Hiking in Glacier National Park – Many Glacier Trails
August 27, 2025
Traveling to Kalispell, MT and Glacier National Park
In August 2025, I experienced the joy of hiking in Glacier National Park. The idea for the trip to Glacier National Park had been sparked by a friend a year earlier. Shortly afterward, on August 1, 2024, she and I logged into our computers at midnight. We competed for several hours for lodging with other eager travelers on Glaciernationalparklodges.com. After several hours, we finally secured rooms at both Many Glacier Hotel and Lake McDonald Lodge. Needless to say, we felt over the moon!
I love to hike, and visiting a national park is always a special experience for me. However, this trip felt particularly meaningful. I knew I would treasure the memories of exploring such a magnificent place with my cousin and two of my favorite hiking friends.
My cousin and I flew from Denver. We landed at Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Montana where we met my two west coast friends. Inside the airport, we each rented a canister of bear spray from Glacial Outfitters. Their booth was conveniently located next to the rental car desks, making it an easy stop after our flight. We decided that $28 was a small price to pay for peace of mind while hiking in grizzly country. We also appreciated being able to return the unused canisters at the airport before our flight home.
After picking up our rental car from Enterprise, we stopped nearby to pick up a few groceries for the next several days. Then, we picked up dinner to go.
From Kalispell, we followed the recommended 2½-hour route around the south and east sides of the park. Construction was taking place around the Many Glacier Hotel for much of the summer. Therefore, access was restricted to guests with reservations. Because we expected to arrive at the east entrance after 7 p.m., when no rangers would be present. Therefore, we called the hotel ahead of time and obtained the code for the entry gate.
Many Glacier Hotel
Arriving at Many Glacier Hotel at night—and I imagine at any time of day—is an unforgettable experience. We approached in the darkness and were greeted by the warm glow of the magnificent hotel. Friendly registration staff and a helpful bellhop assisted with our rooms. I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty and history of the place. After all, we weren’t simply checking into a hotel; we were stepping into a piece of Glacier’s history.
I learned that Many Glacier Hotel was built by the Great Northern Railway in 1914–1915 as the showpiece of its network of hotels and chalets. At the time, it was Montana’s largest hotel. The railway promoted the region as the “Alps of America,” hoping to attract visitors eager to experience its spectacular mountain scenery. The hotel was designed in the style of a Swiss chalet and built on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake.
Even more remarkable, crews constructed the massive building through harsh winter conditions, with temperatures sometimes dropping below zero, in preparation for its July 4, 1915, opening. Much of the hotel’s timber was harvested nearby and milled at a sawmill on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake.
The main lodge room felt enormous. Built primarily of timber, the five-story structure towered above us. When we entered our rooms on the second and fourth floors, we felt as though we had stepped back in time.
The accommodations reflected the hotel’s century-old character. We had comfortable beds, lakeside views, and private bathrooms, but there were no televisions, air conditioning, or reliable cell service. And honestly, we didn’t care! Being disconnected was part of the charm.
Too excited to sleep, a friend and I wandered through the lodge, taking in every detail. Eventually, though, the long day of travel caught up with us, and sleep came easily.
August 28, 2025
Hike to Iceberg Lake (9.6 mi; 1,459 ft elevation gain)
My roommate and I woke early, and at first light, we headed outside to photograph Swiftcurrent Lake and its majestic mountain backdrop. As an added bonus, I was able to photograph the lodge as the first guests of the day began stirring.
There was something magical about being among the first people awake. We experienced quiet surroundings before the day’s activity began.
We purchased much-needed coffee from Heidi’s Snack Shop & Espresso Stand, located on the hotel’s lower lake level. We enjoyed this with granola and yogurt in our room. Once fortified, we set off with another friend around 8 a.m. for Iceberg Lake. The hike had come highly recommended, and we were thrilled that we could begin the trail directly from Many Glacier Hotel.
Iceberg Lake would be our first hike in the park. We were understandably a little nervous about hiking in grizzly country. We knew bears were known to frequent the huckleberry patches along the route. Therefore, we each carried our bear spray and made a point of talking most of the way. We felt grateful for the other groups of hikers making their way toward the lake. Having people nearby made us feel a little more comfortable as we ventured deeper into the wilderness.
The toughest part of the hike came during the first quarter-mile, when the trail climbed steadily before leveling out. After that initial climb, the grade felt fairly manageable as we contoured along the mountainside. The trail took us through dense forests and open meadows beneath a beautiful, sunny sky.
