Montana, often called “Big Sky Country,” offers breathtaking landscapes and unparalleled outdoor adventures. From majestic mountains to pristine lakes and rivers, Montana is a dream destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This Montana Travel Guide highlights one of its crown jewels, Glacier National Park, and provides tips for planning your unforgettable trip.
One of the best ways to experience Glacier National Park, and Montana in general, is with local expertise. While designated tour groups and shuttle buses are available, consider hiring a local guide for a more personalized and enriching experience. For instance, local guides from Native American tribes offer unique insights into the park’s history and natural wonders. We had the pleasure of touring with Tonya of Tonyas Tours, a Blackfoot tribal member recommended by the concierge at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake. Her deep-rooted knowledge of Montana and passion for sharing its beauty made our trip truly special. Having a guide like Tonya allows for flexible exploration and spontaneous stops at hidden gems you might otherwise miss.
If you prefer a self-guided adventure, be prepared for Montana’s vastness and sometimes challenging roads, especially within Glacier National Park. For driving yourself in Glacier, ensure you secure vehicle reservations and park passes well in advance, as access can be limited, especially during peak season. Navigating the scenic roads, like the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, requires attention and care.
Our day with Tonya was centered around the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, a scenic byway that cuts through the heart of Glacier National Park. Here’s a glimpse into our itinerary, perfect for anyone looking to explore the highlights of this stunning route:
Our first stop was the historic Lake McDonald Lodge. This grand lodge, nestled on the shores of the largest lake in Glacier National Park, is a must-see. The lodge itself is a marvel of architecture, and the lakeside views are simply stunning. It’s an ideal spot to use the facilities, capture some photos, and decide whether to take a boat tour on Lake McDonald or simply relax by the shore.
Next, we visited Sacred Dancing Falls waterfall. This beautiful waterfall is easily accessible and offers fantastic photo opportunities. The short walk to the falls is gentle and rewarding, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Montana.
The Avalanche Area and the Trail of the Cedars were our next destinations. This area provides options for various hiking levels. The Trail of the Cedars is an accessible, short loop (around 20 minutes) through an ancient cedar forest, showcasing the lush vegetation of the park. For more adventurous hikers, the Avalanche Lake trail, accessible from the same area, is a steeper, approximately 3-hour hike leading to the breathtaking Avalanche Lake. We opted for a shorter hike in the Gulch, an easy-to-navigate circular path perfect for enjoying the surrounding scenery.
Big Bend served as a quick and convenient viewpoint for panoramic pictures. This stop along Going-to-the-Sun Road offers expansive vistas without requiring a long detour, perfect for capturing the grandeur of the landscape.
Continuing on, we ascended to Logan Pass, stopping at Heavens Peak at “The Loop,” reaching an elevation of 8986 feet. “The Loop” is a famous hairpin turn on Going-to-the-Sun Road, offering incredible views of Heavens Peak. It’s an excellent photo stop with restroom facilities and a rest area. We took a short walk around to fully absorb the alpine scenery.
Red Rock Swimming Hole was our next refreshing stop. Located a short walk from the road, this spot invites brave visitors to take a dip in the cool mountain waters. While many were enjoying a swim, the water was a bit too chilly for us to jump in, but it’s a popular spot, especially on warmer days.
Driving down the east side of Going-to-the-Sun Road towards St. Mary, we aimed to see the glacier from Jackson Glacier Overlook. Typically, this overlook provides the best roadside view of Jackson Glacier. However, due to forest fire smoke during our visit, visibility was limited. Under normal conditions, this is the prime spot to view the glacier without embarking on a hike.
Our final stop on this route was Wild Goose Island Overlook. A short walk down leads to serene waters and breathtaking views, including the iconic Wild Goose Island in the middle of St. Mary Lake. It’s a peaceful place to soak in the beauty and tranquility of Glacier National Park.
If time allows, continue to St. Mary, a charming town just outside the park’s east entrance, offering additional relaxation and exploration opportunities.
This itinerary along Going-to-the-Sun Road provides a fantastic overview of Glacier National Park’s highlights. Remember to bring snacks and water for your journey, whether you choose to drive yourself or opt for a guided tour. A trip to Montana, especially Whitefish and Glacier National Park, is an experience you won’t regret. It’s a truly special place that beckons you to return and explore even more of its majestic landscapes.
