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Glacier National Park is located in northwestern Montana, United States and is known for its alpine lakes, mountain ranges, and glaciers. The park is absolutely beautiful and a must-see for nature and hiking lovers. Glacier has many options for visitors of all types: whether you want to hike into the backcountry or just relax on the shores of Lake McDonald, Glacier has something for everyone.
The park has many accessible features for all visitors, including roadside stops and viewpoints. While these can be magnificent in themselves, there is so much more to see in Glacier for those who want to explore.
All of these activities and hikes can be completed in 3 hours or less and all have their own unique features. If you are visiting Glacier National Park, make sure to read this post about places to visit on your trip to the park.
1. Lake McDonald
Lake McDonald is located on the park’s western side, near the West Glacier Entrance. The lake is famous for its rainbow rocks and the gorgeous mountain views that it offers. Its proximity to Apgar Village makes Lake McDonald a hub of activity and a good place to base yourself as you explore the park. If you want to be near the lake, I recommend staying in Apgar Campground or finding accommodations in West Glacier.
In Apgar Village, there is a dock on Lake McDonald and many shops where you can rent kayaks, canoes, boats, and other water activities. These rentals tend to be spendy, so if you really want to get out on the lake and have enough space, it’s a good idea to bring your own gear. Many people also fish in the lake; just make sure to check the park’s website for any fishing regulations or permits you may need.
If water sports aren’t your thing, you can simply hang out on the beach and enjoy the view! I found the lake warm enough to swim in the summer months and it is much warmer than many of Glacier’s other alpine lakes. Lake McDonald is also a popular spot for parents to take their children, as it has calm water and is near town. If you plan on taking a trip to Glacier National Park, Lake McDonald is truly a must-see! But remember: it is against the park rules to take any of the rocks home, even if they are rainbow!
2. Hidden Lake Trail
Hike Quick Facts: Moderate, 5.3 miles out and back, 2.5 hours on average
Situated on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Hidden Lake Trail is THE hike to go on if you want to see mountain goats. Enter from either the West Glacier Entrance or the St. Mary Entrance and drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road to the Logan Pass Visitor Center. There are a few parking spots along the way, but the Logan Pass Visitor Center has the largest parking lot along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. However, this does not mean there will be a lot of parking spots available. I recommend getting there early in the morning or taking the shuttle service that the park offers, as parking can be a major hassle.
Once you get parked, the Hidden Lake Trail is clearly marked at the visitor center. There are also maps you can consult, or use the AllTrails app, my go-to for hiking directions! Another tip for this hike is to check the national park service website to check for trail status, as this trail is often closed due to bear activity (this happened to me the first time I tried to go on it!)
As you walk the trail, you have the option to stop at the Hidden Lake Viewpoint about 1.5 miles into the hike. This viewpoint offers a gorgeous scene of the lake and mountains, but I definitely recommend continuing all the way down to the lake. I packed a lunch and ate it on the lake shore, then went for a swim in the crystal clear water! The hike back up from the lake can be difficult, but it is worth it to be able to see the entire trail. Plus, you have a much better chance of seeing mountain goats if you go past the viewpoint.
3. Avalanche Lake
Hike Quick Facts: Moderate, 5.9 miles out and back, 2.5 hours on average
Arguably the most popular hike in Glacier National Park, Avalanche Lake is one alpine lake that is worth the hype. The hike is a short drive from West Glacier and Apgar, and there are parking lots both at the Avalanche Lake Picnic Area and the Trail of Cedars Parking Area. It is a good idea to get to the parking lot early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the majority of the crowds have cleared out.
The hike starts with the Trail of Cedars walk; it doesn’t matter which way you go on this trail, as it is a loop and both routes take you to the Avalanche Lake trailhead. The trail starts you off walking along the river; be sure to stop and check out the amazing displays of water erosion on the river rock! You leave the river to walk through the forest for the second half of the hike, and then you arrive at the beautiful Avalance Lake. The lake is well-known for the three easily identifiable waterfalls that run into it and provide the lake with its water source.
