Picnicking Near Glacier National Park – Just another WordPress site

Have you been yearning for an extraordinary vacation? Look no further! Glacier National Park is the perfect destination to get away and explore nature.

With plenty of activities to do, you are sure to have an unforgettable time. Discover unique experiences and breathtaking views that will leave you mesmerized!

Things to do Near Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a stunning National Park located in the northwestern part of Montana, sitting on the Canada–US border. The park is home to over one million acres of wilderness, including rugged mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, pristine forests, and meadows filled with wildflowers. The park offers numerous activities that cater to various groups of visitors, including hiking, camping, wildlife watching, fishing, scenic drives, and much more.

If you’re looking to expand your itinerary and explore other areas close to the park, here are some of the top things to do near Glacier National Park:

Visit Flathead Lake
Explore Whitefish Mountain Resort
Take a scenic drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road
Enjoy the hot springs at Lolo National Forest
Go rafting in Montana’s Flathead River
Visit the Hungry Horse Reservoir

Pro Tip: Be sure to book your accommodations and activities early, especially in peak season, as they can get booked up quickly.

Popular Attractions

Glacier National Park in Montana is home to numerous attractions and things to do for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Here is a list of the most popular attractions near Glacier National Park:

Going-to-the-Sun Road: This iconic 50-mile scenic drive offers unparalleled views of the park’s glaciers, lakes, and mountains.

Grinnell Glacier Trail: A challenging 11.6 mile round trip hike that rewards you with stunning views of Grinnell Glacier and Upper Grinnell Lake.

Lake McDonald: The park’s largest lake offers swimming, kayaking, and boat tours.

Many Glacier: A picturesque valley with numerous hiking trails, horseback riding, and guided tours.

Hidden Lake Trail: A 5-mile round trip hike that takes you through alpine meadows and ends with an overlook of Hidden Lake.

Avalanche Lake: A scenic 4.5-mile round trip hike with waterfalls and stunning views of Avalanche Gorge and the lake.

These popular attractions near Glacier National Park offer a variety of experiences for visitors to explore and enjoy.

Hiking and Biking Trails

Hiking and biking trails are some of the most popular things to do near Glacier National Park, which offers over 700 miles of trails with varied difficulty levels and scenic views.

Here are some of the best trails to explore:

Highline Trail: This 7.6-mile trail is popular for its stunning panoramic views of the Glacier National Park from Logan Pass.

Grinnell Glacier Trail: This 6.8-mile trail takes you to the foot of Salamander Glacier and offers breathtaking views of Grinnell Lake and the Garden Wall.

Hidden Lake Trail: This 3-mile roundtrip trail offers spectacular views of the Hidden Lake and is accessible from Logan Pass.

Going-to-the-Sun Road: This famous 50-mile scenic drive is a popular biking trail that offers scenic views of the Glacier National Park.

Remember to pack sunscreen, bug spray, water, and other essentials before embarking on your hiking or biking adventure!

Scenic Drives

Glacier National Park boasts of several scenic drives where you can take in the beauty of the park and surrounding areas. Here are some things to do near Glacier National Park for a memorable experience.

1. Going-to-the-Sun Road: A 52-mile long drive that traverses through the park, the road is open only from late June to mid-October due to snow. The scenic road offers incredible views of mountains, waterfalls and wildlife viewing.

2. The Flathead Indian Reservation Scenic Drive: You can explore the local culture and arts of the Flathead Indians through this 135-mile long drive.

3. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area: Located in Southern Montana, it is a two and a half hour drive from Glacier. You can visit the canyon for excellent recreation opportunities such as hiking, boating, and fishing.

4. Waterton Lakes National Park: Located in Canada a few miles from Glacier, make a day trip and experience a blend of pristine lakes and towering mountains.

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife viewing is one of the most popular activities for visitors to Glacier National Park, Montana. However, there are other interesting things to do near Glacier National Park that will give you an even more unforgettable experience.

Here are some tips to get you started:

Go on a scenic drive: Take a drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the most famous scenic drive in the area. This road is not only a great way to see the park’s stunning landscapes but also the wildlife.

Go hiking: The park offers many hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous. Hiking is an excellent way to get closer to nature and spot wildlife in their natural habitat.

Go horseback riding: Horseback riding enables you to explore trails that are not accessible by car, and you can see wildlife in their natural habitat at a much closer distance.

Visit the local museums: If you want to learn more about the history of the area, visit the museums. The museums will give you a lot more insight into the geology, geography, and history of the Glacier National Park.

Pro tip: Always be cautious while enjoying wildlife viewing or hiking. Respect the animals and their habitat.

Camping and Lodging

Glacier National Park offers a vast range of activities that allow you to explore the natural beauty of the park. Here are some of the best things to do near Glacier National Park while camping or lodging:

Hiking: Glacier National Park is home to over 700 miles of hiking trails with various levels of difficulty. Hike the Highline Trail or Grinnell Glacier Trail to explore the park’s stunning landscapes.

Fishing: With numerous lakes and streams, Glacier National Park is a popular destination for fishing. Cast your line and catch some trout at the Lake McDonald or Bowman Lake.

Wildlife Watching: Glacier National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife including bears, moose, elk, and mountain goats. Explore the Many Glacier Valley or Two Medicine Valley for the best wildlife viewing.

Rafting and Kayaking: Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting or kayaking on the park’s rivers and streams. The Middle Fork of the Flathead River offers some of the best rafting opportunities.

Scenic Drives: Take a drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road or the Icefields Parkway to enjoy breathtaking views of the park’s glaciers, valleys, and mountain ranges.

Dining and Shopping

If you’re exploring Glacier National Park, there are some great dining and shopping experiences nearby that are worth checking out. Here are a few recommendations:

1. Belton Chalet – This historic hotel and restaurant in West Glacier offers gourmet meals, cocktails, and a cozy atmosphere.

2. The Polebridge Mercantile – This rustic general store in Polebridge is famous for its huckleberry bear claws and fresh baked goods.

3. Park Cafe – Located in St. Mary, this cafe is known for its homemade pies and hearty breakfasts.

4. Rocky Mountain Outfitters – Stop by this shop in Apgar Village for outdoor gear and clothing, souvenirs, and gifts.

5. Great Northern Trading Company – This boutique in Whitefish offers upscale clothing, jewelry, and home decor.

Whether you’re in need of fuel for outdoor adventures or looking to bring home a unique souvenir, the businesses surrounding Glacier National Park have something for everyone.

Other Activities

There are plenty of fun and exciting things to do near Glacier National Park that will help you create unforgettable memories of your trip, below are some examples:

1. White water rafting with a local guide down the Flathead River

2. Hiking to the Hidden Lake, one of the most popular trails in Glacier National Park

3. Taking a scenic horseback riding tour through the surrounding forests and meadows.

4. Going on a guided fly-fishing trip in the nearby streams and rivers

5. Stargazing at night and experiencing the beauty of the starry skies in the vast open space.

While planning your trip, make sure you also take time to explore nearby towns, shop for local souvenirs, and dine at local restaurants. Additionally, you can attend cultural and musical events and join in on guided tours to learn more about the history and natural wonders of the region.