glacier national park, montana

The stunning beauty of Glacier National Park outshines all competition. Despite its popularity, it’s one of the few national parks that offers the feeling of solitude in nature, even at the busiest times.

Highlights

Ride in a historic wooden boat across Swiftcurrent Lake to see Grinnell Glacier.

Hike the 3-mile (5km) round-trip to Hidden Lake Overlook for the best chance to spot wildlife.

Picnic on the rocky beach of Lake McDonald, the largest lake in the park.

BEST TIME TO GO

For access to all the best drives and hikes in Glacier National Park, visit during July and August.

CAMPGROUNDS

St. Mary Campground

St. Mary Campground, Glacier National Park, PO Box 123, West Glacier, MT 59936. nps.gov/glac; 406-732-7708. $20 to $23. Showers, toilets, amphitheater.

St. Mary is the largest campground on the east side of Glacier National Park, located near the visitor center and town of the same name. Along with Fish Creek, it’s one of only two campgrounds in the park that accepts reservations. Shade is limited, but views of the mountains are stunning.

Only three sites accommodate RVs of up to 40 feet (12m). If you’re traveling with a small RV, this place is ideal.

Views from the Highline Trail.

Glacier National Park had 150 glaciers in 1850. Now only 25 active glaciers remain.

Fish Creek Campground

Fish Creek Campground, Glacier National Park, PO Box 128, West Glacier, MT 59936. nps.gov/glac; 406-888-7800. June 1 to September 6. $23. Toilets, showers, amphitheater, ranger programs.

This campground is on the western side of Glacier National Park and accepts reservations. The sites here are more shaded than those at St. Mary, and several have gorgeous views of Lake McDonald.

This is a large campground with more than 170 sites, but they’re spacious and private. Amenities and activities are bare bones, but the campground’s location in the park and its proximity to world-class day hikes such as Rocky Point Trail are unbeatable. Be sure to catch one of the nightly ranger-led programs at the amphitheater.

Although it’s situated at an elevation of 3,500 feet (1,067m), summer temperatures can still be quite warm.

And this is bear country, so review safety precautions and food-storage regulations before you arrive.

West Glacier KOA

355 Halfmoon Flats Road, PO Box 215, West Glacier, MT 59936. koa.com/camp/west-glacier; 406-387-5341. May 1 to September 30. $50 to $95. Pool, hot tub, snack bar, ice-cream shop.

Surrounded by stunning mountain views, this campground is so beautiful, KOA uses it for corporate photography shoots. If you want more amenities than what’s available in the national park campgrounds, this is your place, and it’s only 2.5 miles (4km) from Glacier.

After a long day of hiking in the park, take a dip in the pool or soak in the hot tub. Or enjoy the restaurant-quality “dinner with Gene” or ice cream at the on-site parlor. The twice-weekly wildlife slideshow presentations in the pavilion offer a unique window into the beauty of Glacier National Park.

Some of the sites are a little tight, but the deluxe patio sites are beautifully landscaped and private. Book early.

Grinnell Glacier.

Water originating in Glacier National Park eventually ends up in the Hudson Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific Ocean.

RESTAURANTS

Johnson’s Cafe

21 Red Eagle Road, St Mary, MT 59417. johnsonsofstmary.com; info@johnsonsofstmary.com; 406-732-4207. Monday 7 A.M. to 9 P.M.; Tuesday to Sunday 7:30 A.M. to 9 P.M. $10 to $25. American.

This family owned café on the east side of the park has been a staple of St. Mary for more than six decades.

Meals can be served family style on big platters placed in the center of the table. Lunches and dinners come with homemade bread, soup, and salad. (Note that some diners complain pricing can be confusing for this option.) Fried chicken is a favorite for guests. You can also order à la carte burgers and sandwiches.

Glacier Highland Restaurant

12555 Highway 2E, West Glacier, MT 59936. glacierhighland.com/restaurant; 406-888-5427. 7 A.M. to 9 P.M. $11 to $30. Diner.

