Top 5 Spots for Photos in Glacier National Park
Guide to Great Photos in GNP
If you’re looking to know the best spots for photos in Glacier National Park, then you have come to the right blog! To say I live in a postcard or a calendar is honestly an understatement. Montana has endless amounts of beauty under this big sky that we get to call home. Each of the seasons we endure bring their own type of charm. Some of them are seasonal, so we have to know the popular spots you can only get to at certain times of the year.
- Lake McDonald
- HiddenLake, Hidden Lake Overlook
- St. Mary Lake, Wild Goose Island
- Many Glacier
- Big Bend, Going To The Sun Road
1. Lake McDonald
From sunrise to sunset Lake McDonald is one of the most popular places within the park showing off its true colors. Located right inside Apgar Village lies the head of the largest lake in Glacier. Lake McDonald is a true Glacier gem. Mostly known for being the “colorful rock lake” it hosts a few spots to snag some pictures. You can stop right at the boat launch or venture down the road and explore the Lake McDonald Lodge and then walk around the back to the shores of Lake McDonald. What you see in the sky you will see in the water, the crystal clearness of the lake will blow your mind. You cannot miss this spot.
2. Hidden Lake, Hidden Lake Overlook
Don’t let the name fool ya. It’s tucked away but not all that hidden. Once you reach Logan Pass, make sure you check out the visitor center but then take a stroll up the boardwalk behind the visitor center. Hidden Lake Overlook is a stunning walk across colorful alpine meadows and will land you at one of Glacier’s most famous viewpoints. Keep your cameras ready, you may see a marmot or two along the way, or even a mountain goat. Remember to always practice wildlife safety and keep your distance from any animal you see in the park. And don’t forget to keep your bear spray on you at all times. This hike is fairly mild and good for most ages with a mostly boardwalk terrain. If you continue from the lookout onto Hidden Lake the hike makes the total round trip 3 miles and a total elevation gain of 550 ft. Worth every step!
3. St. Mary Lake, Wild Goose Island
As you delve into the East side of Glacier from Logan Pass you will not be able to miss St. Mary Lake. This lake is home to the most famous photo stop in Glacier, Wild Goose Island. The viewpoint hosts panoramic views of the magnificent peak around St. Mary Lake with Wild Goose Island being the focal point. The peaks sit well above 8,000 ft in elevation making a phenomenal backdrop for some of the best photos in Glacier National Park. Enjoy a sunrise or sunset taking in all the glory here.
4. Many Glacier
It’s been coined “The Switzerland of North America” but luckily the commute isn’t that long. Head over to Many Glacier via Going To The Sun Road or take highway 2 around but this is well worth your time. The historic Many Glacier hotel is a hub in the summer along the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake. Take a stroll around in the lodge then head out back to the breathtaking landscape Many Glacier has to offer. From Many Glacier there are multiple trailheads if you want to fill up your camera rolls. Some of our favorite hikes from Many Glacier include: Apikuni Falls, Iceberg Lake and Ptarmigan Falls.
5. Big Bend, Going To The Sun Road
You will enjoy the entirety of Going To The Sun Road but Big Bend is probably one of my favorite spots to stop along the way. You will know exactly why when you stop. The valley below is remarkable and the wildflowers are just magnificent. The colors of the flowers compliment the landscape making your photos of Glacier National Park breathtaking. You cannot miss this bend, it’s just beyond the famous Weeping Wall, if you are coming from the West, and there is a large pull out to really stop and enjoy the scenery. Make sure you utilize the pullouts along the way on Going To The Sun Road but please be mindful for others as they travel and experience the park as well.
Your trip will go by in a blink of an eye. No matter how much time you book, when you’re on vacation, it just never seems like enough. There are lots of miles to hike, roads to drive and mountains to summit. Glacier National Park holds some incredible views, but if you’d like to capture your children having a world of fun, book your Adventure Pass today!
Glacier Highline is a great reward for kiddos after a few days hittin’ the trails or in the car loggin’ those miles to get all your items crossed off your vacation list. These are a few of the best spots but honestly, the best photo op on vacation is capturing moments with the ones you love most. Smiles and memories that will last a lifetime. A great place to do that is up in the trees at Glacier Highline!