About 2.6 miles into our hike, we reached Ptarmigan Falls. We paused for several minutes to enjoy the rushing water. We snacked during this well-deserved break, like other hikers.
After leaving the falls, we continued deeper into the valley. We passed a small tarn and then climbed a modest rocky rise.
Suddenly, almost as if a curtain had been lifted, the massive amphitheater-like cirque came into view, framing the glowing turquoise waters of Iceberg Lake. The sight was breathtaking!
We took a long break to enjoy our snacks, take photographs, and simply absorb the incredible scenery around us. Moments like this are one of the reasons I love hiking. The destination is rewarding, but there is something equally special about sitting quietly in a beautiful place and realizing how fortunate you are to be there.
After the hike, I learned that Iceberg Lake sits within a dramatic glacial cirque beneath Mount Wilbur. Because the surrounding rock walls block much of the direct sunlight, the lake remains exceptionally cold, allowing large chunks of ice to linger well into summer. Suddenly, the name “Iceberg Lake” made perfect sense—and the floating ice made the turquoise water even more spectacular.
The return hike seemed to pass quickly. During the final quarter-mile, we were treated to beautiful views of Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Lake, and the mountainous surroundings.
Although we didn’t encounter any grizzlies along the trail, we were thrilled to spot a couple of bears on a nearby hillside close to the hotel. We joined a small crowd of guests watching them through binoculars. It was an exciting way to end our first full day of hiking in Glacier!
Back at the lodge, we met my cousin on the lakeshore deck and enjoyed a cold refreshment before dinner.
At dinner, we were fortunate to sit next to a large window in the Ptarmigan Dining Room. Along with an excellent meal, we enjoyed panoramic views of Swiftcurrent Lake and the surrounding Montana peaks. Good food, beautiful scenery, and memories of our first hike made for a perfect evening.
August 29, 2025
Hike to Grinnell Glacier (10.9 mi; 2,073 ft elevation gain)
After eating a quick breakfast, three of us packed our bags and left them with the front desk since we would be hiking during our normal checkout time. We began hiking at dawn, knowing that we needed to return to the hotel and depart no later than 2:30 p.m. for our drive to Lake McDonald Lodge.
The hike to Grinnell Glacier remains one of the experiences that stands out most vividly in my memory. The strenuous trail leads past alpine lakes, waterfalls, and vibrant wildflower meadows before reaching spectacular views of Grinnell Glacier and Upper Grinnell Lake.
The trail took us along the east side of Swiftcurrent Lake and the west side of Lake Josephine. As we climbed higher, the views became increasingly spectacular. Mountain peaks rose around us, while the lakes below seemed to become more beautiful with every step.
The brilliant blue waters of Grinnell Lake below us were especially captivating, and we stopped frequently to take photographs.
Eventually, we reached Upper Grinnell Lake and views of Grinnell Glacier, and it was impossible not to linger. We spent about an hour taking photos, enjoying snacks, and simply taking in the spectacular scenery. It was one of those places where you don’t want to rush away.
In preparation for our hike, I had read about the history of Grinnell Glacier and its namesake, naturalist and conservationist George Bird Grinnell. He was one of the early advocates for protecting the area that eventually became Glacier National Park.
Since the end of the Little Ice Age around 1850, Grinnell Glacier has retreated dramatically. Its meltwater has contributed to the formation and enlargement of Upper Grinnell Lake. The glacier itself has changed substantially over time. Seeing the glacier in person made the effects of that retreat much more tangible.
Glacier National Park has some of the best-documented evidence of long-term changes in alpine glaciers and ecosystems. Standing there and looking at Grinnell Glacier gave me a much greater appreciation for the scale of those changes. I was reminded that the spectacular landscape around us is constantly evolving.
On our return through the higher-elevation area, we were fortunate to encounter both a mountain goat and a bighorn sheep. The were remarkably close to the trail so we got great photos. The mountain goat’s shaggy white coat and small, straight black horns made it unmistakable. The bighorn sheep had the characteristic tan coat, white rump, and impressive curved horns. These unexpected wildlife encounters were among the highlights of our entire trip.
We shortened our hike by 1.7 miles on Glacier Park Boat Company shuttles across Josephine and then Swiftcurrent lakes. We had purchased our tickets several months in advance, which turned out to be an excellent decision. A large crowd was waiting to board when we arrived at Lake Josephine. One must board two separate boats as the two lakes aren’t connected.
