Activities & Attractions of Glacier National Park

Going-To-The-Sun-Road

There are very few roads within the boundaries of Glacier National Park, in order to maintain the primitive/unspoiled beauty of this very special area. The only exception is a 52 mile stretch called, “Going-to-the-Sun” road.

The famed Going-to-the-Sun Road, a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, traverses through the heart of the park and crosses the Continental Divide, allowing visitors breathtaking views of the rugged Lewis and Livingston mountain ranges, as well as dense forests, alpine tundra, waterfalls, and two large lakes. Glacier officials formally opened the road in a special ceremony on July 15, 1933. At that event, more than 4,000 folks gathered to celebrate the road.

Going-To-The-Sun Road is the only road that spans the park, the Going-to-the-Sun Road, is open from late May or early June until mid-October, depending upon the weather. Going-to-the-Sun Road is usually crowded in the summertime -- especially in July and August.

Along with the Going-to-the-Sun Road, five historic hotels and chalets are listed as National Historic Landmarks, and a total of 350 locations are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Some people would prefer to enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Going-To-The-Sun Road from the passenger seat rather than the driver’s seat. If that describes you, park your car at the Apgar Visitor Center and hitch a free ride on the new, environmentally friendly shuttle bus that stops at various locations along Going-to-the-Sun Road. Or hop aboard a historic red bus instead—a 25-foot-long coach with a canvas roll-back top that offers views from an entirely new perspective.

Glacier Wildlife

Glacier national park provides an array of different wildlife habitats, and as a result of this, there are many different varieties of animals that can be seen inside the park. Throughout the Glacier National Park area, there are as many as 70 native mammals and 272 species of birds. Grizzly Bear is among the most famous animals in the Glacier National Park which most visitors hope to see. One of the highest densities of grizzlies in the United States is in the Glacier Park region. If you want to spot some, try open meadows, river valleys and the forests. Grizzlies are active mostly in the mornings and evenings.

However, Glacier’s wildlife extends far beyond just bears. Habitats like alpine meadows, forests and lakes host diverse wildlife such as wolves, mountain lions, wolverines, pikas, and bison. Watch the steep slopes around the Continental Divide for mountain goats and bighorn sheep. Take a short trek into the forests for your best chance of seeing mule deer, elk, and bear. Also, the pine trees offer good bird habitats for species like woodpeckers, finches, hawks and even eagles. Hike the Hidden Lake Trail and you may run across marmots sunning themselves on the rocks, I even spotted the highly illusive wolverine along this trail a couple of years ago during one of my visits to the park.

With the exception of the Logan Pass, generally more wildlife can be seen on the eastern side of Glacier National Park than on the western side. Discuss with park rangers where would be the best areas to spot the sorts of wildlife you are interested in. Many of the park's species roam over vast territories within the park, but rangers might be able to direct you to places where you'll most likely see the particular species that you are looking for.

Glacier Horseback Riding

100 years ago Glacier National Park visitors were traveling around on horseback. Once the first chalets were constructed Glacier Park was bustling with pack trains to and from these beautiful lodges. Today there are more choices for transportation and activities, but there is still a choice to re-live the experience of the park as the first visitors did at the turn of the century.

Ride the high mountain ridges to Sperry Chalet as you breathe in the grandeur that Glacier Park has to offer. Clomp through the aromatic cedar forest along Lake McDonald on your way to the powerful McDonald Falls. Quietly creep through the forest trees while listening to the sound of the wildlife, in tune with the rhythm of the horses' steps. Imagine crossing the Middle Fork of the Flathead River on horseback or galloping through a meadow.

There are many opportunities to see the different angles of Glacier Park on horseback. Whether inside the park or bordering the park in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, the views are astounding.

Experienced professionals will pair you with a horse to match your ability and personality. They will guide you beyond wildflower meadows and over high mountain ridges to destinations that will be etched into your memory forevermore. This is a unique opportunity to get deep into the park's wildlife viewing areas from a whole new perspective atop these magnificent animals. Find peace off the beaten path and feel what it is like to be away from the rest of the world for a moment.

Pair your horseback riding adventure with a float down the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. You can choose to ride for a couple of hours, a whole day or a trip over several days in the saddle. Feel a sense of security as you explore Glacier National Park in this exciting yet organic way.

Glacier Whitefish Mountain

Whitefish Mountain Resort has gained notoriety for its laid-back vibe, world-class skiing, and spectacular summer recreation at an unbeatable value. Most famous for its winter activities, Whitefish Mountain Resort offers downhill skiing and snowboarding on 3000 acres, and season-long events to keep the whole family entertained. The resort partners with other local activities to round out a vacation including snowmobiling, snowcat skiing, sleigh rides, dog sledding and snowshoe tours of Glacier National Park.

