25 Best Things to Do in Glacier National Park

A chain of turquoise lakes climbing to a shrinking glacier — the quintessential Glacier hike and our top pick.

• Passes Lake Josephine and a chain of glacial lakes, each more stunning than the last
• Start early to beat crowds and afternoon thunderstorms
• The scenic boat across Swiftcurrent Lake to the Josephine trailhead skips the first 1.3 miles
• Travel in groups of three or more, make noise, and carry bear spray — many hikers rent canisters locally

A 3-mile alpine climb from Logan Pass where mountain goats graze right beside the boardwalk.

• Windswept alpine basin with panoramic views and close-up alpine wildlife
• Mountain goats frequently graze along the route — keep 25 yards back
• Maintain 100 yards from bears and wolves anywhere in the park
• Logan Pass parking ran on a 3-hour limit July 1–September 7, 2026

Old-growth forest to a glacial lake ringed by cliff walls — huge payoff for a 2.3-mile (one-way) walk.

• Boardwalk sections make the early stretch suitable for families
• Dramatic cliff walls ring the lake
• Final approach has some scrambling — sturdy shoes help

Ridge-hugging catwalk with endless views — considered one of the most scenic trails in North America.

• Hugs mountain ridges with views the entire way
• Granite Park Chalet works as a midpoint — advance booking required
• Hardy day-hikers can do it as an out-and-back from either end

An underrated creekside walk that ends at two charming waterfalls — easy to scale up or down.

• Follows a creek through forest to two modest but charming waterfalls
• Route can be customized to your energy level
• Good pick for groups of mixed fitness

A steady climb to an alpine lake where icebergs float in certain years — quieter than the famous routes.

• Icebergs float on the lake in certain years
• Steep but offers solitude compared to more famous routes
• Mountain peaks reflected in pristine water at the finish

A 1,400-foot climb to a stunning turquoise glacial lake under the gaze of Mount Siyeh.

• Turquoise water below steep mountain walls
• Many Glacier parking fills early in peak season — plan around it

A boardwalk loop through old-growth cedars — real Glacier scenery for visitors with limited mobility or time.

• Boardwalk passes through an old-growth cedar forest
• Interpretive signage and easy photo stops
• Ideal for visitors with limited mobility or time

Waterfall views and wildflower meadows with a fraction of the foot traffic of the marquee hikes.

• Noticeably less traffic than other popular hikes
• Passes through diverse ecosystems on the way to the falls
• Best when water flow is high in mid-to-late summer

A gentle, well-maintained loop through meadows and mixed forest — built for families and wildlife spotting.

• Traverses meadows and mixed forest with optional short side trips
• Well-maintained tread the whole way
• Early morning and evening bring the best wildlife odds

The park's 50-mile centerpiece — a drive you budget half a day for, not squeeze between stops.

• Key pullouts: Jackson Glacier Overlook, Sun Point, and Logan Pass
• There is no fixed alpine opening date; weather can close the road during the season.
• Logan Pass had a 3-hour timed parking limit July 1–September 7, 2026

A paved connection from Going-to-the-Sun Road toward the North Fork — a different drive, not a wildlife guarantee.

• Moose-spotting opportunities in the quieter North Fork region
• A two-lane, asphalt-paved road
• Early morning drives yield the best wildlife

A short scenic spur to a spectacular, often-overlooked lake basin with trailheads and a historic camp store.

• Branches off MT-49 and ends right at Two Medicine Lake
• Trailheads, picnic areas, and the old Two Medicine Chalet, now a camp store, at the road's end
• Short drive, spectacular setting, often overlooked

The easiest close-up glacier view in the park — and a stark lesson in how fast the ice is going.

• Intimate glacier views straight from the pullout
• Interpretive signs explain glacier retreat
• Historical-photo comparisons show dramatic climate impacts

A short walk that pairs a waterfall with a three-glacier panorama across the water.

• From the overlook you can see three valley glaciers: Jackson, Gunsight, and Stimson
• Combines an easy walk with photogenic views

Paddle Swiftcurrent Lake or Lake McDonald to a quiet cove and see the mountains from water level.

• Kayak and SUP rentals at Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake McDonald
• Paddling to a quiet cove for lunch gives a whole different mountain perspective
• Rental shops operate seasonally, typically June through September

Ranger-narrated cruises for big scenery without a single mile of hiking.

• Departs from the Lake McDonald Lodge area
• Photographic opportunities without strenuous effort
• A historic option for scenic views without hiking

A guided whitewater outing on the Middle Fork near West Glacier; difficulty depends on the trip and water level.

• Check the named river section before booking; this whitewater option is on the Middle Fork.
• Several outfitters operate from West Glacier
• Family-friendly depending on water level and age restrictions

Choose an open waterbody and check its species rules before fishing; do not target protected bull trout.

• Bull trout must be released immediately if caught incidentally.
• No fishing license is required inside Glacier National Park; boundary and outside waters have separate rules.
• Best fishing comes in May, June, and September when streams are accessible

Cold water is a hazard, not a test of bravery; a shore visit is a good alternative to swimming.

• Lake McDonald, St. Mary Lake, and smaller alpine lakes offer swimming
• Cold water can incapacitate a swimmer; fitness or a quick-dip plan does not remove the risk.

The valley concentrates grizzlies, goats, bighorn sheep, and mule deer — show up at first light.

• Many Glacier concentrates grizzlies, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and mule deer
• Sunrise viewing from pullouts or short hiking segments dramatically raises sighting odds
• Travel in small groups, make noise, and carry bear spray in backcountry areas

A photogenic little island framed by mountain peaks, right off Going-to-the-Sun Road.

• Visible from Going-to-the-Sun Road on Saint Mary Lake
• A short walk from the road opens up camera angles of the island framed by peaks
• Sunset light is particularly striking

Free 45-minute programs on grizzly ecology, wolves, and wildflowers — the fastest way to understand the park.

• Programs run June through September at visitor centers and campgrounds
• Topics include grizzly ecology, wolf behavior, and wildflower identification
• Connects visitors to ongoing conservation efforts

Tracks and browse marks can tell a story even when no animal appears. Observe signs without following or approaching wildlife.

• Fresh animal sign — tracks, scat, browse marks — tells the story of park ecology
• Rare-species sightings are not promised. Stay on your route, keep your distance and never pursue an animal.

An International Dark Sky Park where a little time on your back delivers the Milky Way — and sometimes auroras.

• Remote location minimizes light pollution
• Ranger-led astronomy programs run during summer months
• September brings longer nights, but clouds and smoke can still obscure the sky. Check the forecast before going out.