Glacier National Park also known as the "Last Best Place" is home to more than 734 miles of trails. Here are some of the best hikes available in one of the most beautiful national parks in the world:
1. Highline Trail
The Highline Loop in Glacier National Park beings from the north side of the Going to the Sun Road at Logan Pass. Although this hike has the word "loop" in the name, it is actually a one way hike. The loop refers to a bend in the road where the hike ends on the west side of the park. The best way to start the hike as at The Loop, 13 miles east of the McDonald Lodge, then take the free shuttle up to Logan Pass.
The Highline trail is extremely popular for good reason. At every step and every turn hikers will enjoy spectacular scenery as the Highline follows along the Continental Divide, also known as the Garden Wall throughout this section of Glacier National Park. The exceptional views and excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife and wildlofwers all combine to make this a hike you'll remember for the rest of your life!
Photo: National Park Service
2. Grinnell Glacier Trail
The standard hike to Grinnell Glacier in Glacier National Park begins from the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead, located a half mile past the turn off for the Many glacier Hotel. As you proceed up the trailhead and into the valley, there will be three glaciers visible. Continue on and roughly 3.6 miles in, you will reach the Grinnell Glacier Viewpoint where you'll enjoy commanding views of the Upper Grinnell Lake.
Photo: National Park Service
3. Iceberg Lake Trail
The popular trail to Iceberg Lake ranks among some of the top hikes in the Many Glacier area. The beautiful alpine lake rests high in the Montana Wilderness. The scenic trail to the lake ascends along the lower slopes of Mount Henkel (8,770 feet) and flanks southwest to Ptarmigan Falls, a worthy destination for hikers looking for a shorter day. Along the way, you can enjoy views of Mount Grinnell (8,851 feet) and Mount Wilbur (9,321 feet) towering above the beautiful valley.
Hike a few miles (be careful as this trail passes through prime beat habitat) until you get to the bridge. Beyond the bridge the trail continues to switchbacks, reaching a junction with the trail to the Ptarmigan Tunnel, branching to the right (at 2.6 miles). Continue on and soon the trees thin and give way to gorgeous meadows filled with wildflowers in the summer. Views open to the steep walls towering above Iceberg Lake as well as the Ptarmigan Wall.
Follow the trail as it drops down to the end of the lake shore, 4.8 miles from the trailhead. This lake is a very popular destination and can get very crowded. To get away from the crowds, follow the use trails along the northestern shore to find the perfect spot of solitude.
Note: Before your hike ask about the current conditions/bear sightings at the Ranger Station (Many Glacier). Trails are OFTEN closed here due to dangerous bear activity.
Photo: National Park Service
4. Hidden Lake Overlook Trail
Start at the famous Logan Pass, and work your way across flower covered alpine meadows, then along a glacial moraine to an overlook of the gorgeous, Hidden Lake tucked among jagged peaks. The Hike to Hidden Lake Overlook starts with climbing the stairway, which turns into a completely open and exposed trail through alpine meadows known as the Hanging Gardens.
At this high elevation visitors can expect a lot of sun and wind. You should also expect extreme crowds as this is one of the most popular trails in Glacier National Park. Parking can be an issue here but just circle a few times until something opens up! If you wish to avoid the crowds, we recommend starting as soon as possible! You also have the option of tkaing the park's shuttle throughout the day.
Photo: National Park Service
5. Avalanche Lake Trail (Length, 4.6 miles)
Walk among a damp, cool hemlock and cedar forest covered in green moss along Avalance Creek as it weaves through a beautiful gorge. Continue up the forest as views of rocky cliff faces tease you before seeing the grand splendor of the lake at the end of the trail, surrounded by a circle of waterfalls.
For perhaps more solitude, hikers can continue along the trail as it follows the western shoreline to the head of the lake.
Follow along for more fun trip ideas!