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1. Lake McDonald
The sparkling waters of Lake McDonald welcome you to the west side of Glacier National Park….and what a glorious welcome it is! At 10 miles long and 500 feet deep, Lake McDonald is the largest lake in the park.
What You Need to Know
This lake was formed by glaciers that carved their way through this area, leaving behind a gorgeous valley that is now brimming with fun things to do.
Lake McDonald is the hub of activity on the west side of the park. Here you’ll find restaurants, lodging, boat tours, boat and bike rentals, shops, horseback riding tours, etc.
The shores of Lake McDonald are easily accessible from Apgar Village, the Lake McDonald Lodge, and the Fish Creek Campground. I highly recommend paddleboarding or swimming while you’re here!
Be advised that pets are not permitted on any lakeshores in Glacier National Park.
Getting Here
From the West Entrance, drive about 1 mile north to an intersection. Go left here to reach the Apgar Village Area or the Fish Creek Campground and Picnic Area. If you want to get to the Lake McDonald Lodge, go right at the intersection and drive for approximately 8 miles along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
2. Going-to-the-Sun Road
Driving along Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road is an exhilarating experience and one you’ll likely never forget! This 50-mile-long engineering marvel climbs up and around the mountains, twisting and turning as you hug the cliffside. The road crosses the Continental Divide and reaches a height of 6,646 feet.
What You Need to Know
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is the main artery through the park and offers plenty of hiking and sightseeing opportunities along the way! For specific information on the can’t-miss spots on this route (as well as an amazing secret hike), take a look at this itinerary.
Most of the Going-to-the-Sun Road is only open for a short season during the summer months, but some parts of the road can be accessed year-round. For everyone’s safety, vehicles longer than 21 feet, wider than 8 feet, or taller than 10 feet are not permitted on this road. A shuttle service is also provided for your convenience, but it is not required.
Click here for the latest updates and information on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Getting Here
You can access the Going-to-the-Sun Road by entering the park either at the West Glacier Park Entrance or at the St. Mary Entrance on the east side of the park.
3. Fishercap Lake
If you’re hoping to see wildlife during your trip to Glacier, a visit to Fishercap Lake is a must! This spectacular lake is a favorite swimming and feeding spot for the moose that frequent the area.
What You Need to Know
A visit to this lake is as close as I can get you to a guaranteed moose sighting. We’ve also seen grizzly bears, black bears, and mountain goats during this short 0.5-mile roundtrip hike!
Fishercap Lake is part of a chain of lakes that are all easily accessed by a mostly flat and scenic trail. The surrounding mountains provide a dramatic view and fantastic wildlife watching — don’t forget your camera and binoculars.
Pets are not permitted.
Getting Here
Fishercap Lake is located in the Many Glacier section of the park. To get here from the St. Mary Entrance, drive north on US-89 for 8.5 miles to Babb. Take a left onto Route 3 (the Many Glacier Road) and drive for 12.3 miles to the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn at the very end of the road. The trail starts from here.
4. Trail of the Cedars
For a peaceful walk through the forest, be sure to stop at the Trail of the Cedars. A boardwalk meanders through a stand of old cedars and has benches and informational signs to stop at along the way. A walk in the forest doesn’t get much better than this!
What You Need to Know
The Trail of the Cedars is popular because it provides access to one of the park’s most famous trails — Avalanche Lake. Most people hurry through to get to the other trail, but this trail alone is worth your time.
At the far end of the loop, you will find the stunning Avalanche Gorge. The raging clear blue water that rushes through this gorge is definitely a can’t-miss!
This trail is a 1-mile loop and is wheelchair accessible. Pets are not permitted on this trail. For tips and tricks on finding parking in this area, check out this itinerary.
Getting Here
From the West Glacier Entrance, drive north for 2 miles until you reach an intersection. From here, turn right and travel 14.5 miles north along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The start of the Trail of the Cedars will be on your right. Parking is available along both sides of the road near the trailhead, at the beginning of the Avalanche Campground road (don’t park in the actual campground), or in the Avalanche Creek Picnic Area.
5. St. Mary Falls
This gorgeous waterfall rages through the rocks with such power and force it takes your breath away….but the color of the water steals the show! If you love waterfalls, you’re in for a real treat.
What You Need to Know
This hike drops in elevation as you make your way toward the waterfall. Shade is scarce as the trail travels through a burn area from the 2015 fire that scorched the area, so be sure to bring plenty of water to stay cool and hydrated.
