Glacier national park travell

Glacier national park is one of my favorite national parks I’ve been to yet. It has stunning mountain views, incredible hikes, and so many opportunities to see unique wildlife. I visited the park for the first time last summer and was completely blown away! Here are some incredible things I’d recommend doing while visiting Glacier national park.

1. Drive the Going to the Sun Road

This is a must do while visiting Glacier! This iconic road is the main road that connects most areas of the park. It gives you stunning views of the mountains and scenery within the park and offers several pull off areas to stop and soak in the views further. Our favorite pull off area was “Big Bend” which isn’t really marked but it’s the point on the road that really opens up and gives you an incredible view of the mountains. Note, the going to the sun road is typically only open from late June/early July through October. The park posts each year on their website when the road opens for the season and it varies depending on the amount of snow that year.

2. Take a Hike

Glacier has so many incredible hikes! The best part of the hikes within the park is the mountain views you’re able to see from most trails. Some of my favorite that we did include:

The Highline trail
Avalanche Lake trail
Grinnell glacier viewpoint trail
Hidden lake overlook trail

I’d recommend downloading the All Trails app to learn more about these hikes, the difficulty level, length, and reviews from other hikers. There’s also the ability to download a map of the trail in advance so you have a guide while hiking, which is helpful because there’s barely any cell service in Glacier!

The weather was super cloudy and rainy when we attempted the high line trail

Views along the hidden lake overlook trail

3. Visit the Many Glacier Area

This area is located on the east side of the park and is home to the Many Glacier hotel. This area truly felt like I was transported to Switzerland, it was so unique! There’s several incredible hikes to check out here too including Grinnel Glacier overlook trail. Keep in mind, this area of the park requires it’s own timed entry reservation if visiting during peak season which can be purchased on the park’s website.

4. Try Huckleberry Ice Cream

Huckleberry is extremely popular in the Wyoming and Montana areas! It is similar to a blueberry but a more tart and so good! There are so many huckleberry treats within the area and you’ll find it all over the park at every general store. I’d recommend trying the ice cream especially in the summer!

5. Swim in Lake Mcdonald

Take a swim in one of the most iconic lakes in the park. The water is super clear and has beautiful colored rocks to coat the bottom. It’s also possible to kayak in this lake which also seems like a great option!

6. Check out Goose Island

This island can be seen along the going to the sun road, there’s a pull off spot. This island truly looks like a goose! It has become an iconic photo location for visitors and definitely worth a stop!

7. Take a Drive to Polebridge

This area is technically outside of the park but close enough for a drive if you have extra time in your trip. It’s known for the Polebridge general store that has camp goods, foods, coffee, souvenirs and pastries. We stopped and got huckleberry pastries and coffee, it was delicious!

8. Go Fly Fishing

Glacier national park is well known for prime areas to fly fish. Areas outside of the park require a Montana fishing license which can be purchased at a flying fishing store or most general stores. I’d recommend speaking to a park ranger within the park or someone at a fly fishing store to gain more information on certain restrictions and regulations while fishing in the park or just within Montana.

9. Take Photos of the Wildlife within the park

We were stunned with how much wildlife we saw throughout our trip to Glacier! We loved seeing mountain goats, moose, bears, big horn sheep and much more. Most of this wildlife we saw was seen during hikes and drives throughout the park. Be sure to always carry bear spray and bear bells with you while hiking in the park and maintain a safe distance from these animals.