northern Lights Saloon – An off-grid rustic saloon right next to the mercantile, featuring bison burgers and summer live music in a casual atmos…
- Serrano's Mexican Restaurant – A popular Mexican restaurant in East Glacier Park village, serving enchiladas and Montana-inspired desserts for dinner.
Itineraries
- Grand Teton, Yellowstone & Glacier: 12-Day Three-Park Traverse – Fly into Jackson and out of Kalispell, linking three iconic national parks from south to north.
- Glacier National Park & Flathead Lake – In and out of Kalispell: cross the Going-to-the-Sun Road, hike the east side, and return to the lake area via the south…