Spring in Glacier National Park: Family-Friendly Activities & Things to Do Near GNP
As the snow begins to melt and wildflowers start to bloom, spring in Glacier National Park and Montana’s Flathead Valley offers a magical mix of quiet beauty and outdoor adventure. The mountain peaks are still capped with snow, but the lower parts of the valley start to come to life with rushing waterfalls, wildlife sightings, and far fewer crowds than summer.
Visiting in spring means fewer crowds, blooming wildflowers, and plenty of family adventures. Here’s how to make the most of spring in Glacier National Park with your crew.
Why Visit Glacier National Park in the Spring? (Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips)
Spring is Glacier’s “secret season.” While some of the park’s high-elevation roads remain closed due to snow, lower areas begin to open up by mid-March to May, bringing milder temperatures and fewer tourists.
Our weather can always change at the blink of an eye—it can spring from one thing to another… all within the hour, so it’s best to always be prepared.
- March: Highs around 42°F, lows in the 20s
- April: Highs around 52°F, lows in the 30s
- May: Highs near 63°F, with longer, sunnier days
Layers are key for your spring trip. You’ll want a mix of lightweight and warm clothing, good shoes, and rain gear to adapt to Montana’s unpredictable weather.
When is the best time to visit Glacier National Park in the spring?
Late April through early June offers the best mix of open trails, wildlife activity, and mild weather before summer crowds arrive. Early spring is great for waterfall viewing, while late spring is ideal for biking Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Highlights of Springtime in Montana
Springtime in Montana is refreshing and full of surprises. Here are a few favorite parts of the season:
- Waterfalls at their fullest: Snowmelt fills rivers and lakes, Flathead County alone has 269 named lakes!
- Wildlife sightings: Keep an eye out for elk, deer, mountain goats, and migrating birds. (And remember, spring is when bears wake up, so always carry bear spray.)
- Peaceful trails: Enjoy scenic overlooks and quiet paths before the summer crowds arrive. Bring your camera, you’ll want to capture springtime in Montana in all its glory.
Family-Friendly Spring Activities Inside Glacier National Park
Scenic Drives & Easy Walks
Glacier is open 365 days a year, but weather limits access in early spring. While the full Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens in late June, you can still explore scenic routes like Polebridge or Lake McDonald during springtime.
Top 5 Things to Do in Glacier National Park in Spring:
- Bike Going-to-the-Sun Road before it opens to vehicles
- Hike Trail of the Cedars (stroller-friendly!)
- Explore Avalanche Lake Trail
- Enjoy a lakeside walk at Bowman or Kintla Lake
- Stop at Apgar Village for ranger programs and local shops
If trails are snowed in, consider snowshoeing or cross-country skiing; flexibility is part of the adventure!
Junior Ranger Program & Visitor Centers
Stop by the Apgar Visitor Center (typically open on weekends in spring) to pick up Junior Ranger booklets and explore hands-on exhibits. Ranger-led programs begin later in the season, so check the park’s schedule before your visit.
Early Season Wildlife Viewing
Spring is one of the best times to spot wildlife in Glacier. Keep an eye out for:
- Mountain goats and bighorn sheep on rocky slopes
- Deer and elk grazing in meadows
- Birds like eagles and osprey are returning for the season
Don’t forget binoculars and bear spray, and always view animals from a safe distance.
Outdoor Adventures Near Glacier National Park (Spring Day Trips)
From Coram to Whitefish and Bigfork, northwest Montana comes alive in spring with family-friendly outdoor adventures.
Whitefish Mountain Resort
- That’s right, spring skiing is a hit in the Flathead Valley! Whitefish Mountain Resort operates into early April, offering great snow conditions and views of Glacier’s peaks. Ski and snowboard lessons are available, but spots fill quickly, book early for the best deals!
Glacier Highline Aerial Adventure Park
- Although we hibernate a BIT longer than the bears, you will see us in full swing by mid May. Glacier Highline is PACKED full of Spring family fun! Our upper and lower ropes courses will challenge you, reward you, and you can FLY HIGH on our 5 zip lines within our courses. Our hub and spoke design on our ropes course helps everyone have fun and stay within their comfort level. You get to choose how they want to adventure through our courses. Don’t forget you can also climb our rock climbing wall and race your crew on our inflatable obstacle course. This is a great Spring activity to add to your itinerary!
Whitefish & Bigfork Day Trips
- Weather not ideal? It’s always great to have a backup plan just in case. Downtown Whitefish (Central Ave.) is always a year-round hot spot to walk around and peruse the shops, grab a bite to eat, or catch some great local live music or a game. Bigfork is also a quaint little village at the head of Flathead Lake. Also gives you lots of opportunities to shop, dine, and enjoy MT. If you’re in Bigfork and the sun is out, you can always pop into Wayfarers State Park to enjoy the beautiful shores of Flathead Lake.
Hiking & Nature Trails Outside the Park
Oh MAN! There are miles and miles to explore around here.
- Lion Mountain is a great hike/ nature walk for families
- Beaver Lake and Spencer Mountain are also fun and scenic options near Whitefish
- Herron Park in Kalispell is also a great option for short family hikes
The Whitefish Trail System is a great resource for trails outside of Glacier, with great maps and always keeping their conditions up to date.
And for the ultimate spring reward? Visit one of Montana’s hot springs, about an hour’s drive away. Nothing beats soaking in warm mineral waters after a day outdoors.
Tips for Planning a Spring Family Vacation to Montana
- Pack layers- a little bit of everything for things you plan on doing and maybe even a few extra items…just in case. Spring is unpredictable around here; it keeps you on your toes for everything. Always pack a backup plan- you have to be creative and flexible for all the adventures of an MT Spring.
- Lodging is much easier to find in the “shoulder season”. Coram is a great place nestled right outside of Glacier and just 25 minutes from Whitefish. Check out our lodging options at Glacier Highline!
- Columbia Falls, Whitefish, and Kalispell are your main towns here in the Flathead Valley and plenty of lodging options to fit the needs of your crew for your trip of a lifetime.
Make the Most of Spring in Glacier National Park
After a day of exploring waterfalls, wildlife, and scenic trails, end your adventure at Glacier Highline—or start your day with an adrenaline boost before heading into the park!
Glacier Highline opens for late-spring visitors in mid-May and offers flexible booking options for every family.
Ready to climb, zip, and play? Book your spring aerial adventure now!
FAQ’s: Visiting Glacier National Park in Spring
Is Glacier National Park open in the spring?
Yes! Glacier National Park is open year-round. Some high-elevation roads like Going-to-the-Sun Road open later in June, but spring brings access to waterfalls, wildlife, and lower-elevation trails.
What are the best family-friendly activities in Glacier National Park in spring?
Families love biking Going-to-the-Sun Road, hiking Trail of the Cedars, exploring Lake McDonald, and visiting nearby attractions like Glacier Highline or Whitefish Mountain Resort.
What should I pack for a spring trip to GNP?
Layers, rain gear, and comfortable walking shoes are essential. Spring weather can shift quickly. No matter what time of year you come you always need layers, if you do plan to come in the early Spring and do some skiing, warm layers and good warm boots are a MUST!
Can you see wildlife in Glacier National Park during spring?
Absolutely! Spring is prime time for spotting elk, deer, mountain goats, and bears emerging from hibernation.
Where should families stay near Glacier National Park in spring?
Coram, Columbia Falls, and Whitefish offer great lodging near the park. Glacier Highline’s lodging options are just minutes from the West Entrance, perfect for families.