Quick View | Glacier National Park
So you are contemplating visiting Glacier National Park - DO IT! National parks have always been on our list of things to do.. eventually. We have always been so set on seeing other parts of the world, to be honest we kind of neglected our own country which is crazy when there is so much beauty to be found here. Glacier 100% exceeded our expectations in regards to its natural beauty from the lakes to hiking options and the wildlife to the most scenic drive you could imagine.
Our timing was a little bit off going at the tail end of open season for accommodation and dining, and of course 2020 closures but we still had plenty of things to do with many we couldn’t get to given our short visit. *this post is as of 10/2020 - amid Covid 19 so some details may change as new progresses.
The Basics
Location & Travel: GNP is in the northwest corner of Montana, USA - basically as close as you can get to Canada these days without crossing the border :)
Financially, the cheapest option for air travel is Missoula International Airport (MSO) with multiple flights entering daily from hub cities.
Alternative airport option:
Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), near Kalispell and Whitefish
When to Visit: High season May-September. Most hotels and dining start to shut down the first week of October with some exceptions however fall is gorgeous in the park with all of the leaves changing over.
Getting Around: We 100% recommend renting a car for this trip. While the park does offer shuttle services which are great, you want to be able to get around at your own pace. Not hopping off the shuttle with 32 other people. Parking lots will fill up quickly, like 7:30am quickly so set that coffee brew timer a little earlier and get out there!
Entry: There is a $35 entry fee per vehicle that will get you a 7 day pass ($25 for winter months, November 1st - April 30th). You can purchase your pass online here and download it to your phone ahead of time to avoid waiting at the gate which we definitely recommend.
Top 7 Things to Do (2020 version)
1. Make the drive to North Fork in the park and visit Bowman Lake. The road is a little bit more rough and dusty than the rest of the park however the payoff is great as you will have a more quiet experience with way less people than you will see in other areas. *Make sure you check on the status of the parking lot and roads here before you head out for the day. It is a bit of a drive so you don’t want to get out there only to find the roads closed.
2. Drive the length of the Going to the Sun Road. This is the main access for the bulk of the park so you cannot miss it. There are so many turnoff view points to enjoy and trailheads to explore here. *If you get motion sickness at all.. you have been warned. There are some tight corners and winding roads on this drive!
3. Soak up some fairytale views on Haystack Pass/The Highline Loop trail. Walking along the same (higher) path as GttSR you will gain another perspective on just how massive this beautiful park is. Depending on your hiking history, you can either make the 7.2 mile in and out to Haystack Butte OR if you choose to go on, you can stop for lunch here and continue for the full 15.2 miles to Granite Park Chalet. This is a very popular trail so make sure to get to Logan Pass Visitor Center early. 7:30am we had no problems but by 9:30am - even tail end of season we heard that people were waiting 45 minutes for a spot.
4. Watch the sunrise or sunset at Lake McDonald. The lake runs a huge distance of miles along Going to the Sun Road with multiple turn outs so you can find a secluded spot to enjoy the view. While rentals are not an option for the remainder of 2020, we did see some people with their own SUP boards and kayaks out on the water launching from Apgar.
5. Watch sunset at the Hidden Lake Overlook. This view is beautiful all day so if you cannot make sunset, you are still in for a treat! This trail starts just behind the Logan Pass visitor center and is just over 2.5 miles in and out. Most of this trail is on a boardwalk but don’t be fooled, the elevation gain and steps are not quite as easy if you are in a rush to catch the sunset. *Give yourself some time to arrive before sunset is happening (we made this mistake and were booking it while huffing and puffing!
6. Hike the trail to St. Mary and Virginia Falls. With sore legs, this easy or moderate trail was really a beautiful surprise featuring crystal clear water and an end view that will really take your breath away. This trail is just over 3.5 miles in and out. *Go this trail in layers, you are going between full sun and shade back and forth so it can definitely alter the temperature!
7. Recovery hike at Trail of the Cedars/Avalanche Lake. Another VERY popular hike so don’t expect too much privacy here with a total of 4.5 miles of trail. If you are just taking it easy, stick to Trail of the Cedars for a boardwalk stroll with views of the Avalanche Gorge’s crystal clear waters and plenty of opportunities to see some wildlife.
Where to Stay
West Glacier: (most accommodations closed for the remainder of 2020 until beginning of next season)
Belton Chalet - closed until May 14th, 2021
Under Canvas - closed until June 10th, 2021
Glacier Outdoor Center - still booking for 2020
Inside the park: (accommodations closed for the remainder of 2020 until beginning of next season)
Whitefish: (27 miles from the West entrance)
So many cute and affordable Airbnb options available like this one
Camping in the park: There are 13 different camp sites set throughout the park available to rent at very reasonable prices. **Fish Creek is the ONLY site open for the remainder of 2020. All spots do need to be reserved in advance!
Things to know before visiting
Embrace the disconnect. You will likely not have service while in the park.. enjoy it. Make sure to download any maps or bird watching apps ;) before you enter the park.
Do some research on wildlife you could see and be prepared to actually see it. Rent or purchase bear spray always and bug spray especially in summertime. Bells are a good little attachment to your backpack to give bears a heads up you are there!
Always pay attention to the signage during your hikes. Someone took the time to put it there for a reason!
In your day pack or car, carry layers as if you will be experiencing run, rain and snow all on the same hike.
Take binoculars with you everywhere. There are so many possibilities to see unique wildlife you will not want to miss out on!
Stay alert! We pulled off on the side of Going to the Sun road to sit by the river and have a beer. We took a selfie as we were about to leave and a Grizzly walked out of the bushes behind us, stared and then crossed the river. (Photos below) You never know where you will see wildlife, even close to the road so keep your eyes open!
Be socially responsible. During the global pandemic, bring a mask with you. You don’t have to hike in it but with very narrow paths on some trails, it is respectful to put it on while passing other heavy breathing hikers.
As above, make sure you dispose of said masks and anything else you bring in with you, make sure to take out with you.
Don’t under estimate the need for a good hiking boot! These Colombia boots are by far both of our favorite!