Whitefish Mountain Resort is also a seriously fun summer destination. From June through the end of September, the resort offers Zip Line Tours, downhill and cross country mountain biking, the unique Walk in the Treetops canopy tour, an Alpine Slide, great hiking, scenic lift rides, and the best Panini served above 6,000 feet. With some of the best lodging deals in northwest Montana, it also makes for an ideal base camp when exploring the whitewater rafting, hiking, fly fishing, and other opportunities to be found in Glacier National Park and the surrounding area

Glacier Rafting

Imagine rushing down a canyon on the back of a mighty river while you pass by the prehistory of the geologic earth. This is what it is like when you float down the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. A geologic folding of the thick crust gave rise to the mountains of Glacier Park and created vertical layers visible along the river canyons. For several miles, as you float downstream these layers get older and older. Visible here is the ripple marks from the layers of the shallow prehistoric Belton Sea dating almost 3 billion years old. What a great combination to enjoy the exhilaration of floating the mighty Flathead River while also witnessing some of the oldest geology on the surface of the earth.

Even without the fantastic geology the Middle Fork of the Flathead River offers a thrilling adventure all its own. As you float or kayak down the river everything to your right will be Glacier National Park and to the left is the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Together these two protected areas constitute approximately 3 million acres which the Middle Fork of the Flathead runs directly through. The whitewater section offers class 3-4 rapids at high water and class 2-3 for the majority of the summer season.

Whether you are floating for an afternoon, a full day or an overnight adventure, the beauty and thrill of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River will tantalize your senses. Combine your rafting excursion with horseback riding, backpacking or fishing to make your vacation unforgettable.

Glacier Hiking

It seems that walking and hiking are basically what the human body was built to do. When hiking, there is often a nostalgia of what humans have been doing from the genesis of our species. From a time when people walked along because they had to get from one place to another, to now when people choose to hike for enjoyment, the human body has sustained this activity like it has been our destiny.

Today in Glacier National Park there are more than 730 miles of opportunistic trails just waiting to take you somewhere special. A spectrum of hiking opportunities, such as nature walks, day hikes or overnight backpacking trips awaits your adventurous intent. Hiking the trails of Glacier National Park is one of the best ways to get a private look at some of the park's amazing wildlife and sweeping vistas.

For those who don't feel as sure-footed and would feel better having a guide lead the way, there are some outstanding guided hike options in Glacier National Park. This is a very specialized way of learning about the park's history and biology. There are day hikes, raft/hike combinations, and longer-term backpacking options available, as well as custom hikes for those who want a unique experience with their friends or family. You can choose to tour the chalets or the continental divide on some of the outstanding guided backpacking trips offered.

Come explore Glacier National Park the old fashioned way and see the timelessness of the Crown Jewel of the Continent.

Whitefish Lake

When visiting Glacier National Park why not plan for some time in Whitefish, Montana as well? One highlight, besides Whitefish Mountain Resort, is the Lodge at Whitefish Lake. Whitefish Lake was created by melting glaciers that carved Glacier National Park. The lake is seven miles long and 3,315 acres with a maximum depth of about 230 feet. Nestled up to the lake is a gorgeous lodge with all the big city amenities without the big city feel.

At the Lodge at Whitefish Lake Marina, you can rent a speedboat to wakeboard or pull a tube. Perhaps you are more into renting a boat to cruise around the lake. The lodge's marina offers both speedboats and pontoon boats for rental. Customize your entertainment with Waverunner rentals for more of an independent thrill. Kayaks and canoes are available, which provide a peaceful alternative along with exercise. Another low-key option is to relax on the shores of the Whitefish Lake Lodge's private beach. In the evenings, or on colder days, enjoy the luxury of the pool and hot tub.

The amenities go on and on showcasing a common area with a fireplace just steps away from the Boat Club Lounge. Alternately, you could enjoy your drinks on the Coffee Dock. Your friends and family will have all the lake have to offer from the privacy of the lodge's grounds. The Lodge at Whitefish Lake is a great home base while you check out the Whitefish Mountain Resort and the adorable town of Whitefish, Montana.

Glacier Fishing

Glacier National Park is one of the last intact ecosystems containing the strongest populations of Westslope Cutthroat Trout. These trout were evolutionarily isolated for almost 2 million years. When visiting the park, including a fishing adventure could not only be a great time, it could be a glimpse into the waning existence of a very specialized fish species. The North Fork and the Middle Fork of the Flathead River are both bordering Glacier National Park. They are both wild and scenic rivers without any dams or diversions and the water is fed only from snowmelt, rain, and natural mountain springs. Fishing in these waters is good but the scenery is phenomenal.