Drive to Lake McDonald
Once we returned from the high country, the three of us met up with my cousin. We then began our roughly 60-mile, two-hour drive to Lake McDonald Lodge on the opposite side of the park.
We drove south from Many Glacier on Route 3 and entered the park at St. Mary. Then, we turned onto Going-to-the-Sun Road, heading west across the Continental Divide toward Lake McDonald.
The drive itself was an adventure. We navigated narrow alpine roads, tight switchbacks—including the famous Loop—and steep drop-offs along certain stretches. The scenery was breathtaking!
Along the way, we passed iconic landmarks including Saint Mary Lake, Logan Pass, the Weeping Wall, and Jackson Glacier Overlook. At 6,646 feet, Logan Pass is the highest point on Going-to-the-Sun Road. This road, recognized as a National Historic Landmark, stretches about 50 miles across the park.
By the time we reached Lake McDonald, we had experienced one of the most scenic drives in America.
Hiking in Glacier National Park – Lake McDonald Trails
We arrived at Lake McDonald Lodge around 5 p.m., wowed by our first impressions of the historic McDonald Lodge. I couldn’t believe I would be staying here for three magical days!
A friend and I checked into a room on the ground floor of the lodge. My my cousin and another friend stayed in a bunk-bed room in Snyder Hall. We then explored the surroundings before settling in for drinks and dinner at Lucke’s Lounge. After our long day, it was wonderful to slow down and enjoy the lodge’s relaxed atmosphere.
The history of Lake McDonald Lodge is fascinating. John Lewis purchased the existing Snyder Hotel in 1896. During the winter of 1913–1914, he had a new 65-room hotel constructed on the site. Mr. Lewis designed the hotel with a rustic hunting-lodge atmosphere and Swiss-influenced architecture. He sold the property in 1930. The new owner eventually changed the name to Lake McDonald Lodge.
The lodge also has a connection to renowned Western artist Charles M. Russell. He spent many summers along Lake McDonald and sometimes entertained guests with stories in the lodge’s lobby.
And then there is Lake McDonald itself. The lake is famous for its remarkably clear water and colorful pebbles in shades of red, green, and blue. At approximately 10 miles long and nearly 500 feet deep, it is the largest lake in Glacier National Park. The lake occupies a dramatic valley carved by glaciers thousands of years ago.
While there, we enjoyed relaxing in deck chairs overlooking the water and strolling along the beautiful shoreline. We also explored the lodge grounds and nearby general store. We welcome a slower pace after challenging hiking days.
August 30, 2025
Hike to Avalanche Lake (5.9 mi; 757 ft elevation gain); Visit to Apgar
Concerned about parking, three of us arrived at the trailhead around 6 a.m. for our hike to Avalanche Lake.
We began at the Trail of the Cedars trailhead along Going-to-the-Sun Road. The boardwalk carried us through an impressive old-growth forest as we followed Avalanche Creek. I learned the old-growth forest consisted of towering western red cedars and hemlocks. Amazingly, some of these trees have stood for over 500 years.
At first light, with very few people around, the forest felt peaceful and almost magical.
Just under half a mile into our journey, we transitioned to the Avalanche Lake Trail. After 1.8 miles, we reached the northwest end of Avalanche Lake.
The cool morning air had us feeling energized. We stopped for a few pictures before continuing along the shoreline toward the southeast end of the lake. Along the way, we paused to admire the incredible reflections of the surrounding greenery shimmering across the water.
As the sky brightened, the lake seemed to become even more gorgeous! We were mesmerized by the reflections in the wonderfully blue lake.
Avalanche Lake features crystal-clear, glacier-fed water, towering cliff walls, and multiple dramatic waterfalls plunging from the heights above. Charles Howe, a non-Indigenous homesteader, first reported the lake in 1892. However, Dr. Lyman B. Sperry popularized it after he explored the basin in 1895.
We considered hiking farther to get a closer look at an impressive waterfall. However, we thought better of it after learning a bear might be in the area. We were more than happy to admire the waterfall from a safe distance!
On our way back, we noticed how dramatically the crowds had grown. Hikers now filled the northwest corner of the lake. By the time we reached the Trail of the Cedars, even more people were enjoying the forest.
Apgar Village
We were especially grateful that we’d started early, arriving back at Lake McDonald Lodge around 11 a.m. After a quick refresh, the four of us headed to Apgar Village for lunch. We chose Eddie’s Café, thoroughly enjoying its wide variety of food choices and excellent service.
