Jagged snowcapped peaks and glacier blanketed ridges stand guard over green and blue hued lakes, whilst wildflowers and wildlife fill alpine meadows and rivers and waterfalls gush through forested valleys.

There is an incredible amount of things to do in Glacier National Park including some of the best hikes and scenic drives we have done anywhere in North America, and great wildlife spotting opportunities.

It’s the only place in the lower 48 states where grizzly bears still roam in abundance, plus it’s full of bighorn sheep and mountain goats.

Seeing a grizzly was on our US bucket list of things to see AND the list that says, don’t let me get too close to a grizzly when I do!

If I haven’t convinced you enough that a visiting Glacier NP is a must, then check out the accolades this national park in Montana holds:

• World Heritage Site
• Biosphere Reserve
• Worlds’ First International Peace Park
• and the World’s first International Dark Sky Park

Uh ha. Pretty impressive!

Glacier National Park Montana is named not just for its fast moving rivers of ice, but for the dramatic ice-sculpted scenery those glaciers have left for us to enjoy and gawk at.

The park’s glaciers are significant less than in nearby North Cascades National Park, which stands at around 300.

The 25 glaciers in this national park are sadly rapidly shrinking. Get here as quick as you can to see them before they do.

Allow Glacier to melt into your heart so you can take whatever small steps you can in your own life to leaving a domino effect impact on preserving the wonders of Mother Nature, and essentially your own survival.

Glacier National Park is one of the most iconic USA national parks and up there with our other favorites such as Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Grand Canyon National Park for providing a never ending run of WOW moments.

Although it’s popular, most visitors stick to the Going-to-the-Sun-Road so you can easily find pockets of tranquility and seclusion (especially on the east side of the park)

There are so many amazing things to see in Glacier National Park so be sure to spend a few days!

Glacier National Park is included in our best USA road trips list!

Where is Glacier National Park?

Glacier is in Western Montana, on the border of Canada to the north.

This 1562-sq.-mile national park is bordered by North Fork Flathead River to the West, Marias Pass on US 2 to the South, US89 and Blackfeet Indian Reservation to the east and the Canadian border to the north where you can access into Waterton Lakes National Park

The main areas of the park are:

• Many Glacier
• St Mary
• Two Medicine
• Logon Pass and Going-to-the-Sun-Road
• Lake McDonald Valley

Best Things to Do in Glacier National Park

Take your pick. There is an incredible and diverse amount of things to do in Glacier National Park.

From hikes, to lake activities, to scenic drives, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing, any kind of interest is catered to.

Glacier National Park has waterfalls, lake, alpine and wooded forests, snow peaked mountains, valleys, grizzly bears, icebergs and glaciers.

It’s on par with Olympic National Park and Yellowstone National Park for unrivalled diversity.

Going to the Sun Road Scenic Drive

You’ll be amazed by this engineering feat that offers incredible vistas, sheer drop offs and perhaps a little bit of terror. It’s one of America’s best scenic drives.

The Going to the Sun Road begins at the park’s west entrance before heading northeast along Lake McDonald. After about 10 miles it begins its long ascent to Logan Pass.

The road has been carved into the edges of the mountain as it winds its way up to Logan’s Pass and then back down eastwards towards St Mary Visitor Center where it ends on the eastern shore of St Mary Lake.

Interpretative panels are set along the road for you to learn more about how glaciers created this area and point out any notable features.

Being one of the best things to do in Glacier National Park and most popular, we recommend getting an early start as the road can get very busy and finding a park at Logan’s Pass is challenging!

There are plenty of day hikes to do along the way, so if you only have one day to explore the Going to the Sun Road then you definitely want to start early, especially if you are visiting Glacier with kids.

Points of Interest along Going to the Sun Road 

Lake McDonald Valley

Your drive will start through the Lake McDonald Valley, which has the park’s largest lake and dense ancient temperate rainforests.

There are plenty of hiking trails in this area for you to enjoy this lush and verdant area so different to the rest of the park.

I recommend leaving them for another day, especially if you are doing other hikes up near Logan Pass, and you are staying on the western side of Glacier NP as it’s easier to get to at any time.