Many people take lunch to eat on the shores of the lake after their hike (remember to pack out anything you pack in!) Others hike all the way up with fishing poles to fish the crystal-clear waters. There are benches around the lake to sit on and you can walk along a path that goes further down the lakeside. Spend some time pursuing the lake and get that great photo!
4. St. Mary & Virginia Falls
Hike Quick Facts: Moderate, 3 miles out and back, 1.5 hours on average
This trail boasts multiple waterfalls, views of St. Mary Lake, and the possibility to see wildlife! The easiest way to access this hike is to park at the Logan Pass Visitor Center and take the free shuttle to the St. Mary Falls stop. There is a shuttle area near the entrance to the Logan Pass Visitor Center parking lot; it is marked and easily located. Once you get to the shuttle stop, go down the trail to the right that leads to St. Mary Falls.
It doesn’t take long to get to St. Mary Falls, but be on the lookout for wildlife along the way! When I hiked the trail, I saw a moose in the lake and heard from another hiker that he had seen a bear run past on his way to the falls (like anywhere in Glacier, you should be carrying bear spray on this hike). There is a bridge that takes you past St. Mary Falls, but don’t be afraid to stop here and take in the scenery. A lot of people jump into the river off the bridge or the nearby rocks, and swimming in the river is allowed.
Continue on past St. Mary Falls until you reach another waterfall. The next waterfall you come to is NOT Virginia Falls! Many people stop here thinking they have reached Virginia Falls, but you need to keep going! The Virginia Falls area includes a beautiful waterfall, a swimming area, and rocks to take a snack break on. Virginia Falls is pictured below; it is important to know what the falls look like so you do not stop before you get to them!
5. Highline Trail
Hike Quick Facts: Easy to Hard, as long or as short as you want to make it!
Originally, I hadn’t planned on doing this hike, but I am so glad I stumbled upon it. The trailhead for the Highline Trail is right across the Going-to-the-Sun Road from the Logan Pass Visitor Center. Again, if you want to park at the visitor center, make sure to get there early. This hike can be up to 15 miles long, but you certainly do not have to walk that far to enjoy the great views it provides!
The trail starts on a rocky cliffside with no railing; some find it scary, but it is quite doable as long as you are safe. The trail continues along the side of a mountain covered in wildflowers. If you want to see great views of Glacier National Park for little effort, this is the trail you need to be on! I only walked for about 2 miles before stopping for lunch and heading back. As I said, you can customize this hike to fit your needs, especially if you only have time for a short one.
It should be noted that the Highline Trail is quite narrow, so proper hiking etiquette is required! Stay on the right side of the trail and allow those on the cliffside to go first! And as a woman said to me on this trail, “Be the mountain goat!”
6. Going-to-the-Sun Road
This is what Glacier National Park is known for! The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a magnificent example of the abilities of both humans and nature. Built along the side of Glacier’s famous mountains, the Going-to-the-Sun Road starts at the West Glacier Entrance on the western side of the park and goes all the way to the St. Mary Entrance on the eastern side of the park. It is a good idea to check here before your trip to Glacier for the status of the road, as it is sometimes closed due to construction or weather.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is the only way to access many of the park’s most beautiful places, as described above. The road gets very narrow and reaches high into the mountains, but nervous drivers do not need to fret! If you don’t feel comfortable driving the road yourself, there are many shuttle services that will take you along the road.
As you drive along the road, there are many viewpoints to stop at that allow you views of waterfalls, mountain ranges, and more. My favorite stop on the Going-to-the-Sun Road is Big Bend, a curve in the road located before reaching Logan Pass Visitor Center. Pictured below, this is a popular pullout with a gorgeous view of Glacier’s mountains framed by vibrant purple wildflowers. Other stops include McDonald Falls, Weeping Wall, The Loop, Seyah Bend, and more. A trip to Glacier truly is not complete without driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road and soaking in the views that Glacier is known for!
