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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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 -
Browning, Montana
Backpack to the Foot of Glenns Lake
20.6 mi / 950 ft gainStarting from the Chief Mountain Parking Area, take the trail to the left of the bathrooms at the end of the parking lot (left of the bathrooms if you are facing the bathrooms and the main road is to your right). You will quickly hike to a wooden kiosk. Read this kiosk for any pertinent informati...Read more -
Waterton, Alberta
Explore Cameron Falls
Located on the west side of Waterton townsite in Waterton Lakes National Park is the iconic waterfall Cameron Falls. Probably one of the most photographed waterfalls in Waterton due to its accessibility The waterfall is practically right off of the road/bridge with easy parking right next to it. ...Read more -
Waterton, Alberta
Hike Mount Lineham
I’ve heard a lot about the hiking in Waterton and the stunning scenery, but I never really bought into it from the pictures alone – I’m glad I finally took the opportunity to find out for myself. Mount Lineham is a short extension of Lineham Ridge, and while it might not eclipse the views from th...Read more -
Waterton, Alberta
Hike Bear's Hump, Waterton Lakes NP
4.71.7 mi / 738 ft gainThe trailhead is located at the Visitor Center of Waterton Lakes National Park. The trail is very well maintained, but know that the elevation gain is quick - in less than a mile you gain 738 ft. Roundtrip is 1.7 miles and is totally worth the short but strenuous hike.When you reach the top there...Read more