The Loop

Here you’ll find the trailhead to one of the most famous hiking trails in Glacier National Park, the Highline Loop. Stop to enjoy the beginning of the sublime views to come.

Garden Wall and Weeping Wall

This is the section where the road cuts precariously into the Garden Wall. Breathe deep as it can be scary at times.

The Granite Wall is a 8,999 ft. granite ridge that separates the west and east regions of Glacier along the Continental Divide. You’ll pass by the popular Weeping Wall, which glistens due to the seasonal waterfall running down it.

There wasn’t any real water running when we drove past. Your car may get a good soaking if its running when you visit.

You could spend hours along this stretch of the road pulling over at the many pullovers to enjoy the views.

Logan Pass

Logan Pass is the highest point in the park navigable by car. Millions of years ago, powerful glaciers carved out lush meadows filled with wildflower and wildlife.

This is a great stopping off point to stretch your legs, browse the visitor center and enjoy one of the several hikes that leave from Logan Pass. We’ll share those in the hike section below.

As mentioned, the Logan Pass parking lot gets very busy during the popular summer months of July and August. So be sure to arrive here as early as you can.

If you don’t get a spot immediately, be patient and drive several laps until you see someone returning to their car. We did about 10 laps before one finally opened up for us.

Cross over to the end of the car park opposite the Visitor Center to appreciate views down over the St Mary Valley. We saw lots of bighorn sheep here right on the edge of the parking lot.

Jackson Glacier Overlook

Jackson Glacier Overlook at the 36 mile mark is one of the only 25 glaciers left in the national park.

St Mary Lake Overlook

The views of St Mary Lake as you drive into this glacier-carved valley from Logan Pass are sensational. Of all the Glacier National Park lakes this view has to be the best!

You’ll notice the effects of the 2005 Eagle Fire here with much of the forest lining the lake shore still blackened. There are numerous trailheads and viewpoints along here.

Wildgoose Island

Wildgoose Island is a small piece of land in the middle of St Mary Lake.

We stopped here on a separate day to admire the spectacular views of the valley, St Mary Lake, and the surrounding mountain views.

The afternoon light doesn’t show its magnificence – its the morning light that does so plan accordingly. This was one of my favorite views in the park so add it to your Glacier National Park must see list.

Best Hikes in Glacier National Park

Besides the scenic drive, hiking is one of the best things to do in Glacier National Park.

It’s hard to say what are the best hikes in Glacier National Park as there are sooo many and we didn’t do them all.

So we’ll share the Glacier National Park hikes we did and LOVED. Each of the following hikes would give you a fantastic overview of the diverse scenery of this national park.

I feel we did the best hiking trails in glacier national park. If you can fit any of these in you will have an incredible experience. Be sure to choose a hike that best suits your fitness levels as several will have high elevation gain.

All of these Glacier NP trails are fantastic to do with kids.

Lake McDonald Valley Hikes

Trail of the Cedars (1 mile roundtrip)

The Trail of the Cedars is a short, paved wheelchair accessible one-mile roundtrip hike. Arrive early as parking can be an issue.

You’ll walk along a rasied boardwalk through a forest of ancient western red cedars and western hemlocks.

The lush forest floor is covered in ferns and mosses and a footbridge over Avalanche Creek offers gorgeous views of a small waterfall and the lower Avalanche Gorge. This is the trail for ambling and perfect family activity in Glacier National Park.

Avalanche Lake (4 mile return)

You can branch off the Trail of the Cedars to hike to Avalanche Lake. This is a gentle 4-mile return hike that follows the meandering Avalanche Creek.

It’s wooded and rocky in parts and slightly elevated. It reminded me so much of the Mirror Lake Trail in Yosemite National Park, even the views at the end were very similar.

Avalanche Lake is beautiful and this is one of the nicest Glacier National Park hiking trails for all ages.

Pack a picnic lunch. You’ll want to rest on the shore of Avalanche Lake for a while to take in the views of the towering mountains on the other side with waterfalls gushing down its sides.

Apparently a bear was here just before we arrived!

Logan Pass Hikes

Hidden Lake Trail (3.2 mile return)

Starting from the Logan Pass Visitor Center, this is one hike that is easy for most people (and also very popular).