This trail is 1.7 miles round trip with an elevation change of 260 feet. If you have the time, consider continuing your hike to the stunning Virginia Falls, which will add 1.4 miles to your hike.
Pets are not permitted on this trail.
Getting Here
From the St. Mary Visitor Center, drive west for approximately 11 miles on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The St. Mary Falls Trailhead will be on your left.
You can also catch the park shuttle from the Visitor Center to an alternative trailhead. The shuttle drops off 0.25 miles west of the trailhead listed above and has another trail you can use to access the falls. No private vehicles are permitted to park here.
Click NEXT to see stops 6-10 (including where to go to actually see a glacier)!
Hello Ash, thank you for making such a wonderful site! How hot would it be in July? I have heard some lodging options do not have air-conditioning. How do you rate the road to Many Glacier? My car is just a RWD sedan. Thank you for any input!!
Hi Thomas, you’ll find Glacier temps/what to expect month-by-month here. The road to Many Glacier has some washboarding. It’s not the best, but people drive cars back in there all the time.
Hey Ash! This is my 4th Itinerary I am getting from you! They are so helpful! I’m getting a little late to the game planning a trip to glacier. We were hoping to go to Florida but plans changed. Everything in the park is full for lodging. Where would be your next recommendation to stay? Whitefish to far?
Hey Audra! You’ll find my recs in the Lodging Guide included with you itinerary. And I also have a post about where to stay that will help a lot! But yes, I do think that Whitefish is too far :)
Hi, this was a great article and very helpful. We are going to go end of September this year. Do you know whether we will be able to drive going to the sun road? Will it still be open? I know that the boats seem to stop around September 10. I was really hoping to hit it where they would be very few crowds, but things still be open. Any insight?
The road usually stays open until about mid-October, weather-permitting. You’ll find a full article about what to expect during each month here!
Hi Ash. We are planning a 7 day on the ground trip to Glacier in early August. We’ll have 6 adults and a 2 year old. We will be staying in Babb for the first 4 nights and then West Glacier for the remaining. I have downloaded your 4-day itinerary and we are in the process of booking res’ for GTTS, boat tour etc. and the Itinerary is very helpful. Do you have any recommendations to flip your Itinerary around in that we are in the East part of the Park first and then the West for the final few days? Any insight you can give is invaluable and I am so excited to spend my 60th birthday at Glacier with my wife, 3 sons, daughter in law and grandson in August!
Thanks!
Hey David! Please contact me here with your question so that I can better help you adjust your itinerary!
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I’ve read several of your posts and you always make the overwhelming job of planning a National Park Trip so much easier. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you!
Thanks Jill! Happy to help!
I would like to visit Glacier National Park for our honeymoon in late September. Is there anything to do at that time. How would swimming be? What else is there around Glacier National Park in the area to do?
You’ll find a whole post about when to visit, broken down by month, here!
Hi! My husband and I, ages 61 and 58, are really not hikers. Could do something easy. Planning to be there for a couple of days in May. I know GTTS road is not open. Is there still plenty for us to see? Some beautiful views? Thank you!
Hey Teresa! You’ll likely be able to get to Lake McDonald and possibly even Avalanche Creek at that time of year from the west side. The east side is a little more unknown regarding how far you’ll be able to drive in. When I’m in the park before the GTTS Road fully opens, I like to split up my lodging between the west and east sides so that I can get to everything that’s open at that time of year. Have fun!
Hi,
Can you clarify for me, if we have activities scheduled in the park, like a Red Bus Tour, or River Rafting, we don’t need to work about a vehicle access pass? Is this a correct assumption?
Thanks so much
The Red Bus Tours count, but the rafting probably doesn’t — the activity has to be along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. There’s a list of activities that count towards the reservation requirement on Glacier’s website!
It seems the only camping still available during our trip is in St Mary’s. can your itinerary still work if we are based out of this side of the park?
Yes, I provide a section about making adjustments based on where you’re staying!
Just purchased the 4 Day Itinerary for Glacier! Thank you for all the info you provide. I found you a couple of years ago and purchased your guides for RMNP, Grand Tetons and Yellowstone and so glad I did. The info you provide is spot on and so very helpful!
Thanks Michelle! I’m excited to “go” to Glacier with you!!
Definately a bucket list item for me. My wife and I had planned on going there in June 2020 and had to cancel due to CV. Maybe 2022.
I hope you can make it soon!
Hi Ash, We are planning a family trip total of 15..
