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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Glacier County, Montana
Upper Two Medicine Lake
5.09.67 mi / 719 ft gainI did this trip during the end of autumn, and was pretty much the only person on the entire lake. With it being so serene and so quiet, I had the perfect nature getaway. I made sure to watch an epic sunrise on Two Medicine Lake, then spend the day taking my time to the upper lake and back, with a...Read more -
Glacier County, Montana
Triple Divide Pass Trail to Red Eagle Lake
29.22 mi / 5499 ft gainA couple of notes to keep in mind before you start... this is a loop that takes you to a different part of the park so you will either need two vehicles (one for the pickup spot and one to take you to the trailhead) or you will need to hitchhike back to you drop off vehicle. Also you will need to...Read more -
Glacier County, Montana
Hike to Scenic Point in Glacier National Park
5.07.74 mi / 2205 ft gainPark at the trailhead and begin the hike. The trail starts out relatively flat until you reach a small waterfall. Then, hike up the switchbacks for about 4 miles while gaining around 2300 feet. From the top, you can see both Upper Two Medicine Lake and Two Medicine Lake. The views are stunning. ...Read more -
Glacier County, Montana
Running Eagle Falls
5.00.68 mi / 33 ft gainRunning Eagle Falls is located just 1.1 miles west from the Two Medicine entrance in Glacier National Park. The trailhead parking lot is just off the main road going to the lake– it is essentially impossible to miss. It mimics parking spots on the side of a city street. This hike is handicap ac...Read more -
Kalispell, Montana
Notch Trail, Overlook Trail, and Plum Creek Road Loop
3.85 mi / 801 ft gainNotch Trail, Overlook Trail, and Plum Creek Road Loop is a loop trail where you may see local wildlife located near Kalispell, Montana.Read more -
Browning, Montana
Backpack the Continental Divide in Glacier NP
4.033.4 mi / 5257 ft gainPark your car at the Two Medicine North Shore Trailhead, and take a National Park Shuttle (if they are running during the season--they stop around Labor Day in September) or set up a private shuttle service to St. Mary and the Red Eagle Trailhead (only ~$10-20 bucks a person).The first day from t...Read more -
Somers, Montana
Paddle North Flathead Lake
5.0Flathead Lake is huge, and gorgeous. It's the biggest lake in Montana and certainly one worth spending some time on. The water is surprisingly warm, and the views are amazing. If you are passing through the area, find a place to rent some paddleboards and hit the water around golden hour in the e...Read more -
Somers, Montana
Kayak to Pig Island
Drive to the North Flathead Launch in Somers, MT (15 miles south of Kalispell). Launch the kayaks and head south towards the yacht club. Once past the yacht club, paddle eastward, you should come upon a wooden shack, a number of wooden poles, and an island. Continue eastward past these various fe...Read more -
Flathead County, Montana
Backpack to Link Lake
1.3 mi / 600 ft gainTo reach the trailhead, travel west on US Hwy 93 for 17.9 mi. and then turn right onto Olney Crossover Rd. This road will continue for 8.8 mi. and then keep left onto NF-115 for 9.7 mi. and the destination will be on the right hand side. There is a parking area where the trailhead begins. From th...Read more -
Kalispell, Montana
Summit Lake Mountain and Nasukoin Mountain
5.012 mi / 3500 ft gainTo reach the trailhead, travel west on US Hwy 93 for 17.9 mi. and then turn right onto Olney Crossover Rd. This road will continue for 8.8 mi. and then keep left onto NF-115 for 9.7 mi. and the destination will be on the right hand side. There is a parking area where the trailhead begins. From th...Read more -
Flathead County, Montana
Kintla Lake Campground
* The road to this trailhead/lake is closed during the winter. Kintla Lake is one of the lesser explored lakes in Glacier National Park. Located on the west side of the park, it is accessible via an unpaved road from the Polebridge Ranger Station. From the Ranger Station, take a LEFT and contin...Read more -
Flathead County, Montana
Boulder Pass Trail: Kintla Lake to Boulder Pass
35.06 mi / 5600 ft gainGlacier National Park is often touted as one of the best places in the whole USA when it comes to hiking and backpacking, natural scenery and wildlife encounters. With tons of trails to choose from (over 700 miles at last count), it can obviously be tough to decide where exactly you want to explo...Read more -
Flathead County, Montana
Camp Out at the Hornet Lookout
1 mi / 800 ft gainReservations for Hornet Lookout are obtained via Recreation.gov, and can be made up to six months in advance. Consider a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle with some clearance if available, as the forest service roads aren't always well maintained. Although the hike is short, it is all switc...Read more -
Waterton, Alberta
Backpack the Alderson-Carthew Trail
5.012.4 mi / 4101.1 ft gainTake the Akamina Parkway in Wateron Lakes National Park to its terminus at Cameron Lake. Your hike will start from here. If you’re through-hiking either drop another vehicle off at Cameron Falls in the town site, or be prepared to hitch a ride back to Cameron Lake, due to heavy traffic this is ...Read more -
Waterton, Alberta
Hike to Crypt Lake
4.310.8 mi / 2296.6 ft gainThe hike begins with a gradual climb through shaded forest, which thins as you progress into the hanging valley. Along the way, you will pass by three amazing waterfalls: Twin Falls at 3.5km (2 mi), Burnt Rock Falls at 5.6km (3.5 mi) and the 600ft Crypt Falls at 8km (5 mi). There is also a 1km (0...Read more -
Browning, Montana
Backpack to Cosley Lake
27.2 mi / 475 ft gainThe hike goes through different wooded areas, open fields, and passes by the ranger's ranch. In no time, you will be able to see the aqua blue colors of Cosley Lake, as you approach the campground for the night.The campground has pit toilets and a bear bag hanging station, along with a cooking ar...Read more