It’s 3 mile return that is part boardwalk and path with an elevation gain of just under 500 feet.

The walk heads over lush alpine meadows and offers beautiful expansive vistas and mountain views. Without realizing it you will cross over the Continental Divide here just before the overlook.

The trail brings you to the spectacular deep blue Hidden Lake. It’s bordered by rocky cliffs and mountain peaks. This is a great spot to have a picnic lunch.

We wanted to continue on down to Hidden Lake (a further 1.5 mile down a steep track) but the grizzly bears were just not allowing it. Only two days before they had killed a mountain goat which was still on the path.

This makes it very unsafe to walk so the trail was closed. We did not see any bears on this trail.

Highline Trail (1 – 7.6 mile one-way)

Remember that Garden Wall I mentioned on the Going to the Sun Road? Now is your chance to walk along it and look down upon the Going-to-the-Sun road.

The Garden Wall is the sharp, glacier carved ridge that forms part of the Continental Divide. Walking along it is a highlight and one of the best things to do in Glacier National Park.

As the Hidden Lake Trail was closed, we had a bit of extra time and decided to walk a short way along the beginning of this trail, which is where you get the most beautiful views.

The total length of this trail is 11.6 miles – one way! It will end at The Loop where you can then sort out a ride back on the shuttle bus. I doubt you will want to hike back!

The beginning of the trail is quite steep, narrow and a little scary at the beginning. Ropes tethered to the wall are there to guide you and help you feel a little more secure. The views are phenomenal – be careful not to get too distracted by them.

It then widens and flattens out and takes you through the huckleberry bushes. Don’t forget to yell out “Hey Bear!”

We stopped here and then turned back. You could continue walking to Haystack butte which is 3.5 miles into the walk. From there the trail takes you to Grinnell Glacier Overlook (7.6 miles).

Turn back here or keep walking to The Loop. Of all the epic Glacier National Park things to do, this trail is on my list for when we return.

Many Glacier Hikes

When people gush about their Glacier experiences, it’s usually Many Glacier they talk about the most.

This area has some of the most accessible glaciers and is possibly the best place to spot wildlife. We saw a mum and baby black bear foraging by the side of the road as we drove into this area.

The views here driving in alone are enough to tell you, you have arrived at a special place.

Grinnell Glacier Hike (11 mile return)

Wow! Where do you start with the Grinnell Glacier hike? Firstly, just do it – it’s our favorite of things to do in Glacier National Park.

We were hesitating as we knew it was an 11 mile return hike, with the end being very steep. We weren’t sure if hiking all the way up to Upper Grinnell Lake would be worth it?

Should we just hike to Grinnell Lake and be satisfied? We got up close to a glacier in North Cascades National Park just a few weeks before.

Boy are we so glad we decided to keep going!

At the top of our list of Glacier National Park hikes was the Iceberg Lake. It was shorter than Grinnell Glacier and you’d get to see icebergs at the end of it. That was going to be the ultimate.

But, then a grizzly bear killed a mountain goat so the trail was closed.

After chatting with several rangers, we decided to do Grinnell Glacier as they all said it was probably the best hike in Glacier for its outstanding views and because you get to see a glacier, which sadly is rapidly melting.

Surprisingly, especially considering since we expressed our disappointment at not being able to see icebergs on the Iceberg trail, not one ranger or person mentioned that when we arrived at Upper Grinnell Lake we would see this…

Can you imagine our surprise and elation as we came up from the last of the steep climbs trying to grasp our breath and asking, “Are we there yet?” and we saw a milky turquoise lake completely covered in bopping icebergs.

We were like what glacier?

But Grinnell Glacier was there on the mountain face standing guard over its chunks of ice it released into the water. It was mesmerizing.

It was a hot day as well and we all contemplated jumping in for a cool down until we stuck our big toe in and decided it might be a little risky given the slippery sloping sides we’d have to try and climb back out of.

I don’t think our body would have too long before it shut down in those freezing temperatures.

So we sat in the sun enjoying the stunning beauty of Mother Nature and vowing to do even more to reduce our impact upon her precious resources.

How could it be possible that our future grandkids may never see this?

My favorite was hearing the kids say – after a couple of hours of hard hiking and whining – “Oh my God, this was so totally worth it.”

