The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Glacier National Park, Glacier National Park

June 16, 2021 Russell Mellin

Known as the Crown of the Continent, Glacier National Park encompasses more than one million acres of terrain. Explore glacial-carved mountain peaks and valleys, cascading waterfalls and the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, which runs through the heart of the park and crests the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. The park is open year-round and offers sightseeing, wildlife watching, fall foliage, boating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, bicycling, fine dining and luxury accommodations.
Restaurants in Glacier National Park Campgrounds

1. Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park

Livermore Creek Road, Glacier National Park, MT 59417 +1 403-859-2042 http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/354/
Excellent
83%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 462 reviews

Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park

A park symbolizing the long-standing friendship between Glacier National Park and its neighbor, Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada.

Reviewed By GorgeousRaquel - Calgary, Canada

Because of Covid19, it’s understandable that some places are still closed so we were not able to see majority of Glacier Nat’l. Park. We only saw the Canadian side since US border is still closed. However, the Canadian side is still great to experience. It raided 2 days straight but the 3rd day it was a mixture of sun and clouds. Majority of the days are windy and rainy. Waterton is the second windiest city in Canada. We had a great time nonetheless. Food we tried were The Wieners, Zum’s has the best chicken, Welch’s candy shop (expensive store but has a tasty Honey Cashew Crunch ice cream), I love the afternoon tea at The Prince of Wales Hotel (a must), Cameron Falls is glorious though Cameron Lake is incidentally closed for the year due to maintenance. Red Rock Canyon is great with its rock formation and falls, meadows. It has exceptional alpine scenery and deep valleys filled with ancient forests.

2. Highline Trail

Along Garden Wall, Glacier National Park, MT http://www.hikinginglacier.com/haystack-pass.htm
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 509 reviews

Highline Trail

A popular hiking trail with phenomenal views.

Reviewed By BigtimeAllthetime

With Grinnell Glacier access restricted (Covid), we accessed via the Highline trail (Logan Pass visitor center), climbed to the Grinnell Overlook (via Garden Wall trail), and returned via the Loop trail (to the Loop parking lot for pickup). Highly recommend this route as Highline going back out is not only longer but harder and the loop is mostly downhill. The views on Highline after rain yesterday were amazing and perfectly clear. We saw a group of mountain goats, multiple bighorn sheep (on the trail), and a few marmot. The climb to the glacier was tough but definitely worth it. Recommend continuing climb to the saddle (see recording) to see all four lakes at the bottom rather than just looking into the glacier. Exiting via the Loop trail was great as it was mostly downhill. Would definitely do this again and highly recommend if wanting to see the glacier.

3. Grinnell Glacier

Glacier National Park, MT http://nps.gov
Excellent
91%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 651 reviews

Grinnell Glacier

A large glacier offering 300 acres of beauty.

Reviewed By BigtimeAllthetime

With Grinnell Glacier access restricted (Covid), we accessed via the Highline trail (Logan Pass visitor center), climbed to the Grinnell Overlook (via Garden Wall trail), and returned via the Loop trail (to the Loop parking lot for pickup). Highly recommend this route as Highline going back out is not only longer but harder and the loop is mostly downhill. The views on Highline after rain yesterday were amazing and perfectly clear. We saw a group of mountain goats, multiple bighorn sheep (on the trail), and a few marmot. The climb to the glacier was tough but definitely worth it. Recommend continuing climb to the saddle (see recording) to see all four lakes at the bottom rather than just looking into the glacier. Exiting via the Loop trail was great as it was mostly downhill. Would definitely do this again and highly recommend if wanting to see the glacier.

4. Swiftcurrent Falls

Glacier National Park, MT
Excellent
79%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 304 reviews

Swiftcurrent Falls

A scenic lake.

