Curator’s statement
Glacier is the National Park that started our family's travel adventures and will always have a special place in my heart. Everywhere you look it is so beautiful you feel like you are in a painting. Complete splendor.
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Where to stay in Glacier National Park
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Things to do in Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is a hiker’s paradise. Most of the park is completely inaccessible unless you are hiking. This preserves Glacier’s rugged splendor but poses a challenge if you are exploring with young kids. Many of the more popular hikes in Glacier are seven or eight miles in length, which can be too much for young kids.
Glacier is broken up into five main areas that you can drive to and then set off exploring from that point:
St Mary’s
Many Glacier
Two Medicine
Lake McDonald
Apgar
We did our best to explore different areas of the park each day.
Boat ride
Take a boat tour on St. Mary’s Lake followed by a short — three-mile round trip — guided hike to Baring Falls. The water of the lake is a blueish-green color due to the sediment in the glacier melt. It makes everything gorgeous!
You will likely see bald eagles, deer, and other wildlife. Pack a lunch or snacks to enjoy at the waterfall. Not too much seat time, not too long of a hike and breathtaking scenery.
There are a couple of different tours you can do. The Crown of the Continent goes from east to west, has a stop for lunch and then drives back — six to eight hours. Depending on where you are staying, the Red Bus may pick you up directly from your lodging. If you do one thing in Glacier, do this.
Many Glacier Hike
This area is famous for the Many Glacier Hotel, which is the hotel that Stephen King based The Shining off of. It was built to be America’s little slice of the Swiss Alps and is really just breathtaking.
Get there early to get some still lake photos where the mountains reflect off the lake.
There is a two-mile hike around the Many Glacier Lake which is flat and an easy stroll for everyone. This hike is a photographer’s dream. Absolutely stunning. After your hike enjoy lunch at the Many Glacier Lodge.
Eat huckleberry pie
Don’t question it. Stop by Two Sisters as often as you can and eat pie.
Hidden Lake Overlook
Logan Pass is the highest elevation you can reach by car in the park. Parking can be challenging so the earlier the better. Follow the wooden boardwalk leading to Hidden Lake — 2.7 miles round trip. If you’re looking for wildlife, this is one of your best opportunities to view it.
Places to eat & drink in Glacier National Park
Two Sisters
Many Glacier Lodge
Two Medicine
Serranos
Last Best Pizza
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Travel Advisor
Samantha Brizgis
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Montana. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Crystal Napoli’s guide, Romantic Alpine Adventure: 7 Days in Glacier National Park.