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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Columbia Falls, Montana
Hike to Apgar Lookout
4.57.23 mi / 1890 ft gainPrecursor: I completed this hike in November, hence the snow in the photos. Due to a lack of tree coverage, this hike is best suited for a cool summer day, or in the late spring and early autumn. It is doable in the heat of the summer, but be sure to pack plenty of water. This hike begins by tre...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Apgar Beach at Lake McDonald
5.0Lake McDonald doesn't offer the close-up views of glaciers and mountains like some of the other spots in Glacier NP, but it does offer sweeping views of park's west side. The most popular spot to photograph this grand perspective is along the southwest beach and dock. The dock makes the most ...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Kayak Lake McDonald
5.0Rent kayaks at the shore of Lake McDonald and take them out for the day. Make sure to start early to get a full day in and leave yourself enough time to stop for lunch. There are multiple places to pull off and bring your kayaks onto the shore and do some small hikes. The views are spectacular fr...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Swim at the Belton Bridge
2.0The Belton Bridge is the old entrance to glacier. You can get there by turning right down old river bridge road, which is the first right when you turn in to the West Glacier village. There are some 5-8 ft rocks to jump off, but be sure to check the water below them first. The water is gorgeous, ...Read more -
Flathead County, Montana
Snowshoe the North Fork Area of the Flathead River
1.5 mi / 0 ft gainStarting in Columbia Falls, MT, which is 17 miles from Kalispell, MT, locate North Fork Road off of Railroad Street. Follow North Fork Road about 17 miles. While along the Flathead River, there are many Forest Service roads that are accessible to snowshoe along. There are roads that lead to the F...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Hike to Howe Lake
4 mi / 240 ft gainThe hike begins along the Inner North Fork road across from a small parking area. The trail meanders up a slight incline most of the way through areas of a recent fire, as well as some areas with spectacular wildflowers when it gets a bit more lush. Around 1.7 miles in you will go up a relatively...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Backpack to Lincoln Lake
16.75 mi / 3747 ft gainIt's a 1600 ft slow increase in elevation. You can walk around the loose rocks going around the lake for an additional 2 miles of hiking. There is a back-country campground at the base of the glacier-fed lake and an amazing waterfall at the opposite end of the of the campground. To camp overnig...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Snowshoe Skiumah Trail
1.9 miThe trailhead for Skiumah Creek Trail is located just off of highway 2, and is well marked from both directions of the road. It is roughly 15 miles East on Highway 2 from the West Glacier Entrance of Glacier National Park. Parking is located on the other side of Highway 2 than the actual trailhea...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Camp at Sprague Creek Campground on Lake McDonald
4.5Ten miles long and nearly 500 feet deep, Lake McDonald, the largest lake in Glacial National Park. Sprague Creek is a small 25-site campground on the northeast shore of the lake, about 9 miles from the west entrance of the park. Campsites are on a first-come, first-serve basis and fill up early....Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Hike to the Mt. Brown Lookout
5.0The trail is accessible (though sometimes covered in snow) year-round because the trailhead lies in the lower elevation area of the park. It begins at the Sperry Trailhead, located directly across the street from the lake McDonald Lodge. Follow the Sperry Trail for 1.6 miles until you reach the M...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Bike Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park
5.050.65 mi / 5036 ft gainEvery Spring (May - June) Going-to-the-Sun road remains closed to cars long after the snow has been plowed and melted. However, just past the Lake McDonald Lodge a sign declares the road open to Hikers and Bikers, providing one of Montana's best adventures. Follow Going-to-the-Sun Road in from ...Read more -
Martin City, Montana
Drive around Hungry Horse Reservoir
About 100 miles of mostly gravel roads (14 miles of pavement) will take you around this beautiful reservoir. With that many miles of road and the shoreline to go with it, it is obvious that there is plenty to see and do in the Hungry Horse area. Check out some of my other adventures for ideas of...Read more -
Flathead County, Montana
Hike Glacier View Mountain
5.04 mi / 2880 ft gainDriving north from Columbia Falls, MT for 20 miles, park after the junction of the Camas Road and the North Fork Road. This parking area is directly after the junction on the east side of the road and the trail begins on the west side of the road.The beginning of the trail is started with many sw...Read more -
Flathead County, Montana
Hike Demer's Ridge
7.47 mi / 3420 ft gainThis trail is a point to point, so two cars are necessary. The ending point is where Camas Rd intersects the North Fork Road at the Blankenship Bridge. The starting point for the hike is at Demer's Pit. Driving 22 miles from Columbia Falls, MT, make your way to the parking spot, Demer's Pit. From...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Explore Avalanche Creek
5.00.7 miAvalanche Creek is one of Glacier National Park's easiest features to access and also one of its most unique. The old-growth cedar forest is home to towering trees, moss-covered boulders, and a rushing stream of glacial water. A small loop trail winds through the lower forest and leads to a bri...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Trail of the Cedars
5.00.88 mi / 121 ft gainTrail of the Cedars Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Lake Mc Donald, Montana.Read more
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in West Glacier
West Glacier, Montana
Apgar Group Sites
Overview
Apgar Campground is situated on the southern tip of Lake McDonald in beautiful Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana. Pr...
West Glacier, Montana
West Glacier KOA Resort
Pine-scented campsites here are a mere 2.5 miles from Glacier National Park's west entrance. A short drive of a few minutes brings you to...
West Glacier, Montana
Fish Creek Campground
Overview
Fish Creek Campground is the second largest campground in Glacier National Park, and one of four campgrounds that takes reservat...
Coram, Montana
Under Canvas Glacier
Get back to nature without giving up the comforts of home at Under Canvas® Glacier. With all the comfort and amenities you’d expect with ...
From $99 / night
Martin City, Montana
Emery Bay Campground
Overview
Emery Bay Campground is located high in the Rocky Mountains, less than 30 miles from the Continental Divide, surrounded by tower...
Flathead County, Montana
Big Creek Campground
Overview
Big Creek Campground lies in the expansive Flathead National Forest in northwestern Montana. Visitors can enjoy access to the Fl...