Glacier National Park in Montana, known as the "Crown of the Continent," offers a wide array of activities amidst its stunning alpine lakes, rugged peaks, and diverse wildlife. Here's a breakdown of fun things to do:
1. Hiking and Backpacking
With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier National Park is a hiker's paradise, offering options for all skill levels from easy strolls to challenging multi-day treks.
- Popular Trails:
- Grinnell Glacier Trail: This 10.6-mile hike is highly recommended for its stunning views of Grinnell Lake and Grinnell Falls, and the unique opportunity to swim with icebergs that break off the glacier. You can shorten the hike by about 2 miles each way by taking a boat tour across Lake Josephine.
- Highline Trail: Considered one of the most scenic hikes, it parallels the Going-to-the-Sun Road from above. You can hike it as an out-and-back trail or as a one-way trail from Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet, then take the Granite Park Trail to The Loop and catch a shuttle back.
- Avalanche Lake Trail: An easy to moderate 4.5-mile out-and-back trail that leads to a beautiful glacial lake surrounded by mountains. It connects to the Trail of the Cedars.
- Trail of the Cedars: An accessible boardwalk loop trail, just under a mile long, winding through an ancient cedar forest.
- Hidden Lake Overlook Trail: A popular, relatively easy 2.7-mile roundtrip hike from Logan Pass with boardwalk sections, offering views of Hidden Lake.
- St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail: This moderate 3.1-mile hike offers two beautiful waterfalls and opportunities for cliff jumping.
- Cracker Lake Trail: A challenging 12.8-mile hike with beautiful turquoise water.
- Iceberg Lake Trail: A moderate 9.6-mile hike.
- Apikuni Falls Trail: One of the easiest hikes in the Many Glacier area, a 1.8-mile roundtrip.
2. Scenic Drives
- Going-to-the-Sun Road: This iconic 50-mile paved highway crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, offering breathtaking vistas of glaciers, valleys, waterfalls, and wildflowers. It's open seasonally due to mountainous terrain.
- Many Glacier Road: Offers dramatic mountain peaks reflecting in clear lakes, and is a starting point for many popular hikes.
- Two Medicine Road: Provides a scenic detour and a less crowded experience with opportunities to hike to Scenic Point, Pitamakan Pass, and Running Eagle Falls.
- North Fork Road: Leads to the remote Polebridge area and Bowman Lake, offering amazing views into the park.
- US Highway 2: Follows the southern border of the park and the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, connecting East Glacier and West Glacier. Look for the Goat Lick Overlook, a natural mineral lick that attracts mountain goats.
- Looking Glass Highway (MT-49): A curvy road on the Blackfeet Reservation with beautiful views into Two Medicine, and chances to spot wildlife.
3. Boat Tours and Water Activities
Experience the park's pristine lakes with a scenic boat tour on historic wooden boats.
- Locations: Boat tours with commentary are available at Lake McDonald, Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and Rising Sun.
- Rentals: Small boat rentals are available at Apgar, Lake McDonald, Two Medicine, and Many Glacier.
- Whitewater Rafting: Enjoy whitewater rafting on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River with a local guide for a fun adventure.
4. Wildlife Viewing
Glacier National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including grizzly and black bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, and various bird species.
- Hotspots:
- Logan Pass: Excellent for spotting mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and marmots.
- Many Glacier: Often called the "wildlife capital" of the park, with high chances of seeing grizzlies, moose, black bears, and elk.
- Two Medicine: Good for spotting moose and elk.
- Goat Lick: On US Highway 2, a natural mineral lick that attracts mountain goats, especially from April to August.
- Swiftcurrent Valley: A good area to spot moose.
- Safety: Always view wildlife from a safe distance (at least 100 yards from bears and 25 yards from other large animals). Never approach or feed wildlife. Hike in groups and carry bear spray.
5. Ranger-Led Programs
Enhance your visit with educational and engaging ranger-led programs.
- Activities: Programs include interpretive hikes, campfire talks, and night sky programs.
- Junior Ranger Program: Kids of all ages can participate in activities and talks to earn a Junior Ranger badge.
- Availability: Check at a visitor center or ranger station for a current schedule.
6. Other Activities
- Biking: Rent a bike to explore the Gateway to Glacier Bike Trail or ride into the park.
- Horseback Riding: Swan Mountain Outfitters offers horseback rides in and around the park.
- Photography: Glacier's breathtaking vistas make it a photographer's paradise.
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