Top 5 Must-Do Glacier National Park Activities
Top 5 Glacier National Park Activities
Visiting Glacier National Park can be overwhelming. There are so many different things to do, places to visit, and beautiful landscapes to see! As West Glacier locals, we have been exploring the area for a long time and want to help you make the most of your time here. If you have a limited amount of time to spend in Glacier and want to be sure you hit all the highlights, let this post be your guide! Here are our top 5 must-do Glacier National Park activities:
- Hike to Avalanche Lake
- Raft with Glacier Raft Company
- Go for a swim at the Hungry Horse Dam & Reservoir
- Enjoy Good Old Fashioned MT Fun in Polebridge
- Hang in the treetops & zipline near Glacier at Glacier Highline
1. Hike to Avalanche Lake
Glacier may be a bit different this year but still full swing here in West Glacier and plenty of miles to hike this side of the Logan Pass. We highly suggest not hiking out of your comfort level and always check trail conditions before you head out on an adventure. Avalanche Lake is one of the most hiked trails in Glacier and is a very easy hike for all ages. It’s about 4.5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 730 ft. Hike along Avalanche Gorge and hike into the beautiful Avalanche Lake. We highly suggest starting early if planning to hike as parking is limited and you also wanna hike while it’s still fairly cool. Make sure you have good adequate footwear and bring snacks and water. Log those miles!
2. Take in the Scenery from a Raft
Driven Going-To-The-Sun and hiked your heart out? Check out Glacier from the raft and enjoy a rafting trip with Glacier Raft Co! They offer plenty of river fun including both half and full-day whitewater and scenic trips, even raft with them on an overnight trip! They are also your headquarters for fishing needs. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity while you are in the great outdoors of MT. Make it a family activity in Glacier Park with an adventure package for even more fun in the sun including a rafting trip and a pass to hang out in the trees or on the climbing wall.
3. Go for a Swim at the Hungry Horse Dam & Reservoir
Think this Valley is boomin’? Check out why it was boomin’ in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. That will lead you to the Hungry Horse Dam. It’s pretty Dam impressive. At 564 ft its holding back all the water in the Hungry Horse Reservoir while creating power for places near and far. Don’t forget to step inside the visitor center and read all the fun facts about the Hungry Horse Dam. Maybe head on up past that and take a dip in the Hungry Horse Reservoir.
4. Enjoy Good Old Fashioned MT Fun in Polebridge
Fuel up your tank and blaze the trail up to Polebridge. You will not be disappointed. This cute little town boasts good Old Fashioned MT fun! The Polebridge Mercantile has plenty of freshly baked goodies to fuel you up for your next adventure or the Northern Lights Saloon is there to serve you a hot meal or even pour you a cold local brew. There are miles of scenery to take in and maybe if you’re lucky some wildlife so keep those cameras ready! You can also access Glacier right past Polebridge and take a hike up to Kintla Lake or just see where the good road takes ya…I mean eventually to the Canadian border.
5. Hang in the treetops & Zipline Near Glacier at Glacier Highline
Need to stretch your legs after that road to Polebridge? Come hang with us in the trees at Glacier Highline. We have fun for all ages, even enjoy spectating in the sun or shade as well. Let those kiddos burn out some of their energy on both of our ropes courses, 80’ inflatable obstacle course, and inflatable water slide on our pond. On our 6th season, we got it all fine-tuned for loads of family fun. Don’t leave this un-checked on your Glacier National Park adventure bucket list.
Enjoy your vacation!
Whether your idea of a perfect trip to Glacier National Park includes a few scenic hikes, a drive to an overlook, a helicopter ride, or a combination of all our top activities, we hope you found this post helpful. Enjoy all of our favorite Glacier National Park activities or check out other family vacations in Montana. We hope to see you soon for aerial adventure and ziplining at Glacier Highline!