What’s even better about the Grinnell Glacier hike is that the views all the way there and back are absolutely stunning. You get panoramic views down into the valley over the brilliant aqua of the famous Glacier National Park Lakes: Grinnell Lake, Swiftcurrent Lake and Josephine Lake.

You walk through huckleberry gardens and forested sections. It’s just beautiful.

We almost saw a grizzly bear as well. A fisherman yelled to us from down below that a grizzly was drinking from the edge of the lake. It was in a position where we could not see it (but we were in a safe position).

The Fisherman, whilst alert didn’t seem to bothered, and quietly snuck on out. Seeing that grizzly would have made Grinnell Glacier the best hike in America!

You can just hike to Grinnell Lake which is absolutely stunning. I liked looking down on it from above the trail.

To save your legs, you can get a ferry from Many Glacier Hotel to the other side of Swiftcurrent Lake. A short hike will take you to Josephine Lake where another boat will take you to the other side.

From there it is 1.5 miles overland to Grinnell Lake. We contemplated it, but figured due to ferry waiting times and the cost of the ferry, it would just be easier to just hike it.

I’m so glad we did! Although I do think boat tours on the lake would be serene and beautiful. A different family friendly activity in Glacier for us to return and do.

Two Medicine Valley Hikes

Two Medicine Valley is a quiet corner of Glacier National Park.

Before the Going-to-the-Sun Road was opened, this was one of the busier areas of the park. This area is for avid hikers looking for some high-altitude passes across the Continental Divide and those content with a short stroll and a picnic by the lake.

You can also enjoy a cruise on Two Medicine Lake, where you can jump off and enjoy a two mile hike to double-flumed Twin Falls.

Running Eagle Falls (0.6 miles roundtrip)

This is only a short trail 0.6 miles roundtrip, but is really worth doing if in this area. It’s handicap accessible and has a well-maintained path.

You’ll cross over a footbridge near the stream which leads to a stunning waterfall. There are plenty of vantage points in the area.

What made this waterfall so unique is that it appears to come gushing out of a cave. Apparently during spring this is covered up by the volume of water rushing over the top of the 40 ft. ledge above.

Once that water dries up you can see the water coming out of the 20 ft. sinkhole. I am so glad we saw it when we did as it was cool!

I loved the story surrounding the name of this waterfall as well. It’s named after Running Eagle (Pitamakan) a female warrior leader of the Blackfeet Nation who experienced a four-day vision quest in the mountains high above the falls.

It has a spiritual essence here.

Planning a Trip to Glacier National Park

How Many Days Do You Need in Glacier National Park?

I can’t fathom that you’d visit Glacier National Park in a day, but if that is your only opportunity, then do it. And follow the Going-to-the-Sun road and add in at least one of the hikes below.

Our recommendation is to visit for at least three days. We had five days in the Western Montana area, but only spent three days exploring the national park.

What Time of Year is Best to Visit Glacier National Park?

Peak season for experiencing all the things to do in Glacier National Park is in July and August.

Due to its high altitude, many facilities don’t open until July. Lower elevations can be visited as early as May, and September will see fewer crowds.

Getting to Glacier National Park

Car

The easiest way to get to Glacier NP is by car. It will give you the greatest flexibility in getting around the park, but you may also want to consider the free shuttle mentioned below.

I loved the freedom of having our own vehicle as we explored the Going-to-the-sun-road.

Train

Amtrak’s Empire Builder runs from Chicago to Seattle stopping in both East Glacier and West Glacier.

Shuttle Service to the Park

You can also get a private shuttle from Whitefish and Glacier National Park Airport and anywhere in the Flathead Valley to the park and back.

Learn more about this service here.

Is there a Shuttle in Glacier National Park?

Glacier National Park offers a free shuttle bus stopping at all major spots on the Going to the Sun road. So all major trailheads are served by the bus. They are air-conditioned, wheelchair accessible and run on bio diesel.

There is a shuttle service that also stops at the major places to visit on the eastern side of the park.

Tours of Glacier National Park

Red Jammer Buses

You cannot escape seeing the red jammer buses driving along the Going-to-the-Sun-Road. They definitely add a lot of color to the views.