Reviewed By roamawaywithus - Bismarck, United States

A super pretty area to stop and check out the lodge, history, eat, or take a boat tour! We took a boat tour and hike to upper Grinnell Lake & Grinnell Glacier it was truly an unbelievable trip. The boat staff was very knowledgeable and more than accommodating. The lodge was a perfect place to eat and rest and just take in the views of the Lake!!!

5. Iceberg Lake

Glacier National Park, MT http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/ranger-led-activities.htm
Excellent
93%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 103 reviews

Iceberg Lake

This spectacular lake, bordered on three sides by mountains and located 1,000 feet above the trailhead, has patches of ice even in the warmest months.

Reviewed By U617RFnicoles - Gettysburg, United States

Our family of six took this hike on the first day of our trip to Glacier National Park. The first part of the hike is rather taxing but once you get past that part, it levels out. This is a 10 mile hike round trip so you will want to make sure you have plenty of water, lunch food/snacks, and bug repellent. Hiking poles would have been helpful but we bought them after this hike. We saw several moose on the way to the lake. When you get to the Iceberg Lake, it is gorgeous! Beautiful pictures! Take your shoes off, and dip your feet into the freezing cold water after your long hike. Have lunch on the rocks by the lake. Enjoy every minute!

6. Iceberg Lake Trail

Glacier National Park, MT http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/hikingthetrails.htm
Excellent
90%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 470 reviews

Iceberg Lake Trail

Hikers often wear bells and strike up loud conversations, so as not to startle the bears on this back country trail.

Reviewed By DRT135 - St. Marys, United States

We joined one of the park rangers for this hike who was very good guide. We learned about the plants along the trail as well as about the animals living in the area. The hike up was pleasant and Iceberg Lake reflects the changes in our climate. On our hike down we had rain, wind, hail and wintery mix so definitely plan to have layers of clothes as well as a good rain jacket and hat.

7. Virginia Falls

Going to the Sun Road East Entrance Going to the Sun Rd, Glacier National Park, MT
Excellent
90%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 254 reviews

Virginia Falls

Reviewed By J8934MJjulieb - Las Vegas, United States

Amazing beautiful waterfall, be sure to hike a little farther to Virginia Falls. Take note at the beautiful water as well.

8. Siyeh Pass

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park, MT +1 406-888-7800 http://www.hike734.com/hiking/siyeh-pass
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 44 reviews

Siyeh Pass

Reviewed By 2MNtravelers_JnA - Chicago, United States

Loved this hike. We had no idea what we were getting into. We’re not hardcore hikers but we kept hearing how great this hike was. We started out not knowing how much of a climb it was. It was quite the incline but very much worth it! We made it up to Preston Park and Wow! Amazing views of Piegan Glacier as well as many others mountain peaks! You could definitely go further and I know there would be more amazing views! Do this hike!

9. Bowman Lake

North Fork, Glacier National Park, MT +1 406-888-7800 http://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 167 reviews

Bowman Lake

This lake lies just west of the Livingston Range of mountains in Montana and just south of the Canadian border in the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.

Reviewed By MichaelK1887 - Smyrna, United States

We had a long wait to get through to the long dirt road to get there, but it was a beautiful lake and view. We hiked around part of the lake and saw a couple of deer along the way. We also saw a couple of black bears along the dirt road to and from the lake so it was a worthwhile trip from Polebridge.

10. Kintla Lake

Polebridge, Glacier National Park, MT
Excellent
74%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
6%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 34 reviews

Kintla Lake

This scenic lake is more remote and less visited than Bowman Lake because of the length of bad access road that leads to it.

Reviewed By OGGlobalG

Rustic, quiet car camping. Somewhat rough, dirt road to get there. Small campground that fills up quickly. A labor of love for the aging camp host, Lyle. Each site has been carefully laid out and grounds tediously taken care of over the many years that he lived there. Don't come here if you don't want to experience quiet contemplation at the edge of a picturesque lake. Yes, there are bears here. Be sure to stop in Polebridge for fresh, delicious baked goods on your way here. Remember to leave no trace.

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