West Glacier, Montana
As the western gateway to Glacier National Park, West Glacier has been dubbed "guide central," and adventures in and around Glacier National Park often begin and end in West Glacier.
Top Spots in and near West Glacier
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Browning, Montana
Grinnell Lake
5.07.15 mi / 230 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Browning, Montana
Grinnell Glacier in Glacier NP
5.011.33 mi / 1965 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Browning, Montana
Hike the Skyline Experience
12.62 mi / 1998 ft gainThe route starts from Many Glacier at the Cracker Lake Trailhead, about 5000 feet. Hike the trail about 2 miles until you come to a fork, stay right here to keep your approach hike a little shorter. Hikers wind through switchbacks and beautiful meadows and forests on the way to a crossing of Crac...Read more -
Browning, Montana
Cracker Lake
5.012.71 mi / 2001 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Browning, Montana
Kayak Swiftcurrent Lake
4.5Swiftcurrent Lake is easily accessed along the shores of Many Glacier Hotel where ample parking is available. The Glacier Park Boat Company offers single and double kayak rentals onsite (pricing and dates of operations are available here: glacierparkboats.com) or you can bring your own.The calm ...Read more -
Browning, Montana
Walk the Swiftcurrent Nature Trail, Glacier National Park
5.02.66 mi / 135 ft gainWalking 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...Read more -
Bigfork, Montana
Graves Bay Swimming Hole
To get to this swimming hole you drive south from Hungry Horse on the West Side Road (Forest Road 895) 33.6 miles to the Graves Creek Campground. Park in the small parking lot with the bear box and outhouse, opposite the campground closer to the lake. Follow the path as it leads you past the casc...Read more -
Bigfork, Montana
Explore Graves Creek Falls
Graves Creek Falls are a series of pleasant waterfalls viewable without much effort. To get here From Hungry Horse drive south on the West Side Road (Forest Road 895) 33.6 miles to the Graves Creek Campground. From here turn right into the campground, park and take a short walk of a couple hundre...Read more -
Swiftcurrent, Montana
Hike to Apikuni Falls at Glacier National Park
5.01.92 mi / 846 ft gainFrom 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...Read more -
Browning, Montana
Backpack to Poia Lake, Glacier NP
12.8 mi / 1700 ft gainLocated in Many Glacier, the Red Gap Pass trail begins at the Apikuni Falls Trailhead located east of the Many Glacier Lodge (if you're looking to check out the falls before your hike, check out Hike to Apikuni Falls at Glacier National Park). The trail starts at a gradual incline and continue th...Read more -
Kalispell, Montana
Western Larch and Cliff Trail Loop
2.77 mi / 656 ft gainWestern Larch and Cliff Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Kalispell, Montana.Read more -
Glacier County, Montana
Rockwell Falls Trail
5.06.7 mi / 545 ft gainRockwell Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near East Glacier Park Village, Montana.Read more -
Glacier County, Montana
Two Medicine Lake
5.0Two Medicine Lake sits in the southeastern part of Glacier NP away from the more popular Going-to-the-Sun Road. The 2-mile long lake has a 100 site campground that serves visitors on a first-come-first-serve basis; the campground opens mid-April and closes in November. From the main parking area...Read more -
Glacier County, Montana
Hike to Two Medicine Pass
7.9 mi / 2350 ft gainStarting at the South Shore trailhead on Two Medicine Lake (parking available), you'll follow the lake through alternating forest and meadows and eventually cross a small suspension bridge. Afterwards the trail forks. Take the "Two Medicine Pass" trail on the left rather than the Twin Falls/Upp...Read more -
East Glacier Park, Montana
Dawson Pass
5.012.01 mi / 3123 ft gainThis is a somewhat strenuous but extremely rewarding hike in Glacier National Park. It is much less crowded than the more popular Logan Pass and High Line trails, and in my opinion, more rewarding. Dawson Pass is on the Continental Divide at an elevation of 7,598 feet. It sits between Mt. Helen ...Read more -
Glacier County, Montana
Pitamakan Pass
15.36 mi / 3064 ft gainThis gripping, 16 mile round trail reveals adventure at every turn. Nestled behind Pray Lake in Glacier National Park, the Pitamakan Pass hike will begin at the North Shore Trailhead. To access this trailhead, a fifteen dollar fee may be payed to cross Pray Lake by boat. If your pocket book is ru...Read more