They are a nostalgic reminder of days gone by and have been serving the park for over 70 years. It’s an easy way to sit back with the top open, enjoy the views and have someone tell you all about the park and what you are seeing.

It’s a Glacier National Park activity for those who want a more relaxing experience.

Bear Safety

Welcome to the land of the grizzly bear – the most feared animal in my world. Remember the Glacier National Park is their home and you are a guest. So visit with respect and caution.

If you are as scared as I was about grizzlies (and still are), you won’t be as scared when you are there in this stunning park enjoying many beautiful hikes and stunning vistas.

We did take many precautions and were very bear aware the entire time.

Low and behold we did not see one grizzly! We did see a few black bears though.

A few tips:

• Never give bears easy access to your food. For your safety and theirs. Any bears seeking human food must be removed from the park so please protect their home as well as yourself.
• Follow the rangers advice. They are soo good at monitoring bears and shutting down trails due to any threatening bear activity. Check in with them. They’re working to keep you and the bears safe.
• Hike in groups. We had a group from 10 – 16 hiking on every trail so I felt very safe with all our noise, especially the kids singing and screaming, Hey bear.
• Be sure to make noise. Yell out “hey bear”, clap and sing. Make the noise on blind corners so you don’t startle any bears.
• Carry bear spray and only use it if the bear comes close to you. It is a last resort but is meant to be the best one.

Accommodation in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park Camping

Most campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis with varying fees.

Fish Creek and St Mary Campgrounds and half of Many Glacier Campground can be reserved. There are no hook ups.

Get all the details here.

Glacier National Park Lodges

When a Swiss chalet meets a hunting lodge, you get the atmosphere of Lake McDonald Lodge. It’s perfectly located on the edge of the lake and near many hiking trails. Worth having a look even if you aren’t staying here.

Many Glacier Hotel

I’m disappointed we finished our Grinnell Glacier hike so late and missed checking out Manny Glacier Hotel, a popular and stunning old style lodge on Swiftcurrent Lake.

The views here of the glaciers and lakes are meant to be phenomenal. If you can, this would be a great place to stay filled with otherworldly charm and tranquility.

Places to Stay near Glacier National Park

Close to the western gate is the West Glacier, probably the most popular and pleasant gateway town. I’d recommend staying here or the lovely town of Whitefish which has lots of options. 

Belton Chalet is the park’s oldest hotel built in 1910. We stayed not too far outside West Glacier.

Things to Do near Glacier National Park with Kids

Aerial Adventure Park

Head to the obstacle course high up into the trees at the Whitefish Mountain Resort.We loved the two hours we spent there with friends for Savannah’s birthday.

We wish we had more time to complete the harder blue and black levels of the Aerial Adventure Park but a thunder storm unexpectantly rolled through and they had to close the course.

It was probably the best high ropes course we have done. We traversed the trees via cable bridges, climbing rope ladders and swinging trapezes. And a couple of fun zip lines too!

What I loved most was watching the kids working together to get through the course, supporting and encouraging. This is why you do activities like this – it’s true team building and shows you that we’re all in this together, and true joy comes from collaboration and achieving together.

I spent the entire time moving through the courses with the kids and I had a blast spending such precious time with them.

Whitefish Mountain Resort also offers zip line tours, scenic lift rides, alpine rides and mountain biking in the summer.

Of course, in the winter it’s all about skiing. Their lodges with hot tubs on the deck look very enticing.

Tips on More National Parks in the USA

• Olympic: 16 incredible things to do in Olympic National Park
• Yosemite: 18 amazing things to do in Yosemite National Park
• Grand Canyon: 8 tips for planning a trip to the Grand Canyon with kids (or without)
• Zion: 14 things to do in Zion National Park
• Yellowstone: 23 incredible things to do in Yellowstone
• Arches: 11 amazing things to do in Arches National Park
• Joshua Tree: 8 awesome things to do in Joshua Tree National Park
• Death Valley: 9 incredible things to do in Death Valley National Park

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I feel my time to enjoy the sunshine and swim in our pool is being consumed by endless tasks. I’m ready to escape the daily grind and get back to nature before it’s too late.

The only good thing about the impending close of summer is that autumn follows.

