10 Things You Can’t Miss On Your First Visit to Glacier

This is page 3 of this article.  To start at the beginning, click here. 

Most people miss out on some of the most amazing views in Glacier, but that doesn’t have to be you! Check out this itinerary before you go.

6. Highline Trail

The Highline Trail is likely the biggest jewel in this park known as “the crown of the continent.”  Talk to any serious hiker, and it’s probable that this hike has been or still is on their bucket list!

Phenomenal mountain views are your constant companion as you travel along this unlikely trail carved into the mountainside.  It doesn’t get much more dramatic than this!

Everything you need to know about hiking this trail can be found in this Guide to Hiking the Highline Trail!

7. Grinnell Lake and Boat Tour

For a giant family adventure, head to the turquoise blue waters of Grinnell Lake.  A large waterfall cascades into this gorgeous glacial lake and wildlife abounds! You can hike the whole way, but if you want to add some extra excitement, take the boat tour across two other stunning Many Glacier lakes.

What You Need to Know

Although a fun way to cut off some mileage, the boat tour is not required.  Hiking the whole way to Grinnell Lake is 7 miles roundtrip, but if you take the boat, it is only 2 miles roundtrip.  The trail is mostly flat and easy.

On your way, you’ll pass by Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine.  Both are beautiful destinations by themselves, but the chance to see three spectacular lakes in one hike is a phenomenal opportunity.  One time, we saw four moose from the boat as we crossed Lake Josephine!

This itinerary provides my specific recommendations regarding the boat tour and hiking trails in the Many Glacier section of the park.

Getting Here

The trail and the boat tour both leave from the Many Glacier Hotel.  To get here from St. Mary, 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 miles until you reach Many Glacier.  You’ll turn left here, and the Hotel sits on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake.

8. Avalanche Lake

Avalanche Lake is one of the most photographed lakes in Glacier, and for a good reason.  Sitting peacefully in a natural amphitheater, this lake is surrounded by majestic mountain peaks and rushing waterfalls. 

What You Need to Know

The trail to Avalanche Lake is 4.6 miles roundtrip and gains about 500 feet of elevation.  This trail branches off of the Trail of the Cedars near the Avalanche Gorge and heads deeper into the mountains.

Despite the long distance, the trail is well-traveled and maintained and is good for most families.  You won’t find solitude on this trail unless you are willing to continue farther around the lake when you reach it {which I highly recommend}!

Downed logs in the water are proof that Mother Nature is at work here….especially during the winter months!

Pets are not permitted on this trail.

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 — you’ll need to hike part of this trail to reach Avalanche Lake.  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.

9. Hidden Lake Overlook

If you’re looking for a hike in Glacier that has it all, look no further. This spectacular lake sits at the base of the dramatic Bearhat Mountain and provides some of the most beautiful views in the park!

What You Need to Know

The trail to the Hidden Lake Overlook is 2.8 miles roundtrip and gains 460 feet of elevation.  You’ll follow a series of boardwalks that stretch across the fragile tundra before reaching the overlook.  If you’d like to reach the shores of Hidden Lake, that requires an additional 2.4-mile roundtrip hike with a 780-foot loss of elevation from the overlook.

Snow may remain in this area even into July and wildflowers will likely bloom into September.  Mountain goats most commonly frequent this trail, but you may also see marmots, bighorn sheep, and even the occasional bear.

Pets are not permitted on this trail.  This itinerary will help you secure a parking spot in this busy area, as well as share trail information for a “secret” hike nearby!

Getting Here

The Hidden Lake Overlook Trail begins at Logan Pass.  After you park, you’ll find the trail located right behind the Visitor Center.

Logan Pass is located 32 miles from Apgar Village or 18 miles from St. Mary as you drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

10. See a Glacier!

It’s no secret that the glaciers in Glacier National Park are quickly receding, and many people flock to the park in the hopes of seeing them before they’re gone.  While most glaciers aren’t easily accessible, there are still some great places to go to see the beautiful glaciers of the park!

What You Need to Know

Here are a few of my favorite glacier-viewing spots:

Grinnell Glacier — getting to Grinnell Glacier requires a long dayhike, but it’s completely worth it!  If you love to hike and only have time to complete one long hike, make an effort to see this glacier.  You can see it from two different trails, the Grinnell Glacier Trail or a spur trail off of the Highline Trail just before reaching the Granite Park Chalet.  You’ll need a good map if you plan on hiking either of these trails.

Salamander Glacier — this glacier sits high in the mountains right next to Grinnell Glacier and can also be seen by hiking the trails listed above.  The nice thing about the Salamander is that it is actually visible without having to hike to it.  You can view this glacier from several places in the Many Glacier area, including the Many Glacier Hotel and Swiftcurrent Lake {but you’ll definitely want your binoculars}!

Jackson Glacier — to see this glacier, all you need to do is pull-off of the Going-to-the-Sun Road!  After driving several miles east of Logan Pass, you’ll see a sign for the Jackson Glacier Overlook.  Park here and walk to the interpretive sign to see the glacier in the distance.

Have an incredible vacation in Glacier National Park — happy trails!

Click NEXT to see the Ultimate Guide to Glacier.

Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links, which means that (at no extra cost to you) I receive a small compensation if you make a purchase.  I only recommend products that I love, and I appreciate your support.  Thanks! — Ash