This is a great diner option near the west entrance of the park. Want to load up on eggs, hash browns, and bacon before a day of hiking? Or maybe you need a hearty burger and fries after exploring the park all day. The service here is friendly and fast.

Be sure to save room for a piece of huckleberry pie.

Belton Grill Dining Room

12575 Highway 2E, West Glacier, MT 59936. beltonchalet.com; info@beltonchalet.com; 888-235-8665. 5 P.M. to 10 P.M.; tap room: 3 P.M. to 10 P.M. $30 to $50. New American.

Directly outside the west entrance to the park, this restaurant is situated in the Belton Chalet, a historic hotel built in 1910 and recently restored to celebrate its original grandeur.

The focus here is on giving guests a true Montana experience by using locally grown ingredients prepared by regional chefs. Summer menus and winter menus feature seasonally appropriate fare, and the wine list offers many organic selections. If you’re a meat lover, don’t miss the chance to taste grass-fed Montana beef prepared to perfection on the hotel’s original boiler that’s been converted into a barbecue grill.

Enjoy the views of the park while you eat on the large deck, or enjoy the more casual environment in the Tap Room.

ATTRACTIONS

Lake McDonald

288 Lake McDonald Lodge, Lake McDonald, MT 59921. nps.gov/glac; 406-888-7800. 7-day vehicle pass: summer $25, winter $15.

At 10 miles (16km) long and 500 feet (152m) deep, this glacier-carved lake is the largest in the park. It’s also one of the loveliest places to spend a day. Relax on the shores soaking in the view, or rent a boat to enjoy the water.

Avalanche Lake and Trail of the Cedars are two popular hikes originating from this lovely spot.

Peaceful Lake McDonald.

Glacier Park Boat Company

Glacier National Park, MT 59903. glacierparkboats.com; info@glacierparkboats.com; 406-257-2426. May to September 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. Adults $16.75; children 4 to 12 $8.50.

Many glaciers in this national park can only be enjoyed by way of long and arduous hikes. If you want to see one of the park’s bigger glaciers without that much effort, this company offers many different options.

Cross the Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine to awe at the breathtaking views in Many Glacier. Or take the boat cruise paired with a guided hike to Grinnell Glacier. The boat tour at St. Marys Lake gives you the chance to see Sexton Glacier along with waterfalls and towering cliffs. Reservations are absolutely necessary to avoid being one of the many visitors left at the dock with each departing tour.

Glacier National Park is home to 13 campgrounds and more than 1,000 individual sites.

Going-to-the-Sun Road

Glacier National Park, MT 59903. nps.gov/glac; 406-888-7800. 7-day vehicle pass: summer $25, winter $15.

This 50-mile (80.5km) stretch of road, full of tight turns and precarious dropoffs, takes you to some of the most epic views in the park.

If you drive without stopping, the trip takes about 2 hours. But to fully experience why this is called the most beautiful road in America, plan for stops along the way. Don’t miss the Weeping Wall, the Jackson Glacier Overlook, and Oberlin Bend.

You can take the national park shuttle instead of driving yourself. This allows you to enjoy the views instead of focusing on the white-knuckle driving. Many stops are along the way, and you can hop on and off at will. Other guided tours are available as well.

ITINERARIES

If you have 1 week …

First drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road, or take a guided tour to fully enjoy the views. Take a sunset boat tour on St. Marys Lake. Picnic at Lake McDonald. See Grinnell Glacier via guided boat and hiking tour.

If you have 2 weeks …

All the above, plus hike the Iceberg Lake Trail and the Highline Trail. Rent a canoe, and paddle around Avalanche Lake. Visit Redrock Falls. Take a whitewater rafting tour on the Flathead River. Take a day trip to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, or cross the border to Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park.

If you have 3 weeks …

Consider splitting up your time by spending half your trip camping on the east side of the park near St. Mary and half your time on the west side near West Glacier. This keeps driving to a minimum so you can spend more time hiking, boating, fishing, and sightseeing.