After lunch, we spent a few hours exploring the shops and enjoying the views from the beach at Lake McDonald. We all welcomed this leisurely afternoon together.
That evening, we decided to dine at Russell’s Fireside Dining Room in the main lodge. Since dinner was first come, first served, we got in line well before the dining room opened.
We enjoyed the rustic setting of the restaurant for our final night at the lodge. I was impressed by the room’s log construction, large wooden beams and fireplace. After another wonderful day, it was the perfect place to enjoy dinner together.
After dinner, we enjoyed views of the lake as the sunset reflected off the surrounding mountains. It was a peaceful end to another beautiful day.
August 31, 2025
Hike on Highline and Granite Park Trails (11.9 mi; 1,400 ft elevation gain)
We hiked on the Highline Trail, a dream come true, and I’m so glad we saved it for last.
Once again, a hiking friend and I rose early and drove to Logan Pass, arriving while it was still dark. About 30 minutes later, we began our hike at first light.
The early morning light reflecting off the surrounding mountains was exquisite. We started along the high-elevation trail, surrounded by expansive alpine meadows, with spectacular peaks rising in every direction.
Early in the hike, we encountered the famous narrow cliffside section. A metal hand cable anchored to the rock provided extra security. We carefully made our way along the exposed trail. A couple of miles in, the landscape opened into beautiful meadows, and we encountered several bighorn sheep.
Since we had already hiked to Grinnell Glacier, we decided not to take the steep 0.9-mile side trail up the Garden Wall. That climb offers an extraordinary ridge-top view overlooking Grinnell Glacier and Salamander Glacier. However, we had already enjoyed magnificent views of both during our previous hike.
Instead, we continued toward Granite Park Chalet, and we were not disappointed by the chalet or the views! We thoroughly enjoyed taking in the history of the incredible chalet with its lodging facilities and the rewarding vistas.
The chalet was built in 1914–1915 by the Great Northern Railway. It is one of two surviving chalets in the park. Constructed from locally sourced stone and timber, the historic chalet remains a National Historic Landmark. It also continues to provide lodging for hikers and backcountry travelers.
Like many other hikers, we completed the trail as a one-way hike, beginning high at Logan Pass. We then descended 4.2 miles from the chalet to The Loop on Going-to-the-Sun Road. Finally, we gratefully caught a shuttle back to the visitor center. I should mention that much of the descent was in direct sunlight and warm. In my opinion, that stretch would have been grueling if we’d had to climb it!
Reaching the Logan Pass Visitor Center gave us an enormous sense of accomplishment. We had completed one of the hikes I had been looking forward to most, and I couldn’t have been happier.
After exploring the visitor center, we headed back to Lake McDonald Lodge to enjoy our final afternoon.
We met up with my cousin and our other hiking friend and exchanged stories about our morning adventures. We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing in deck chairs and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
For dinner, we again chose the casual atmosphere of Lucke’s Lounge rather than the more formal dining room. It was a relaxed and fitting way to end our last evening in Glacier.
September 1, 2025
The Journey Home
After five unforgettable nights filled with spectacular scenery and challenging hikes, it was time to head home. We would always be grateful for the wildlife encounters, historic lodges, and laughter shared.
Because we all had mid-afternoon flights, we left Lake McDonald Lodge with plenty of time to reach Kalispell. At Glacier Park International Airport, we returned our rental car and bear spray. We then had lunch, browsed the shops, and relaxed on the outdoor deck while watching the planes come and go.
As I reflect on the trip, I realize just how much we had experienced in five days: waking up beside Swiftcurrent Lake at historic Many Glacier Hotel; hiking beneath towering peaks; standing before a retreating glacier; encountering mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and bears; and traveling the breathtaking Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Every day had brought another unforgettable memory! But perhaps the best part of the trip wasn’t any single hike, lake, glacier, or historic lodge. It was sharing all of it with people I care about.
I’m incredibly grateful to have experienced utter delight in a glacial wonderland with my cousin and two wonderful friends. We laughed, hiked, explored, relaxed, and created memories that I know I’ll cherish for years to come.
This park truly lived up to its reputation—and then some. I hope someday I’ll have the opportunity to return to the unforgettable Glacier National Park!
I hope you have enjoyed reading this blog post. Have you explored Glacier National Park, or do you want to? If so, I hope you drop me a line. I’d love to hear from you!
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