East Glacier Park, Montana

The 6.1 mile (12.2 roundtrip), hike to Cracker Lake includes wooded forests, grand views of lakes and mountains, creek crossings, distant waterfalls, mining ruins, possible wildflowers and wildlife, and a swim in turquoise water. At 1400ft elevation gain, the trail never gets too taxing. The view...

From the parking lot follow the trail to the left to Apikuni Falls. The first 1/4 mile of the trail is an easy stroll through an open field before entering an aspen forest where the trail ascends more than 500 feet in less than 1/2 mile. The falls won't be visible until the final 1/8 mile of the...

Walking in either direction, the trail is easy to follow. If you take the loop counter-clockwise, you will reach the Grinnell Glacier parking area in just over a half mile (which is an alternate starting point for this trail). Follow the signs and continue left to rejoin the trail. About a mile l...

The hike to Grinnell Lake begins at the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead, approximately 0.5 miles past Many Glacier Hotel in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park. For folks staying in the hotel, there is an optional trailhead just south of the building. There is also is a boat shuttle for tho...

The Grinnel Glacier Hike begins at the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead just past the Many Glacier Lodge. A fee of $25 is required to enter Glacier National Park for a seven-day pass. The Many Glacier region is entered from the east side of the park from the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. The Grinnel...

The hike to Redrock Falls begins at the Swiftcurrent Pass Trailhead in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park.  The trailhead is located at the western end of the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking lot. From the trailhead, head straight toward Swiftcurrent Pass and Redrock Falls.  At approxi...

Take this beautiful hike up Swiftcurrent Mountain to the Fire Lookout (8436 ft). The hike is 7.1 miles one-way from from the Swiftcurrent Inn parking lot trailhead. The elevation gain is 2,307 feet. The First 3 miles or so are a flat hike where you'll pass by several famous lakes and gain only ...

This amazing 11 mile hike with 2,300 feet of vertial gain begins behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn cabins. If you start early enough you can park by the trailhead, but if you get a little later start you may need to park in the main lot of the Motor Inn. As you begin your hike, you will pass the...

Planning & Preparations As amazing as this trek is, it's certainly not without its challenges, and the first one you will run into is obtaining a backcountry permit for camping.  As it absolutely should, backcountry camping is very regulated.  Essentially, you request permits and multiple da...

The 9.7-mile out-and-back trail starts in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park, near the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. The trailhead is easy to find at the northwest corner of the Inn area and the trail is well marked the whole way. The trail heads northwest almost the entire time except for ...

...The hike to Ptarmigan Falls begins next to the cabins near the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. There’s enough parking for about 10-16 vehicles in the lot next to the trailhead. This is a heavily trafficked area, so extra parking is available in front of the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn. This is where I park...

Day 1: This gorgeous backpacking adventure begins at the Packer's Roost trailhead, which is almost halfway between West and East Glacier on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This trailhead is marked on the highway before you get to the "Loop." It's a quick left turn so keep your eyes peeled as you pass ...

Ptarmigan Lake Trail is an 8.6 mile out and back hike that takes you by a waterfall located near Babb, Montana in Glacier National Park.

From the trailhead, just past Fish Creek Campground on the North Fork Road, begin strolling along the trail towards Rocky Point. The trail meanders through some forest, and along a stream, and then eventually gets you some views of Lake McDonald. The trail is signed the whole way. Finish off your...

The Rocky Point Trail via Lake McDonald is a short, scenic hike in Glacier National Park that offers peaceful views of Lake McDonald, gentle terrain, and a quieter alternative to more heavily trafficked areas. Ideal for families and casual hikers, this easy trail winds through a fire-scarred lo...

Precursor: I completed this hike in November, hence the snow in the photos. Due to a lack of tree coverage, this hike is best suited for a cool summer day, or in the late spring and early autumn. It is doable in the heat of the summer, but be sure to pack plenty of water. This hike begins by tre...