Location: Glacier
Top Things to do in Glacier
Top Restaurants in Glacier
The 10 Best Things to Do in Glacier, United States
Glacier in United States, from Nouth America region, is best know for Mountains. Discover best things to do in Glacier with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Restaurants in Glacier
1. Mt Baker Ski Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
Glaciers, crevasses and snowy pinnacles make this area a challenge for skiers.
Reviewed By 2016hoteltips - Cupertino, California
I went along the Mt. Baker Highway with my friend and her kids to see the snow that was still in the Mt. Baker ski area in July.. My friend had just been up there showing other visitors the beautiful area a week before and thought it was worth going again. We actually didn't get up to Mt. Baker, but did see it & Mt. Shuksan. We stopped for a picnic at Nooksack Falls then continued on to Picture Lake-AMAZING! It was totally like a post card and a beautiful spot for photographs! There was a short & easy flat walk around the lake. You could see the snowy mountains, the lake, trees, meadow- definitely worth the drive. There was just parking along the road there and no facilities, but there was a pit toilet at the Falls.
2. Artist Point
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Skwiki - Vancouver
I lost track of the milemarker beside the road , but I believe it was 47 miles along the highway from Interstate 5 in Bellingham. The end of the road takes you to this unbelievably gorgeous sight . I had visited a handful of times in the past , but yesterday it was so clear that I actually swore out loud as I parked . To my left was the spectacular Mt Shuksan and on my right was Mt Baker . I hadn't even left the car yet and these two amazing and completely different looking mountains looked as though I could reach out and touch them !
I first started to hike the Table Mountain trail . I had no intention of trying to make it to the top, but I went up until it became a bit steep and the loose rock on the trail made it a little more difficult for the shoes I was wearing , plus I'm not in shape. I literally would only take 5 to 10 steps and stop and take another picture .
If you appreciate nature I would highly recommend a visit and at least a short hike . The Artist Point trail is relatively flat .
You do need a pass to park anywhere within the final few miles of the highway . You can purchase a pass at the visitor center in Glacier , or either at the ski lift or Artist Point lot near the restrooms . It's only $5 and rangers do check at times . A heads up for visitors who are not from the US , when I stopped at the visitor center it was closed . There is a machine there, but it doesn't accept foreign credit cards . It does take US $ and luckily I had $5 with me . I was surprised it didn't accept Canadian cards being so close to the border .
Also, load up on snacks, drinks and make sure you have enough gas . The last chance to get anything was in Maple Falls , 20 miles from Artist Point.
3. Heliotrope Ridge Trail
Overall Ratings
5 based on 21 reviews
A four-mile trail offering views of Coleman Glacier on Mt. Baker.
Reviewed By TX1717 - Houston, Texas
The hike on Heliotrope trail starts shortly below Mt Baker viewing point, end at the Glacier viewpoint, about 2.5 miles one way, 1400 ft elevation gain through a number of switchbacks through beautiful forest. Easily done by someone of normal fitness in 2.5-3 hrs. The tricky part of the hike is that you have to cross a few boulder filled creeks. You may get your shoes wet if not careful. We didn't try to cross the last one over Heliotrope Creek. It's just way to much water.
4. Skyline Divide
Overall Ratings
5 based on 14 reviews
A 5.4-mile trail leading to a wildflower-covered ridge top.
Reviewed By Kathair - Ferndale, Washington
After nearly 10 years of having people telling us we should hike the Skyline Divide trail, and after one attempt where we were socked in with fog, we finally were able to hike this trail in spectacular weather. The trail is fairly short (2 miles to the best view in Whatcom County) but the first two miles are pretty steep. We're not talking rock climbing, but if you are not in shape (as we were not after a too hot summer) it is a challenge for the over 50 bunch.
That said, the view was spectacular. (Did I mention that it is the best in Whatcom County? Oh, yeah, I guess I did.) Once you do the grueling part, which is still quite nice - a hike through shady maple / alder / fir woods - you emerge onto the crest of the "Skyline Divide" ridge. The trees are gone and the meadow gives you a nearly 360° view of Mt. Baker (the big daddy in these parts) and many other beautiful North Cascade mountains, plus the Nooksack River basin and on to the farmland along the coast. I suspect that given the right atmospheric conditions, you could see the sea as well, but it was just a little hazy when we were there in mid-September.
We turned around at the meadow (best view in Whatcom County) and headed back, as we had to break camp, but one could carry on for another mile or two along the ridge without much elevation change to reach a higher knob. We plan to do than someday soon.
(Just so you aren't too disappointed if you can't do 2 miles uphill, the best "drive in" view in Whatcom County is Artist Point a few miles up Mt. Baker Highway. It's pretty nice, too.)
5. Table Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
A two-mile trail up Table Mountain offers views of several mountains and lakes.
