Things To Do
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Driving the Going-to the-Sun Road is a must for first-time Glacier Park visitors! Both a park pass and a vehicle reservation must be obtained to drive this section of road from the hours of 6am-3pm. Park passes can be purchased online or at a ranger station. Vehicle passes need to be purchased online ahead of time! Please visit Recreation.gov to purchase a vehicle pass; "Next Day" passes are released 24 hours prior at 7pm MT time for next-day entry on a first come, first serve basis. Link to the vehicle reservation website included.
Lake McDonald
Due to its clear water and colored rocks, Lake McDonald is one of the most well-known lakes in the Park. Stop at the Apgar Visitor Center for more information about the area, or walk around Apgar Village to take in the lake and mountain views, rent a paddle-board or bike, or jump in the cold waters! If you wish to proceed further along Lake McDonald on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, you will need a vehicle reservation.
Trail of the Cedars Nature Trailhead
For those looking for a shorter hike, this board-walk route is the beginning section to Avalanche Lake. The 0.9 mile loop winds through giant cedars and includes a bridge over Avalanche Creek. You will need a park pass and vehicle reservation to get to this hike.
Avalanche Lake
This West Glacier Hike starts before driving the length of the Going-to-the-Sun Road near Lake McDonald Lodge. This is 5.9 mile out and back hike with 757' elevation gain. Look for signs, this one is well-trafficked! To avoid crowds, go early in the morning. You will need a park pass and vehicle reservation to get to this hike.
Hidden Lake Overlook
This is a popular West Glacier hike with stunning views! Located on top of Logan Pass, this is a 2.7 mile round-trip hike with 551' of elevation gain. Despite the crowds, this one is worth a visit! Parking can be difficult at Logan Pass, so go early or late, use the park shuttle service, or ride one of the historic red jammer buses! You will need a park pass and vehicle reservation to get to this hike.
Highline Trail
Not for those afraid of heights! This is a well-trafficked hike that starts at Logan Pass and parallels the Going-to-the-Sun Road in West Glacier. The Highline Trail extends for 14.9 miles and has 2,621' of elevation gain, but you can walk only a few miles and still experience amazing views. Be warned: the beginning section of the hike has some exposure with chains on the side to provide stability. You'll need a vehicle reservation and park pass to access this hike.
Iceberg Lake
This is the hike John proposed on despite challenging weather conditions! Ask one of us for more details :) This is a beautiful, moderately difficult 9.6 mile hike with 1,459' of elevation gain. Accessed through the Many Glacier entrance of the park, you'll need a park pass and vehicle reservation for the Many Glacier section of the park, with the website link included below. Check out the historic Many Glacier Hotel and the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn if you make the 2.5 hour drive over to this part of the park!
Grinnell Glacier
This is challenging 10 mile hike with 2,047' of elevation gain. With glaciers, steep mountains, and turquoise lakes, the views are worth the effort! In the Many Glacier area of the park, you'll need a park pass and an appropriate vehicle reservation; link provided below.
Danny On Trail
For those who want a hike without the hassle of a park pass or reservation, this 8 mile trek takes you up the local ski mountain around 2000' while providing great views of the surrounding mountain ranges and lakes. Numerous options for mountain biking can be found in this area too! Look out for huckleberries; these often grow in abundance on the ski slopes to the side of the trail.
Herron Park
Herron Park is a great option for those looking for easier hiking trails without needing a reservation. Trail length and difficulty vary, but there is something for everyone! Situated on the southwest side of Kalispell, be sure to jump in the nearby Foys Lake.
Lone Pine State Park
Just outside of Kalispell, Lone Pine State Park offers great views of the entire valley with viewing platforms for your convenience. Hike the short but steep 2.9 mile route to get to the top, or skip the hike and drive around the back of the mountain to the Visitor Center for the same views.
Mount Aeneas
This is one of Sarah's favorite hikes outside of Glacier Park. No passes or reservations required! Located in the Jewel Basin, this is a challenging 6.0 mile hike with 1,781' of elevation gain. The mountain road up to the trailhead is rough and steep, so be prepared! Local tip: hike this at sunrise or sunset for spectacular views; also look out for the mountain goats that frequent this trail!
Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Enjoy the clear but cold water while kayaking, paddle-boarding, boating or swimming. Volunteer Park in Lakeside or Somers Beach State Park allow access to the lake. Wayfarer's State Park on the northeast shore of the lake also has great views at sunset, as well as cliff jumping! Be sure to stop at the local cherry stands with produce grown from the orchards on the shores of the lake, and keep an eye out for the Flathead Lake Monster!
