Glacier National Park is one of my absolute favorite spots in North America! Its beautiful alpine landscape, glacial blue waters, and plentiful wildlife are something you can never forget. Our Glacier glampsite opens May 27, and we can’t wait! In preparation, I thought I’d share some ideas with you on what to do at this majestic park!
Red Bus Tour
If you’re not much of a hiker and don’t want to spend an extensive amount of time at all the sights in the park, the Red Bus Tour is for you! The tours have been running since the 1930s, so these buses are super vintage and picturesque! You can choose to see the whole park, or just a portion with the variety of routes offered. Check out this website to read more about it and book your tour!
Many Glacier
Many Glacier is a section of the national park that many argue to be the most beautiful. I’d have to say I agree (though Logan’s Pass is my favorite part of the park). Many Glacier is located north of Going-to-the-Sun road and on the east side of the park. Snow-covered mountains, flowing waterfalls, and glaciers are just a few things you can see here. My favorite hikes in the area are Grinnell Glacier and Apikuni Falls. The best part about this section of the park is the multitude of glacial blue lakes to be seen!
Visit Lakes
Glacier National Park is FULL of lakes that formed from glaciers melting, giving them a cyan blue color. Not only are there a ton of different lakes to visit, but also a bunch of different activities to do at them! Lake McDonald is a popular destination as it has a nice beach and is easy to access. The water is freezing, but would be perfect for paddle boarding or kayaking! The same goes for many other lakes in the area. You can also take boat tours on some of the lakes: McDonald, Swiftcurrent, Josephine, Two Medicine, and Saint Mary’s.
One of the coolest experiences I had was at Fishercap Lake. The short hike is 1000% worth it because of the frequent moose sightings at the lake. We saw a female moose bathing in the lake, and it was so cool! Plus, it was in the water, so we didn’t have to worry about getting charged. Be sure to visit Fishercap if you want to see a moose.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
This beautiful road gets its name for a reason. Stretching from one entrance to another, this 50 mile road reaches an elevation of 6,646 feet. The drive runs along a cliffs edge on a thin, windy road. Sounds scary! And believe me, if my Dad is driving, it is. But the views are out of this world! Waterfalls run off the side of the mountain and splash your car, wildlife can be spotted, and the mountain range seems endless. At the peak elevation, you’ll reach the Logan’s Pass visitor center, which deserves its own section.
Logan’s Pass
I have to say, Logan’s Pass was my favorite part of my trip to Glacier. After a gorgeous drive on Going to the Sun road, you reach this one-of-a-kind visitor center and section of the park. I highly recommend taking the hike to Hidden Lake. THe hike is short, but mighty, and has quite the elevation gain. But, what makes it so fantastic is the amount of wildlife you will see! We were followed by adorable chipmunk like animals called Pikas. We saw baby and mama mountain goats, beautiful birds, and even an aggressive bighorn sheep. Logan’s pass and the hike to Hidden Lake is truly an animal haven.
Hiking in Glacier National Park
Speaking of hikes, Glacier National Park has some great trails to add to your itinerary. As I mentioned earlier, Many Glacier has two of my favorite hikes, and is one of the best hiking regions. Here are some other trails to try throughout the park: Cracker Lake, Redrock Falls, St Mary Falls, Trail of the Cedars, and Paradise Point.
Whitefish
Last but not least, Whitefish. This is actually a town outside of glacier, but a great detour to add to your trip! The lake has a public beach to play on, as well as kayak rentals and concessions. Whitefish Mountain Resort is a super fun, family-friendly spot! In the winter, it’s a ski resort. But in the summer, it transforms into an adventurer’s paradise! Zip-lining, rose courses, gondola rides and mountain biking are just a few popular activities to try here! You can also take the ski lift to the top of the mountain, where you’ll find fresh huckleberries in the summer months!
I hope this blog gives you some inspiration and guidance while planning your Glacier trip! This national park is a must-do and has so much to offer. Our campsite, located just outside the national park, would be the perfect spot to stay! Our Glacier location is open from May 27 to September 25! Check out our bookings page to learn more about what we have to offer. We hope to see you soon!
Post written by: Camryn Tippetts