Glacier National Park is a top spot for outdoor adventurers looking to explore a variety of awe-inspiring landscapes such as forests, meadows, mountains, and lakes. Located in Montana, there is no shortage of natural beauty in this park that is also known for its wildlife and biodiversity. It is also a hiker’s paradise, with over 700 miles of trails that have something for everyone from the casual hiker to the more experienced hiking enthusiast looking for more challenging adventures.
4 Plan Ahead To Hike Smart
Before choosing a hike, be sure to plan ahead and choose a trail that’s right for your skill level and experience. Consulting trail maps and checking on trail status reports also help you to stay updated on the latest park information. Safety is the most important part of planning your hike, so make sure you are informed of weather conditions, potential hazards, and other hiking tips such as what to pack, how to dress, and what supplies to bring on your trek. The park has both guided hikes led by experienced rangers, and self-guided walks that are well-marked with signs depicting routes and other trailside features, so choose your own adventure at any of these amazing hiking trails.
3 Lake MacDonald Trails
There are a variety of trails to explore at Lake MacDonald. With so much to see and do, you may need to visit this area more than once.
The Lookouts
There are several lookout points including the Apgar Lookout, a mostly level 3.6 mile one-way trail with an elevation gain of 1,850 feet, and the Mt. Brown Lookout, a longer, 5.2-mile one-way trail with an elevation gain of 4,325 feet. Spectacular views await, no matter which trail you choose.
Loops and Lakes
The Johns Lake Loop is another great trail to check out at MacDonald Lake, as it offers spectacular views of MacDonald Falls and Johns Lake. It is a 1.8-mile roundtrip loop that offers amazing views of the water lily-lined shore with a backdrop of Stanton Mountain. You may even catch a glimpse of a moose through the trees!
Gorgeous Gorge
The Trail of the Cedars is another popular hike at Lake MacDonald. It is an easy, 1-mile loop through the forest, where you can spot majestic red cedars and hemlocks. The best part of this trail is its view of Avalanche Gorge—there is a footbridge that gives you an excellent vantage point. For those wanting a closer look (and a bit of a challenge), branch off to the Avalanche Lake Trail that takes you right to the banks of Avalanche Creek where you can witness the beauty of the glacially melted water as it falls through the gorge.
Other Notable Trails
There are many other trails to explore at Lake MacDonald, including Howe Lake, the Forest, and Fire Nature Trail, and the Fish Creek Bike Path, to name a few.
2 Many Glacier Trails
Many Glacier also has a number of trails that vary both in length and landscape.
Get Your Glacier On
The Grinnell Glacier Viewpoint is a must-see as it is known as the site of one of the park’s most well-known glaciers. Complete with both cliffs and meadows, this hike is 7.6 miles roundtrip and also gets you a glimpse of Grinnell Falls and Grinnell Lake. Iceberg Lake is another popular trail in Many Glacier as you get plenty of mountain views, as well as the chance to see more icebergs floating on a pristine, crystal blue lake.
Tunneling To Bear Country
The Ptarmigan Tunnel is a unique experience, as the trail takes you through a 240-foot tunnel that makes you feel like a true outdoor adventurer—wending through a gorgeous meadow and dense forest that ultimately takes you to Ptarmigan Lake. This hike is a 10.7-mile day hike that is considered strenuous because of the change in terrain that is often uneven and sometimes steep. Also, be on the lookout for bears (and pack bear spray!) as this area is known as a popular bear hangout.
Lovely Lakes
Cracker Lake is another gorgeous spot in this area. The trail is 12.6 miles roundtrip, so it is a bit longer, but the view is definitely worth it. It also offers a variety of stunning sights including the Cracker Flats, the mountains behind Lake Sherburne, and of course Crystal Lake itself—considered by some to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
Other Notable Trails
Other notable trails include Swiftcurrent Pass, known for its wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery; Poia Lake; and Swiftcurrent Nature Trail, where you may spot a grizzly.
1 Two Medicine Trails
There is plenty to see on this set of trails including many popular lakes and waterfalls, including Upper Two Medicine Lake.
Good For Beginners
The trails here are known for being a bit more suited for beginners, so if you’re a more casual hiker, this area may be for you. This area is also known for its great camping spots, so after a hike to see the Running Eagle Falls, the Rockville Falls, or the Twin Falls, you can spend the night surrounded by flower-filled meadows and more incredible scenery.
Double Passes And Added Elevation
Dawson Pass and Pitamakan Pass are two popular hikes in this area. Pitamakin Pass’ trail heads over a ridge near Rising Wolf Mountain, passes by the Sky Lake Waterfall and ultimately ends at lovely Oldman Lake. The trail is a bit narrow and is rated as strenuous, but the terrain is mostly flat so it's not too tough for beginners. Dawson Pass leads you up, up, up with an elevation gain of 2,450 feet that ultimately delivers a great view of Oldman Lake. Combine these two trails to make one all-day loop hike, or take them separately to see some of the most peaceful and relaxing scenes at Glacier National Park.
There are a plethora of hikes to choose from at Glacier National Park—everyone from novice trekkers to expert hikers will find something to enjoy at this gorgeous Montana park.