glacier national park
Art by Tom McIntosh (as seen on Save the Date magnets!)
Things to know before you go!
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The west entrance to GNP is easily accessible from Whitefish (25mi) and Columbia Falls (15mi). This entrance provides access to Apgar Village, Lake McDonald Lodge, and the west entry point to Going-to-the-Sun Road. Going-to-the-Sun Road is the main road through the park and will get you to multiple trail heads and lead you to Logan Pass/the east side of the park (which is generally less populated if you’re looking to get away from the crowds). Even if you’re not into hiking, it is a breathtaking drive that is worth the trip.
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Vehicle passes to get into the park will require advanced reservations. Without a vehicle pass, you can still drive into the park before 6am or after 3pm (but exact timing TBD for 2024 season). Note that vehicle passes are separate from standard park entrance passes, the latter of which can be purchased the day of at the park entrance (this pass will be good for 7 days).
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Easy: Avalanche Lake, Hidden Lake, Virginia Falls
Intermediate: High Line Trail (top down), Iceberg Lake, Cracker Lake, Apgar Lookout
Difficult: Grinnell Glacier, Mt. Brown Lookout, Siyeh Pass Loop
Hardcore hikers: email us for recs for a longer all day hike.
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If hiking isn’t your thing, but you’d still love to explore the park (and we highly recommend that you do!), consider a tour on one of the famous Red Buses. These vintage 1930s buses are part of the history and heritage of the park and their roll-back tops are perfect for getting a full view of GNP’s vertically oriented scenery, while being guided by seasoned park veterans.
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Guided horseback rides are available and Lake McDonald, Apgar, and Many Glacier: more information here.
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Boat tours are available at Lake McDonald, Many Glacier, Rising Sun (East Glacier), and Two Medicine (East Glacier): more information here.
You can also rent row boats and kayaks at Lake McDonald and Apgar within the park at the above link.
Flathead valley top picks
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Whitewater Rafting: Middle Fork of the Flathead RiverWhitefish Lake Lodge Boat Rentals: Spend the day on the lake on a pontoon boat or ski boat via the marina at Whitefish Lake.
Swan River: Leisurely tube float (tube rentals and shuttle available).
Guided fly fishing on the Flathead River: Glacier Anglers and Outfitters
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No passes needed!
Big Mountain: (aka Whitefish Mountain to those not from here). Take the Danny On trail from the village to the top which affords some great views of the valley.
Herron Park: This mixed use trail system is located just south of Kalispell.
Jewel Basin: Trailhead is located at Camp Misery, recommend a hike to Mt Aeneas or Wildcat Lake. Don’t forget your fishing pole!
Lion Mountain: Easy going trail system with a trailhead just past Whitefish Lake Golf Course.
Lone Pine: State park located just outside of Kalispell with an overlook of town and the surrounding valley.
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Whitefish Lake City Beach: Sandy beach, easily accessible from downtown Whitefish, rentals: kayaks, SUP, tubes.
Wayfarer’s State Park (Flathead Lake): Beautiful vistas, places to lay out on the rocky shoreline, camp sites.
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Whitefish Lake Golf Course
Meadow Lake (Columbia Falls)
Buffalo Hill (Kalispell)
Northern Pines (Kalispell)
Glacier View (West Glacier)
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Mountain Biking
Alpine Slides
Zip Line Tours
Aerial Adventure Park
Scenic Lift Rides
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If you’re looking for some moments of peace and rejuvenation, Erin highly recommends a massage (esp the alpine arnica deep tissue) at The Spa at Whitefish Lake. In addition to massages, you can book facials, waxing, or other body treatments.
What to Eat + Drink
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Flathead lake
BIGFORK:
Echo Lake Cafe: Slightly outside of Bigfork proper, but great spot for breakfast and lunch. Might just run into Zen master Phil Jackson.
Flathead Lake Brewing Company: A wide selection of beers with views of Flathead Lake. Ideal location to stop going to or coming from Wayfarer’s State Park.
LAKESIDE:
Tamarack Brewing Company: Brewpub with daily specials and an expansive creekside patio. A great place to spend a summer afternoon or evening.
Spinnaker Bar & Grill: Steps from Flathead Lake with fun indoor/outdoor feel. Come early for breakfast and a bloody or stay late to sing your heart out at one of the valley’s premier karaoke destinations.
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Columbia Falls
Montana Coffee Traders: How you bean, man? Breakfast, lunch, and, surprise, coffee. One of multiple locations in the valley, but the only one still serving the OG menu. Ask Erin about her growing mug collection.
Backslope Brewing: Solid lunch and dinner spot, conveniently located for a post Glacier stop. Can get slammed with park traffic but worth the wait.
The Back Room: Local favorite for ribs and fry bread (ask for the honey butter). Scientifically proven to taste better after a long hike. Claims to accept chicken and goats as tender.
The Blue Moon: Stop in and grab a seat at the bar for their burger and beer lunchtime special. While you wait take a spin around the bar and check out the taxidermy.
North Fork Pizza: Tasty pies and slices. Take out for some scenic alfresco dining or get it half baked to finish at home to your desired char.
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Kalispell
The Knead Cafe: Cozy cafe serving up hefty portions for breakfast and lunch.
Ceres Bakery: Small family-owned bakery on main street with delicious pastries, breads, sandwiches, coffee drinks.
Moose’s Saloon: Sawdust on the floor. Peanuts in the shell. Names carved into the booths and tables. Cheap beer and legendary pizza. Bring some cash and enjoy the vibes.
Bias Brewing and SunRift Beer Company: Beers, bruh. Two downtown spots in historic buildings with outdoor patios.
Frugals: Not the screaming deal it once was but they’re still slinging fire in a bag. A Frug burg and a huckleberry shake? * chef’s kiss *.
Sweet Peaks: Kalispell location of local ice cream hot spot. If you time it right, the shaky roof deck allows a great vantage of local street racers cruising main street and/or showcasing their custom exhaust systems.
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Whitefish
Buffalo Café: Andrew’s favorite breakfast spot in Whitefish. Get the Buffalo Pies and Whitefish Huevos. Erin recommends adding table french toast.
Loula’s Cafe: Another great breakfast and lunch spot. Get there early for giant buttermilk pancakes (pancakes served only until 11AM, everything else til 2pm) or for other favorites like lemon stuffed french toast. Also, homemade pies!
Fleur Bake Shop: Cutest little bakery with French pastries, cakes, breads, macarons, and more. Delicious espresso drinks as well!
Abruzzo Italian Kitchen: Downtown dinner destination for housemade pasta and wood fired pizzas. Recommend a reservation as it can get busy in the summer.
Jalisco Cantina: Creative, delicious Mexican fare and cocktails.
Bonsai Brewing Project: Cold brews and tasty bites with a huge lawn and outdoor seating.
The Great Northern Bar: A favorite local watering hole offers pool tables, shuffleboard, and live music.
Sweet Peaks: Whitefish branch of local ice cream hot spot. Father of the bride, Tom McIntosh, may take up residence here for the week, so make sure you say hello.