10 adults, 2 age 13-15 and 3 age 5,7,8 .. Planning mid July 2021.. Can you give suggestions to stay (1 week), along with 4 -5 days of sightseeing?
Thanks
Hey Linda, this itinerary will suit your plans perfectly: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/glacier-itinerary/ It’s exactly what I would do with my family in that amount of time. Have fun!
We’ll be in Glacier in two weeks. We are not hikers😔 but would love to walk some to see good views. Would we be able to see good views if we walk a mile r/t each of Highland Trail and Hidden Lake trail from Logan Pass. Thanks
Yes, lots of good views up there!
My daughter recommended this trip as a gift to my wife. My problem is that I am Handicapped and can’t walk that far. Do you have an idea that we can use. I don’t want to get out there and not able to do anything. Thanks and Merry Christmas.
Hey Darren,
Glacier is a great park for that! There are many gorgeous views that are accessed along the road or with a short walk. I think you will love driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road through those beautiful mountains! Many Glacier and Two Medicine are also great for views. You can find more info here: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/physical-mobility.htm
I hope you’re able to visit soon!
Hi Ash!
I’m hoping to go visit Glacier Park for mu birthday next year in July. I’ve always dreamed of swimming in a beautiful lake and be able to swim in and around waterfalls. Is there such a place in Glacier park where I could make my dream come true? Also are there any areas that are secluded or not visited as much as the popular tourist destinations? Thank you for any information you could provide.
Hi Angie,
There are some great lakes for swimming…albeit cold ones :) Glacier has some beautiful waterfalls, but you’ll want to be careful not to swim where there are strong currents. The rivers can be quite powerful. You’ll find some great recommendations plus places to go to beat the crowds here: https://www.dirtinmyshoes.com/national-park-trip-itineraries/ Have fun!
Hi there!
Looking to travel with our family of 5 Mid June to GNP and it appears that about 17 miles of Going to sun road will be accessible on West side and 5 miles on East side due to road construction. Will there be any hikes that we can’t get to or any alternative type of plans we should make?
Yeah, you won’t be able to access Logan Pass, Hidden Lake Overlook, the Highline Trail, etc. Any of those high elevation hikes/viewpoints won’t be accessible until the road is fully open. Have a great trip!
What do you recommend doing in early March?? I don’t know what will be open. We are going to stop by while we are in the area skiing.
It will depend on how much of the Going-to-the-Sun Road is open, but you can usually make it partly around Lake McDonald from the west side. There are some nice trails around that area {Avalanche Lake, Johns Lake, and McDonald Falls} if the road is open that far. You’ll probably want cross-country skis or snowshoes though! The St. Mary area on the east side is open a short way to the lake as well if you want the views. Have fun!
Hey Ash! We’ve purchased a few of your itineraries for a big trip we’re taking this summer! Can’t wait!! One thing you didn’t mention on your can’t-miss list that has a lot of positive ratings is the Iceburg Lake Trail. We’re considering extending our trip by a day to try it. I’d love to know your thoughts/recommendations…
It’s awesome!! If you have an extra day to complete a long trail like that, totally worth it :)
Hi Ash! I love your website. My family and I are planning a trailer trip from Glacier to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons for 2 weeks this coming August and we’ve already gotten so much great information for our trip. I just have a few quick questions about trailer camping in Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. When the campground calls for RV length max 30 ft, does that mean trailer and tow vehicle combined length? Our trailer is 25 ft and our tow vehicle is 17 ft. We really want to stay in the most beautiful campground possible as we don’t want to feel like we’re living in a parking lot. We want some privacy and seclusion if at all possible. Can you recommend your favorite campgrounds in Yellowstone and Grand Tetons that take reservations with that in mind? Thank you so much for this wealth of information!
Hey Kelly! It’s super confusing :( I have tried to figure out the campgrounds in Yellowstone and how long a trailer can be, but I’m still not sure. Your best bet if you want to be sure you can fit is to check out Fishing Bridge or try to stay somewhere outside of the park. I’m sure there are campsites within the park that you’ll fit in, I’m just not comfortable making a suggestion based on the info I have.
You’ll be able to fit into Colter Bay or Gros Ventre in Grand Teton though :)
I need to follow you! We are heading to Glacier N.P the first week of August, Then on to Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Jackson during the month of August. We have a 25ft.RV
Driving the Going-to-the-Sun road is one of my favorite drives ever (between that and the Icefields Parkway). Thanks for the info!
Of course! I haven’t done Icefields Parkway yet, but it’s definitely on my list :)