As much as I adore the fullness and warmth of summer, I love fall even more!

It’s a spectacular, colorful celebration of change—and possibly the only time humans feel compelled to embrace this one constant in our lives.

Fall is also a great time to get outdoors and appreciate nature.

The cooler temperatures make for more pleasant hikes, the summer crowds have thinned out and the animals start moving to lower elevations, which is great for wildlife viewing.

Summer is a time I often relax at home and enjoy the fruits of my labor; fall is when I come back out to explore again.

As we plan for our upcoming RV road trip across America, Montana is on my mind.

We recently shared the incredible Native American cultural experiences you can have in Montana.

Now we’re sharing with you (in partnership with Visit Montana) the incredible hiking and wildlife viewing you can experience when you visit Montana in autumn.

Montana has a greater variety of native wildlife than anywhere else in the lower 48.

From bison to mountain goats, grizzlies to wolverines, wildlife viewing in Montana is abundant and spectacular, especially in the national parks and wildlife refuges.

There are endless things to do in Montana in the fall.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Montana during this season for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Yellowstone National Park

Is there a National Park more iconic than America’s first national park?

Now you may be thinking, “hang on, isn’t Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming?” Yes, but parts of it also extend across the border into Montana, and three park entrances are located in Montana.

Oh, the beauty that a geyser can bring!

Yellowstone has more than 900 miles of hiking trails, ranging from short and easy day hikes to multi-day treks.

You can see geysers, colorful hot springs, mud pots, multiple rivers, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and, of course, wildlife.

Beaver Ponds Loop, Mammoth Hot Springs

You might be expecting to see beavers on this 5 mile Yellowstone hike, but they aren’t the only furry friend that calls this national park home.

This Yellowstone hiking trail is known for its bear activity, so be on the lookout and come prepared.

I’ll admit, I am scared of grizzly bears, but it gives me great comfort to know many people hike the trail without any trouble and there are lots of bear safety tips out there.

Click here to read wildlife viewing safety guidelines in Montana.

The trail begins at the lower Mammoth Terraces with a 350 ft. climb up the hill.

The Beaver Ponds Loop hike then takes you to unique ponds nestled in the forest and open sagebrush meadows with expansive views down to Yellowstone River.

It’s an area known for elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, moose, beaver and waterfowl.

Being a loop walk means the scenery and surprises will be different on the entire hike. I know loop walks motivate our girls more than a return one.

This Yellowstone hike is of moderate difficulty with a gain of 350 feet and is in the Mammoth Hot Springs Area.

The recommendation is to start at the Mammoth Terraces so you have a shorter uphill section.

Yellowstone Llama Trekking

Looking for a unique hiking experience in Yellowstone National Park?

Let a llama lead your way. Your gentle, long-eared hiking buddy will walk with you on beautiful trails while carrying your load.

Experienced guides will help you explore Yellowstone backcountry, teach you about the park’s ecosystem and help you find wildlife in their natural habitat.

Yellowstone Llamas offers multi-day backcountry pack trips in Yellowstone National Park with knowledgeable guides and gentle, well-trained llamas.

Enjoy hiking, camping, wildlife watching, fishing and good food. Treks are suitable for families and young children as well as groups of adults.

Here are tips for visiting Yellowstone National Park with kids.

Glacier National Park

The scenery in Glacier National Park is said to dissolve your stresses and cares in an instant.

In the fall, autumn leaves burst with color complementing the epic mountain scenery.

Glacier is the headwaters for streams that flow to the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and to Hudson’s Bay, making it the Crown of the Continent, a precious and important national park.

It’s a huge national park that stretches over into Canada and includes 762 lakes, 563 streams, 175 mountains, over 700 miles of hiking trails and 26 active glaciers.

This is Big Sky Country after all!

Grinnell Glacier Trail

Want to see the best that Glacier National Park has to offer?

Then jump on the Grinnell Glacier hike, known to be one of the most beautiful hikes in the world and, because it showcases everything that makes Glacier epic, one of the most popular in the Glacier National Park.

I’m talking about lakes, waterfalls, forests, alpine views and the park’s most iconic glacier, Grinnell Lake.

