Charity Recommends Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park in Montana is widely referred to as the “Crown Jewel of the Continent,” and for very good reason. Situated in the northernmost part of the State, Glacier receives nearly 3 million visitors per year, making it one of the most visited National Parks in the country. Read on to see why Charity Recommends Glacier National Park and has found it to be her favorite National Park (so far).

Best times to visit

I think the best times to visit the Park are during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Summer is understandably the busiest time in the Park, when many families enjoy vacations and school breaks. Many visitors couple their trips to Glacier with Yellowstone National Park. While the Park is beautiful any time of the year, avoid crowds by visiting in September or October or late May through early June.

Keep in mind that northern Montana and the mountains can receive snowfall as early as September until well into June, so check the weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

The wildlife of Glacier National Park

While in Glacier, you are likely to spot some famous wildlife that call the Park home. Some of the most famous inhabitants are the bears. Both Black Bears and Grizzly Bears live in the area. Make sure that you carry bear spray with you at all times and stay “bear aware” while you’re out enjoying the trails. If you plan to do some camping in Glacier, always make sure you keep your food and any scented items locked up!

Other wildlife commonly spotted in the area are Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goats, Elk, Bald Eagles, and many other types of birds and mammals. I highly recommend bringing a pair of binoculars with you and looking up as you’re hiking along the trails, as you might otherwise miss seeing some Mountain Goats! I saw more wildlife on the eastern side of the Park near Many Glacier than I did in the other parts.

Hit some incredible trails!

My favorite trail in Glacier National Park is Avalanche Lake. This is a gorgeous family-friendly trail with stunning views. This trail is around 5.5 miles out and back with moderate difficulty. I like to pack my hiking items and get to the trailhead early to secure a parking spot and to beat the crowds. When I hiked this trail during the fall, I arrived early enough to see the lake shrouded in fog and had the pleasure of watching the fog lift and the sun rise over the mountains. I wish I could adequately describe how magical it was to witness this!

I recommend pairing this hike with the adjoining Trail of the Cedars, which is an easy, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk loop trail that takes you through a beautiful rainforest-like setting. You’ll see ancient red cedars and western hemlocks among several other varieties of plants and trees. You’ll feel like you’re on the coast of Washington or Oregon!

Other popular trails in the Park include Hidden Lake, Iceberg Lake, Grinnell Glacier, and Highline Trail. Note that the latter two are much more physically challenging. All these trails require thoughtful planning ahead for parking and weather.

No hiking? No problem.

If hiking isn’t your thing, don’t worry; there is still plenty to see and do in and near Glacier. You can’t visit the Park without driving along Going-to-the-Sun Road. This is the only road that allows you to drive through the Park and connects Glacier’s West and East ends. Driving on this road is not for the faint of heart. You’ll want to make sure that you’re rested and alert, as there are several narrow sections and precarious curves. Take your time, don’t rush through it, and be mindful of other traffic, wildlife, and pedestrians. Done safely, this is one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences that the Park has to offer! If you’d prefer not to drive, the Park does run a shuttle during the peak tourist season, which stops at trailheads and other attractions, so you can take your time visiting the different areas without the stress of driving.

I also recommend a boat tour! Glacier Park Boat Company runs scenic tours on Lake MacDonald, St. Mary Lake, Two Medicine Lake, and Many Glacier. Be sure to make reservations in advance, particularly during the busier months. This is a wonderful, relaxing way to experience the Park! I had a fantastic tour guide on my trip to Lake MacDonald; the tour was very informative and entertaining.

Don’t forget to make your vehicle reservation!

From May through early September, visitors are required to make vehicle reservations if they plan to visit between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. You will not be able to enter the Park without this reservation unless you have a prior reservation with a boat tour or other authorized business in the Park. You won’t need a reservation if you enter before or after the designated times. Please know that the reservations book up quickly, so once again, planning is key here.

I can’t say enough amazing things about Glacier National Park! If you have more questions or would like more suggestions, I’d be glad to provide them to you. Find and Contact Me Here

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