Are you planning a trip to Montana and wondering if Glacier National Park is dog-friendly? You’re probably excited to bring your dog along on your adventures, so let’s talk about your options in Glacier.
Glacier National Park is not a dog-friendly national park. Pets must be kept on the paved roads and parking areas at all times. They are not permitted on any trails in the park, including all backcountry areas.
My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. I love to be in Glacier any chance I get, and I’m excited to help you plan your upcoming trip to this majestic national park!
Let’s talk about the best places to take your dog in Glacier National Park!
Where Can I Go With My Dog in Glacier?
Dogs are allowed in the following areas:
Campgrounds
Glacier has thirteen frontcountry campgrounds, and these campgrounds allow dogs. If you want to camp with your dog, please be aware that:
- Pets are required to be on a 6-foot leash at all times. No off-leash dogs allowed!
- Dogs cannot make excessive noise
- You must pick up after your dog
- Your dog can’t be left unattended or tied to an object while you’re out exploring the park
Learn more about your camping options here.
Bike Paths
Glacier has several paved bike trails that travel around the Apgar Village area, which are great spots where dogs are allowed.
The Apgar Bike Path runs from the West Entrance to Apgar Village (near the Apgar Backcountry Permit Office). It’s about 1.5 miles each way and completely flat.
The Fish Creek Bike Path is a fully paved pathway that connects the Fish Creek Campground to the Lower McDonald Creek Bridge on the Camas Road (close to Apgar Village). It’s about 1.2 miles each way and gains 25 feet of elevation.
Parking Lots
Your dog can be with you in any of the parking lots in Glacier, but they are not permitted to leave the pavement. If you need to get out of the car and stretch your legs in the parking lot, your dog may join you.
Please don’t leave your pet in the car while you hike.
Picnic Areas
Your dog can join you for a picnic in any of the park’s developed picnic areas. This includes the designated picnic areas at Bowman Lake, Fish Creek, Apgar, Sprague Creek, Avalanche Creek, Sun Point, Rising Sun, Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and Walton.
Boats
You’ll find many beautiful lakes in Glacier that will allow you a day out on the water with your dog. Lakes that allow motorized boats also allow dogs, but they must stay in your boat at all times.
This includes Bowman Lake, Lake McDonald, Lake Sherburne, Saint Mary Lake, Swiftcurrent Lake, and Two Medicine Lake. You can learn more about boating with your dog here.
Scenic Drives
Glacier has some beautiful scenic drives that you can enjoy with your dog. If you plan for some time to enjoy the scenery from the car, you can see some spectacular views in the park together!
A few of my favorite scenic park roads are the Going-to-the-Sun Road and Highway 2.
Take a look at the Glacier Map to locate these roads before you go.
Always clean up after your dog so that these areas continue to be dog-friendly!
Dogs are not allowed in the following areas:
Trails
Dogs are not permitted on any trails in Glacier.
You cannot carry your dog in your arms, push him in a stroller, carry a kennel, put her in a backpack, etc., to get around these rules. The rule is simply that no dogs are allowed on the trails in Glacier.
Backcountry trails are also closed to pets. Please do not leave your dogs in a vehicle while you hike.
If you want to do some great hiking with your dog, you’ll find some dog-friendly trail options in the nearby public lands of the Flathead National Forest. This beautiful forest service area borders the park’s south and west sides, and you’ll find some majestic mountain views and natural beauty out here! The Glacier View and Hungry Horse areas are the closest to the national park.
Public Buildings
Dogs are not allowed in the park’s public buildings, such as visitor centers, museums, restaurants, or gift shops.
Lakeshores
If you want to hang out with your dog along a lakeshore in Glacier, be sure to choose a developed picnic area such as the one at Apgar or Fish Creek. If you’re not in an area near the lake that has a paved road/sidewalks, etc., then your dog is not allowed along the lakeshore or in the water.
Everywhere Else
If an area isn’t listed in the “Where Dogs Are Allowed” section above, you should assume that your dog is not permitted there.
