The Best Hiking in West Glacier

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...

Apgar Bike Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near West Glacier, Montana.

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 yo...

Rocky Point via Lake McDonald Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near West Glacier, Montana.

Ousel Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near West Glacier, Montana.

Harrison Lake Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near West Glacier, Montana.

Starting in Columbia Falls, MT, which is 17 miles from Kalispell, MT, locate North Fork Road off of Railroad Street. Follow North Fork Road about 17 miles. While along the Flathead River, there are many Forest Service roads that are accessible to snowshoe along. There are roads that lead to the F...

The hike begins along the Inner North Fork road across from a small parking area. The trail meanders up a slight incline most of the way through areas of a recent fire, as well as some areas with spectacular wildflowers when it gets a bit more lush. Around 1.7 miles in you will go up a relatively...

It's a 1600 ft slow increase in elevation. You can walk around the loose rocks going around the lake for an additional 2 miles of hiking. There is a back-country campground at the base of the glacier-fed lake and an amazing waterfall at the opposite end of the of the campground. To camp overnig...

Loneman Lookout Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near West Glacier, Montana.

The trail is accessible (though sometimes covered in snow) year-round because the trailhead lies in the lower elevation area of the park. It begins at the Sperry Trailhead, located directly across the street from the lake McDonald Lodge. Follow the Sperry Trail for 1.6 miles until you reach the M...

Starting out at the Sperry Trailhead adjacent to Lake McDonald Lodge, climb 9 miles up the trail to Comeau Pass.  The trail climbs steadily, and quickly weeds out the faint of heart, but it is well worth the sore legs. Follow the trail signs to Comeau Pass, and then continue East into the basin ...

Starting out at the Sperry Trailhead, adjacent to Lake McDonald Lodge, climb along the trail until you see the branch off to your left for Snyder Lakes.  Continue climbing through wooded trees with glimpses of the surrounding mountains until reaching the lower lake.  There is not much for a trail...

Your hike will being at the Sperry Trailhead adjacent to the Lake McDonald Lodge. As you get moving on the hike, you'll pass the Sperry Chalet. If 17.5 miles seems a little long for a day hike, you can look into staying over at the Sperry Chalet (reservations required). This will mean that you'll...

About 100 miles of mostly gravel roads (14 miles of pavement) will take you around this beautiful reservoir.  With that many miles of road and the shoreline to go with it, it is obvious that there is plenty to see and do in the Hungry Horse area. Check out some of my other adventures for ideas of...

To climb Stanton Mountain, begin at the Howe Ridge Trail on the Northwest shore of Lake McDonald. The trail climbs swiftly 2.3 miles to Howe Ridge where a "climber's trial" ambles off to your immediate right. Follow this trail directly up the ridge, up, and up, and up. The ridge opens up to so...