Reviewed By MrHendu - Seattle, WA
We were making our third trip up to Heather Meadows when we found out the road to Artist Point was already open. During our previous two August trips Heather Meadows was under snow and the road up was closed. At the top a ranger suggested we take the short hike up Table Mountain. It was perfect for our 4 adults and 2 kids. The 1.4 mile rt hike was mostly clear of snow and led us nicely to the top of the mountain. There were a few points of nerves as the trail does have some steep drop-offs but nothing that a careful walk can't conquer. At the top the views were spectacular. After photos down the trail we went and found a nice table for a picnic lunch back at Heather Meadows. What a great day!!!
6. Glacier Public Service Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By BEC308 - Tucson, Arizona
This is run by Park Service. If you want information about trails, difficulty for walking, weather, or whatever to have a fun and safe hike, walk, or camping in this area, you need to stop here. They have maps, ideas, and tips to make it fun for whole family.
If you need special passes for overnight or trails, come here.
Great information about all aspects of park area.
7. Lake Ann Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
This 8.4-mile scenic trail offers a little of everything - rocks, lake, birds, meadows and a glacier.
Reviewed By LICOutdoors - Long Island City, New York
This was our third day-hike in the Mt. Baker / Snoqualmie National Forest Area, and it was spectacular. The hike offers varied terrain (forests, alpine meadows, rock fields, and an alpine lake below several glaciers--the Lower Curtis Glacier being the most prominent view from Lake Ann--on Mt. Shuksan. The hike is easily accessible from Highway 542; the trailhead is near Artist Point. Be prepared for about 1100 feet of elevation gain and loss (twice) on the hike. You can get water from Lake Ann, but bring a filter or Steri-Pen. The water looks pristine, and it's above the Ski Resorts, but you need to sterilize it before you drink it (notice the number of hikers on the trail with their canine buddies). Don't miss this hike that'll make you think you're hiking in the Alps of Switzerland, Austria, or Germany. The National Forest Information Center on Highway 542 in Glacier, WA can provide reliable info on trial conditions. We hiked in mid-August and only encountered 200 - 300 of trail still covered by snow.
8. Wild and Scenic River Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By StarwoodOwner - St. Louis
One highlight of our fantastic week in Glacier was a white water rafting trip down the Nooksack with the very cool folks from Wild and Scenic. The trip lasted from about 10:00 to 2:00. That included getting all the gear on (they provide EVERYTHING), instructions, rafting, stopping for lunch on the river and the mystery-van ride back to where we started.
The section of the Nooksack where we rafted is simply spectacular and the folks from Wild & Scenic were fantastic at helping us experience it to the fullest. Paul's ability to control the raft through the rapids and turns was impressive. Everyone in the boat had a paddle and they teach you to follow Paul's commands, but Paul was in control. I still suspect that the majority of the time he had me do a FULL FORWARD, it was primarily to ensure that I was going to get a face full of water, primarily for his amusement :-) The lovely Sarah provided the instructions and was a walking encyclopedia on all the nature and wildlife we saw on the trip.
They offered an option for a morning session that included lunch (for a bit more $) and an afternoon session that did not. I'm very glad we did the lunch. Smoked salmon, deli sandwiches and fresh fruit out on the sandbar was great. The only thing that could've made the trip better is if the raft trip itself was longer. I went with my wife and two teenage daughters. My youngest was a bit freaked out - especially before the trip when we saw how fast the river was running. But with the instruction, gear and expertise they provide, we all ended up having a great time.
This experience helped establish my view of Glacier as one of the most beautiful.. cool.. funky places you'll ever find.
9. Nooksack Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By Rainier72 - Lynnwood, Washington
Nooksack Falls is a very easy waterfall to get to by car and by foot. Just a short drive on a dirt road off the Mount Baker Highway leads to a small parking lot. Near the trailhead is a sign with the history of the falls and the area. It's a very short walk down to the falls. A bit tricky doing down and rockier near the fence, but well worth the effort. The falls were spectacular especially being spring and all the snow the area got this winter. In spite of the fence, you can still get great pictures of the falls and gorge below. West of Nooksack Falls and near Glacier by the bridge is a small parking lot for the Horseshoe Bend hike. If you're looking for a very easy walk along a river, this is a great place. The Nooksack River was pretty full and made for even more of a spectacular walk. We didn't walk the whole path. Just about a mile or so until we got to the bench by the river. Nice place to sit and enjoy the power of the river. The part of the trail we took was mainly flat, but I hear it may go up more after the spot we stopped at. If you're looking for a great place to escape to and beat the heat, both Nooksack Falls and Horseshoe Bend are both great options.
10. Glacier Ski Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Dropmo40 - Frisco, Colorado
This shop has everything from skis and bindings at an amazing value to quality maintained rental equipment. You could show up at the shop with out any ski or snowboard equipment and be outfitted for an entire day in the mountains. Ski and snowboard sales and rentals, pants, jacket, and google rentals are just the basics. Here you can also rent or purchase an entire backcountry AT or splitboard setup including backpacks, shovels, beacons, and probes. Also their demo program is top notch. Not to mention the full service tune shop where edging, waxing, base grinds, and ski mounts can be done. As one of the most comprehensive ski shops I have been to you couldn't go wrong stopping in to see what they have for you. And of course who doesn't love that crazy antlered mascot of theirs!
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