Whitefish Lake
Another wonderful lake to visit, this lake offers beautiful views (particularly at sunset) as well as a glimpse of the local ski mountain. Rent paddle-boards or kayaks to take in the clear water, or stroll to the lake from downtown Whitefish after visiting Sweet Peaks Ice Cream or Fleur Bake Shop.
Hungry Horse Dam
Located on the way up to Glacier National Park, the historic Hungry Horse Dam is worth a stop. You can drive across the dam itself while taking in impressive lake and mountain views. Sarah's great-grandpa helped build its morning-glory spillway, which is the highest of its kind in the world. Be sure to get a huckleberry milkshake when passing through the area!
Moose's Saloon
Historic pizzeria and saloon in downtown Kalispell. Local tip: try the sauerkraut on the pizza.
Ceres Bakery Inc
Stroll the shops of downtown Kalispell and stop in at Ceres Bakery, the bride's favorite bake shop. Make sure to go early- everything is baked fresh daily and sells fast!
The Desoto Grill
Montana BBQ with healthy portion sizes, set in a historic blacksmith shop.
Colter Coffee
Coffee shop located in downtown Kalispell offering locally roasted options in a quaint environment. Be sure to tip Katherine, the bride's sister, who works as a barista there :)
Big Mountain Ciderworks
Good food and ciders from local orchards! Try the Montana Original, the Snow Devil, or any of the other numerous ciders they carry on tap.
Echo Lake Cafe
The drive out to this breakfast/lunch spot is worth it! Open 6:30am-2:30pm, all the food is excellent. Highly recommend stopping here after hiking Mt. Aeneas or any of the hikes in the Jewel Basin area.
Gunsight Saloon
Located in Columbia Falls, find good food, drinks, and an outdoor space with live music!
Montana Coffee Traders
John and Sarah love to stop here prior to heading up to the Park! From locally roasted coffee to great breakfast burritos on-the-go, make sure you visit at their Columbia Falls, Whitefish, or Kalispell locations!
Tamarack Brewing Company
Enjoy time on Flathead Lake in Lakeside and then head over to Tamarack Brewing for great food and craft beers on tap.
Mambo - Mountain Italian
For a dinner out in Whitefish, Mambo's does not disappoint. Be sure to call ahead and make reservations, this place fills up fast!
Tupelo Grille
Great spot for a dinner out in Whitefish! Leave room for the bread-pudding; it's to die for!
Buffalo Cafe
A local favorite in downtown Whitefish, everything is amazing! They do not take reservations and the wait can be long, so leave your name and then walk around downtown Whitefish with its selection of gift shops, art galleries, and much more.
Swift Creek Cafe
Small cafe located in downtown Whitefish. The biscuits and gravy are almost as good as Kim Allen's, but not quite! :)
White Water Rafting
West Glacier has numerous options for white water rafting with several local options to choose from. Provided below are links to various rafting guide companies. https://www.glacierparkcollection.com/activities/glacier-raft-co/rafting-trips/ https://www.riverwild.com/raft-trips/ https://glacierguides.com/raft/rafting-trips/whitewater-rafting/ https://greatnorthernresort.com/glacier-park-rafting/
Glacier Range Riders
For the baseball fans, Kalispell has a local Pioneer Baseball League team affiliated with MLB. Enjoy a game under the lights at the new stadium!
Golfing
The Flathead Valley has numerous courses to choose from including Buffalo Hill Golf Course, Eagle Bend Golf Club, Meadow Lake Golf Resort, Northern Pines Golf Club, Village Greens, and Whitefish Lake Golf Club. For those wanting an easier option, there's always Camp Scout & Gather that offers a mini golf course!
Rodeos
Check out several of the local arenas for rodeo dates! These include the Bigfork Rodeo, Brash Series at the Blue Moon Arena, and the Majestic Valley Arena.
Alpine Slides/Ziplines
For the adventurous, there are alpine slides, zip-lines and more to choose from in the valley. Whitefish Mountain Resort includes an alpine slide, zip-lines down the mountain, an aerial adventure park, and a scenic gondola ride that ends at the summit house. Other options include the Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster in Lakeside, Glacier Ziplines outside of Columbia Falls, and Glacier Highline Adventure Park on the way to West Glacier. Provided below are links to each! https://skiwhitefish.com/zip-line-tours/ https://www.flatheadlakealpinecoaster.com/ https://glacier-ziplines.com/canopy-tour/ https://www.glacierhighline.com/