The Crown Jewel of the Continent is certainly one for your bucket list, so you may as well explore it. And the good news is, Glacier National Park itself is open all year round, and you can visit anytime. One of our favorite things to do when we pay a visit to this national park is Montana is hike. The hiking in Glacier National Park is absolutely extraordinary; there’s really nowhere else in the country quite like it! Below are some of our favorite trails in Glacier National Park, all of which belong on your Montana hiking bucket list!
This is an easy 2.8-mile hiking trail with some stunning scenery. The hike begins from the South Shore Trailhead at Two Medicine Lake, ending at Aster Falls, a 20-foot waterfall. If you have the energy after checking out the falls, climb another 500 feet to the Aster Park Overlook for some of the most sublime views in the park. You’ll feel as though you’re on top of the world! Read more about this epic hike on AllTrails.
You have until October to hike the Hidden Lake Overlook trail, which is popular because of its boardwalk which was built to preserve the fragile alpine ecosystem. The hike starts on the west side of the Logan Pass Visitors Center, and you’ll have a very good chance of seeing mountain goats or bighorn sheep. This trail was closed for a while in July due to frequent bear activity, so be on the lookout for grizzlies if you go. Read more about this incredibly scenic hike on AllTrails.
There’s no better way to end the summer season in Montana than by hiking one of Glacier’s most popular trails. There are two ways to access this beautiful hike, the first of which being by boat. If you take a historic boat across Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lake, you’ll save yourself a few miles (make a reservation first). But if you begin your hike from the Many Glacier Hotel, there’s a lot more to see. Read more about this epic hike on AllTrails.
Hiking The Highline is a classic Glacier experience. The 7.6 mile trail is fairly easy to navigate with a gradual climb in elevation. You can continue on another 11.9 miles to Fifty Mountain Campground if you’re feeling adventurous. Read more about this epic hike on AllTrails.
If you don’t have the patience to deal with the crowds at the Highline Trail, head to the nearby Piegan Pass, where the views are just as stunning. But be warned: This is *not* an easy trail by any means. It’s about 20 miles round trip, and it’s definitely in grizzly country. But if you’re an experienced hiker and up for the journey, this is a bucket-list-worthy trail in Glacier National Park that you’ll never forget. Read more about this splendid hike on AllTrails.
The Twin Falls Trail begins at the North Shore Trailhead at the Two Medicine Campground, and you can also access it from the South Shore Trailhead at Two Medicine Lake. Hikers are treated to a pair of cascading waterfalls and plenty of huckleberry patches along the way. Read more about this epic hike on AllTrails.
Alright waterfall chasers: this one’s for you! Are you ready to experience one of the most magical places in Glacier National Park? Your adventure begins at the St. Mary Falls Shuttle Stop, which is approximately 10 miles west of the St. Mary Entrance Station. In addition to the waterfalls, one of the best parts about this trail is the feeling of being completely surrounded by mountains. Not far into the hike, you’ll enjoy views of Dusty Star Mountain, Almost-A-Dog Mountain, and Little Chief Mountain. Before reaching Virginia Falls, hikers will be treated to a view of St. Mary Falls, which is 35-feet tall and absolutely beautiful. It’s the perfect place to stop for a quick break before continuing along the trail. After approximately 1.7 miles, you’ll have arrived at the Virginia Falls Viewpoint Trail junction. Take a right at the fork and prepare to be amazed by what awaits. Ready for your big waterfall adventure in Glacier National Park? Read more about this trail at in this recent article.
Boulder Pass is located in Glacier’s remote Northern Wilderness, and it’s primarily for backpackers. You could easily make it a day hike, however, and if you do you’ll have views of majestic peaks in every direction. The trailhead is located at the Kintla Lake Campground at the foot of Kintla Lake. Read more about this epic hike on AllTrails.
Glacier National Park is so incredible, and we highly recommend planning to visit this amazing national park in Montana sometime soon! Curious to learn more about this wondrous place in the Treasure State? Here are 10 things you may not have heard about Glacier National Park.
Address: Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
Address: Twin Falls, Montana 59434, USA
Address: Aster Falls, Glacier National Park, East Glacier Park Village, MT 59434, USA
Address: Hidden Lake Overlook, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA
Address: Grinnell Lake, Montana 59417, USA
Address: Highline Trail, Montana 59936, USA
Address: Piegan Pass Trail, Montana 59417, USA
Address: Boulder Pass Trail, Montana, USA
Address: Virginia Falls, Montana 59417, USA
THE OIYS VISITOR CENTER
NATIONAL PARK TO VISIT IN MONTANA
January 30, 2022
Sarah M.
Is Glacier National Park the only national park to visit in Montana?
The Treasure State is, pardon our pun, a treasure trove of natural wonders — so no, Glacier is *not* the only national park in Montana! In total, there are seven national parks in Montana, including national park service sites. Glacier is one of the most popular, as is Yellowstone, which is perhaps the *most* well-known park in the state. You can read more about the adventures available on the Montana side of Yellowstone National Park here.
Where are some places to stay when I visit Glacier National Park?
The Crown Jewel of the Continent is certainly one for your bucket list, so you may as well explore it. Many prefer to camp at this national park in Montana, but if you’d rather not, you’ve still got plenty of nearby lodging options. These are a few of our favorites accommodations when planning a trip to visit Glacier National Park — take a look, and plan to visit this incredible national park in Montana soon!