Westslope cutthroat trout are known to rise to your fly. This makes fishing in the Glacier National Park region very exciting. Other species of trout are also prominent in these waters such as brown, rainbow, cutthroat and cutbow trout. Most outfitters offer half day, a whole day and customized multi-day fishing adventures.

Combine your desire for the beauty of the park with your love of fishing and take a guided fishing trip on the Flathead River. The advantages of a guide are enormous. Fishing in these waters is best from a boat and the guides are well versed in what the fish are biting on. Not only will the guides help you catch lots of fish, but they will also be able to tell you a lot about the history, flora, and fauna of Glacier National Park.

Glacier Helitour

Glacier National Park encompasses over 1 million acres and spans from 3110 feet to a looming 10,466 feet at the peak of Mt. Cleveland. It straddles the Continental Divide and has drainage basins going not only to the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans but also to the Arctic Ocean. The Glaciers in Glacier National Park are melting at such a rate that scientists predict the glaciers will be gone by 2030. The geology of Glacier National Park is legendary for the preservation of its exposed Proterozoic rock layers.

These reasons alone would entice the mildly curious to want to experience the park from the comfort and advantage of a helicopter. The helicopter makes seeing all these amazing features of Glacier National Park so much easier and monumental. Soar over the mountain tops and into the deep valleys along the Going-to-the-Sun highway. Get a good vantage point on wildlife below. See the streams feeding the rivers that rush downhill and then meander as the elevation levels off. Look far into Canada's Waterton Lakes National Park at the apex of your tour. See every detail from a birds-eye-view and let it impress upon your memory forever.

Listen to soothing classical music through headsets as well as your pilot's narrations. The helicopters have quiet engines and unwavering steadiness in the air. The helicopter tour is a luxurious experience that you will want to repeat every year you visit. This could be the only way to truly see the magnitude of the park and all the treasures within.

Glacier Golf

Why not combine two or more of America's favorite pastimes in one vacation? When you visit Glacier National Park on your family adventure be sure to check out the local golf scene. Whether you are sticking to the park vicinity or are checking out the neighboring towns, there are several top-rate golfing opportunities.

East Glacier, Montana is home to the Glacier Park Lodge and the Glacier Park Lodge Golf Course. It is located at the east entrance into Glacier National Park. Nine-holes lined with quaking aspen and lodgepole pine rest with the continental divide towering in the distance. The Glacier Park Lodge Golf Course boasts the first grass greens in Montana.

West Glacier, Montana sits conveniently up against the southern entrance of Glacier National Park. The Glacier View Golf Club is in the heart of West Glacier. It borders the Middle Fork of the Flathead River next to the most popular rafting take-out in the river corridor. 18 holes of scenic wonder with the sound of the Middle Fork babbling along the west side of the course will not disappoint. This is said to be one of the few golf courses in the United States where the deer, moose, and elk play through.

If your travels lead you to Whitefish, Montana, the Whitefish Lake Golf Club is the first golf complex to have 36 holes in Montana. This is truly an upscale experience in golf. With two 18 hole courses to choose from and first-class dining, lodging and the Big Mountain nearby, Whitefish will be a rewarding jaunt from the park.

Columbia Falls, Montana boasts the title “The Gateway to Glacier Park” and is also residence to Meadow Lake Golf Club. It is rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest Magazine with seven holes containing natural water features. Meadow Lake is a cut above most of the courses in Montana. Columbia Falls is central to the destination towns in the Flathead Valley. For those who do not golf, Columbia Falls is riddled with antique shops.

Glacier National Park and surrounding areas offer the golfing enthusiast a plethora of choices to tantalize even the largest golfing addiction. Courses are in full operation during summer months and offer both lessons and driving ranges to help golfers hone their skills.

Glacier Spa

After a long day of exploring and pushing your body to the max, step into one of the area's day spas to help you let go of the aches, pains, and stresses of the day. Kick back and allow yourself to be pampered and taken care of by sensitive professionals who are trained to ease your physical troubles and clear your mind. Satisfy your body with a cleansing treatment while you experience the spirituality of nature. Turn your vacation into a full-on retreat for the body and soul.

Enjoy treatments such as a luxurious hot bath before a massage, or a regimen specifically aimed toward those with a cold or sinus issues. Enjoy a facial or a hot rock massage for sore muscles. Request that your masseuse focuses on certain areas such as your back, neck, and shoulders. Massages specifically designed for those who need deep tissue, or for youngsters with growing pains are available.

Take advantage of a private class for couples to get a lesson in a massage while also receiving a massage session. If you are simply sore in one place, get a quick fix massage before you head out on the road. No matter what service you choose, a spa treatment is a great addition to a relaxing vacation in a beautiful place like Glacier National Park. On top of the locations in East and West Glacier, Columbia Falls and Whitefish (both on and off the Big Mountain) house state of the art spa facilities.