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The Glacier National Park in Montana is Big Sky Country with spectacular scenery and amazing experiences to offer hikers, skiers, Snowboarders, and nature lovers from the West Coast, but with the drive being long and windy, it’s easy to ignore it as a destination for a week away. After all, to take in all that scenery, you’d have to make frequent stops or risk missing it all. Fortunately, there’s a better option than driving that’s more environmentally friendly, allows you views you’d never get behind the wheel, and even offers you a good night’s sleep on the way to the national park.
Travel the Great Northern Railroad From Seattle
Trains on the Great Northern Railroad has been carrying passengers on vacations in the Rockies since before your great-grandparents were born! These days you can catch the Amtrak to one of three stations near or in Glacier National Park on this historic line.
Amtrak’s Empire Builder service from Seattle to Chicago is just an overnight trip to Whitefish, West Glacier Gate, East Glacier Gate, and Essex in Montana. It travels across the Cascades to the Rocky Mountains.
All Aboard The Empire Builder
The Empire Builder service leaves the historic King Street Station in Seattle in the late afternoon. Have your camera ready because you’ll soon find Puget Sound rolling by with the train almost on the water! View the sandy beaches and spot some wildlife and marine traffic. If the weather’s agreeable, you’ll get to see a spectacular sunset over the sound or in the approaching countryside.
Next to grab your attention is the approach to the Cascades range through the fertile countryside and quaint farms, verdant in summer with the regal mountains presiding over all. You’ll ride over river tributaries with spectacular views of their mountain sources.
The Observation or Sightseeing Lounge
Wide windows wrap around part of the roof in the observation or sightseeing car where most seats face the picture windows, so you can see the night sky and Aurora Borealis when it appears. It’s also great for getting the big picture of the summits of mountains that are that close! In summer, grab your seat early, as it can get quite crowded. Guides may roam the deck, pointing out landmarks and informing you about the history of the region. The observation lounge is situated above the café area, so you can grab some snacks and coffee when it’s not too busy.
As the train climbs up the Cascades, you’ll get drone-type scenes of the countryside unfolding below you. Spy remote cabins and catch a glimpse of a different kind of life that looks straight out of the UK!
The track snakes up the range. Thrill at the bridges crossing over deep ravines and gorges. Around some curves, you’ll be able to glimpse the powerful engines pulling you up the gradients.
Scenic Meals On Wheels
You won’t miss the views in the dining car, where inclusive meals for passengers from sleeper rooms and roomettes are served. The large windows and seating ensure you have a magical backdrop to your dinner, except for one eight-mile stretch. The train goes through the Cascades Tunnel, which is one of the longest on the line.
You’re sure to feel a jolt in Spokane, Washington when the Portland Empire Builder links up with the Seattle cars—usually in the middle of the night! The merged train then carries you towards the east and the Rocky Mountains.
The next morning you’ll be rolling through the Rockies alongside forests mirrored on beautiful lakes. For much of the route, the train runs alongside healthy rivers, islands, and mountains that grow larger. The next tunnel the train threads through is the seven-mile Flathead tunnel not far from Glacier National Park.
The Three National Park Stops
Whitefish is the first park stop with access to Big Mountain Ski Resort. With a picturesque station building, it’s worth taking the short photo op if it’s not your stop. During your vacation, you might be able to catch a food or arts festival here, including Oktoberfest!
West Glacier Station (Belton), with its small building, is the main gateway to the national park and houses its headquarters. Be sure to book a shuttle beforehand if you’re making your own arrangements.
The next stop is Essex, a service stop serving the Izaak Walton Inn. The building looks almost medieval on its exterior and offers refitted railcars as cabins! Book early if you’d like to experience this unique accommodation!
Back on the track, the line curves up Marias Pass and over the continental divide to the last stop for the Glacier National Park—East Glacier Station (summer service only) and Browning (winter service). It’s the main stop for St Marys Resort and Grouse Mountain Lodge in the summer.
The station building is a rare log one. Be sure to visit the little museum inside for more on the Great Northern Railroad you’ve traveled on!
Know Before You Go
- Most journeys experience delays of at least an hour. Keep a light schedule on the day of your arrival in the park.
- East Glacier Station doesn’t operate in winter. The next stop after West Glacier Station (Belton) is Browning until late spring.
- Ensure that the train driver is aware of the service stop at Izaak Walton Station if that is your destination. A shuttle is available to the inn.
- Make your own plans and bookings far in advance, or consider one of the Amtrak Vacation Packages that include transfers and some excursions and meals.
- Although the park is open in winter, the Going-to-the-Sun road is closed until late spring, and most amenities are not available. Most winter activity is around Lake MacDonald and outside the park.