Why Can’t I Take My Dog Hiking in Glacier?
The most important reason that a national park is established is to preserve and protect the most beautiful places in America. An important part of fulfilling this charge is keeping the native wildlife safe and healthy and avoiding altering their natural habitat and behaviors.
Pets can transmit domestic diseases to the wild animals in Glacier National Park, which can lead to sickness and death of the animals that live here naturally. And vice versa….your dog can also get sick from the wildlife in the park!
Also, Glacier has a large population of grizzly bears, black bears, and moose, none of which like dogs! Moose will charge and trample things when spooked, and bears can get aggressive and follow domestic dogs back to their owners. Due to these safety precautions, dogs are limited in where they can go.
Please join with the NPS in their efforts to take better care of the outdoor spaces, including the local wildlife, by following the pet regulations.
Traffic and crowding in Glacier can be terrible.
Did you know that it’s common for parking lots to completely fill before sunrise in Glacier?
Are you hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people?
Stay ahead of the crowds with this Glacier Itinerary. You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
Where Can I Find the Best Kennel Near Glacier?
You can find kennel options near West Glacier and the West Entrance of Glacier National Park:
These boarding options are located in Columbia Falls, MT, approximately 20 minutes from the West Entrance of Glacier. These are the closest and most highly reviewed kennels near the park. If you are staying in Kalispell or Whitefish, you’ll find additional dog boarding in that area.
There are extremely limited boarding options near the East Entrance. The St. Mary KOA offers limited pet sitting/kennelling, and the Happy Trails K9 Daycare is located in Babb near the Many Glacier Entrance.
What Are Some Dog-Friendly Hotels In/Near Glacier?
Pets are not permitted in any hotel rooms in the park, so you’ll need to stay outside of Glacier if you bring your furry best friend with you. As a reminder, campgrounds in Glacier are dog-friendly if you’re hoping to stay within the park.
You can find several pet-friendly hotels just outside of Glacier. A few good options are:
West Entrance — Under Canvas or North Forty Resort
Many Glacier/St. Mary Entrances — St. Mary KOA
Two Medicine Entrance — Circle R Motel
AirBnB and VRBO also have many other lodging options in the communities near the park for pet owners.
What Happens If I Take My Dog Somewhere He’s Not Allowed in Glacier?
You will receive a citation for no less than $75, but it could be more depending on the infraction.
Park rangers and park volunteers patrol the hiking trails, roads, and viewpoints in Glacier regularly.
What If I Bring My Service Dog to Glacier?
Service dogs that are recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act are allowed to accompany their owners throughout the entire park. A service dog must be specifically trained to perform tasks related to the owner’s disability.
Therapy, comfort, or emotional support animals do not qualify as service animals in Glacier National Park and will be required to follow all pet regulations.
Thanks for being here! I can’t wait for you to explore Glacier National Park with your favorite furry friend!
More Glacier Trip Planning Information
Glacier Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How to Get to Glacier — the best airports and roads in the area.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Glacier? — itinerary ideas.
The Best Time to Visit — what to expect during each month of the year.
Weather, Hours, and Closures — important weather info and common closures.
Where Should I Stay? — the best options in and around the park.
All About Camping — learn about the park’s campgrounds and how to get a site.
10 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Glacier — the top 10 spots.
The Best Easy Hikes — the perfect trails for kids, wheelchairs, and beginners.
The Ultimate Glacier Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know.
Best Things to Do — activities for every type of adventurer.
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I was at Glacier last June. We were there visiting my son was getting married the next day. I was attacked by a dog on a leash on a trail. He jumped on my leg and his claws dug into my skin through my pants. I had 3 , 3 inch cuts to my Right lower leg. The owner kept apologizing. I told them to go away… I went to the ranger station and cleaned my cuts… you need better signs on the trails @ no dogs …also someone should have told them at the entrance when they came in. Very upsetting !
I’m very sorry to hear that. I no longer work as a park ranger, but I do agree that there should be clearer signs with the regulations posted at the trailheads!