Glacier National Park
Welcome, these are just a few of my popular "favorites" in the area. There is a lot of hiking to be done in the Glacier area. Bear awareness is a must when hiking here. I suggest bear spray and hiking with a group. Most trails in the GNP area a heavily trafficked unless you are backcountry hiking/camping.
There are ranger led hikes, shuttles and opportunities outside the park if you find its too congested. I do utilize AllTrails for my basic trail information, I do encourage you to check with the NPS, check the weather and be prepared fo your hikes with plenty of water and the 10 essentials.
Check out the blog, there is informatoin on what to pack for your 10 essentioals and bear awareness information as well. Happy adventuring and as always "Keep on keeping on!"
Highline Trail
The Highline Trail in Glacier National Park is one of my absolute favorites in GNP. It can be heavily trafficked at times. This trail offers amazing views, wildlife viewing opportunites and a view of the valley below. The Granite Park Chalet offers a great resting spot before heading down the trail to the loop. There are other options to extend this hike if you're looking for a longer trip or backpacking opportunites (permits required). Going to the Sun road does require a timed entry permit for travel. There are also free shuttle options to Logan Pass.
- 11.6 mile loop
- 300' elevation gain
- 3000' elevation loss
- Moderate trail with possiblilty of bears (be bear aware)
Avalanche Lake
Avalanche Lake is a beautiful out and back trail. A very heavily trafficked trail during the summer season. Parts of the trail are well maintained and accessible. I recommend arriving early (0630) if you want to enjoy this trail without a lot of traffic. Great for snowshoeing in the winter.
- 6.0 mile out and back
- 757' elevation gain
- Listed on AllTrails as moderate id say its on the upper end of easy
- As with all trails in the area be bear aware
Iceberg Lake
Located on the East Side of GNP through the Many Glacier Enterance. This hike over and over has been a personal favorite fo rmany years. THe garden wall provides shade on tehlake that keeps its icebergs intact throughout the summer. Note that the number of icebergs will change due to weather and snowpack each year. You will need to drive around GNP for access if you do nto have a timed entry permit.
- 9.6 miles out and back
- 1500' elevation gain
- Moderate hike with bear activity noted on the trail often
- Visit the Manhy Glacier Mercantile for a Huckleberry Icecream after this hike
Scaplock Lookout Trail
Located just outside Essex, Montana. This hike offers some amazing views. This hike is not heavily trafficked so those seeking a quiter hike this one is for you. There is a seasonal bridge in place, please check NPS site for information .Greeted by amazing views and a fire lookout at the end. This is by far one of my Montana faves!
- 9.7 miles out and back
- 3220' elevatoin gain
- Hard/challenging
- Bears have been seen on trail
Other Trails
- Ptarmigan Tunnel***** 11.6 miles
- Grinnell Glacier***** 10.6 miles
- Red Rock Falls**** 3.7 miles
- Cracker Lake***** 12.8 miles
- Upper McDonald Creek **** 2.6 miles
- Running Eagle Falls **** 1 mile
- Aster Falls **** 2.6 miles
Camping
There are many options in the Glacier National park area. I have a few that are my goto if I can't find a good disbursed site or a place inside the park. Reservations are heavily urged as GNP is a popular destinaiton and space inside the park fills up fast.
- Johnsons Campground and RV Babb, MT (East park access)
- East Side Glavier Park RV Browning, MT (EAst park access/tent sites)
- Glacier Campground (Short distance from West Entrance)
- LaSalle RV park Columbia Falls, MT