This is a 10.6-mile hike roundtrip from the trailhead, but it can be reduced to about 7 miles with a concession boat ride from Many Glacier Hotel (fee required and reservations recommended.)

The hike follows the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine and elevates you to breathtaking views of the Angel Wing mountain peak, the Garden Wall of the Continental Divide, and Grinnell Lake.

The stunning aqua-blue water of Upper Grinnell Lake is a sight to behold with the receding glaciers along the mountains surrounding the lake.

What a way to finish a climb up.

Be sure to stop for a while and savor the reward. If you leave early enough, you’ll get there before the crowds.

Look out for bighorn sheep, deer, mountain goats and bears along the trail. Be sure to take bear spray and proper hiking supplies.

Depending on fitness, the trail is moderately difficult. It is strenuous due to its length and an elevation gain of 1,600 feet.

Cracker Lake

Cracker Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park.

This beautiful turquoise-colored glacial lake is surrounded by a natural cathedral of towering walls and peaks.

One feature is the great North Face of Mount Siyeh towering over Cracker Lake in Glacier National Park. This giant wall is one of the tallest in North America, and it has only been climbed once.

The popular Glacier Park hike to Cracker Lake is over 12 miles roundtrip with a 1,400-foot vertical gain in elevation.

It includes wooded forests, grand views of lakes and mountains, creek crossings, distant waterfalls, mining ruins, possible wildflowers and wildlife, and a relaxing swim in the lake if you need a cool down.

Although would swimming be a thing to do in Montana in the fall? We recommend saving this for a summer hike.

There have been moose sightings at the lake, and marmots, which are large squirrels, live around the campsite.

Mountain goats frequent this area—it’s also bear country, so put your singing voices on and make a bit of noise.

Wildlife Viewing from an Open-Top Red Bus

If you’re looking for effortless wildlife viewing, especially with kids, then jump aboard the popular open-top Glacier Park Red Bus tours.

This allows you to see and photograph wildlife from a safe distance.

These 1930s-era vintage buses with roll-back tops accommodate 17 people, four across on bench seating.

Not only do you get to relax and watch the wildlife, but you also get insider information about Glacier National Park from knowledgeable Red Bus drivers.

Tours last between 2.5 and 8 hours, depending on which one you choose.

Have on day in Glacier? Check out these things to do

National Bison Range

You cannot visit Montana without bison watching.

The Great Plains were once home to 60 million bison. It hurts my heart to know that now Montana is one of the last places where bison live in much fewer numbers.

They’re mostly found in Yellowstone National Park and at the National Bison Range in Montana.

The National Bison Range is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the country. President Theodore Roosevelt established the National Bison Range in 1908 to provide a permanent home for bison.

The 18,500-acre range home to about 300-400 bison.

Because of its open grasslands, the Bison Range is a perfect place for the public to enjoy some excellent wildlife observation and photography.

Other large wildlife found on the Range include elk, white-tail and mule deer, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, black bear, coyote and ground squirrels.

Over 200 species of birds also call this home including eagles, hawks, meadowlarks, bluebirds, ducks and geese.

The National Bison Range is only about an hour drive from Missoula.

Big Sky Safaris offers guided tours of National Bison Range and the nearby area with a local nature guide. It’s most cost-effective for groups of 5-10 people.

Wild Horse Island State Park

At over 2,100 acres, Wild Horse Island State Park is the largest island in the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi.

It is situated on Flathead Lake and abounds in opportunity for hiking, fishing, swimming and kayaking.

Wild Horse Island has been a landmark since the Salish-Kootenai Indians were reported to have used it to pasture horses to keep them from being stolen by other tribes. Wild horses can still be seen on the island, although in very small numbers.

One is all you need to place you in a spirit of wonder!

The island is known for more than just horses. Bighorn sheep, mule deer, songbirds, waterfowl, bald eagles and falcons make Wild Horse Island a great place in Montana for wildlife viewing.

The island is for day-use only and maintains about 4 miles of trails.

Follow the trail to the top of the island for a picnic in a hidden caldera-like formation.

Walk up to the rim for a stunning 360-degree view of Flathead Lake, Polson, Bigfork, Lakeside, Kalispell, and on a clear day, even Whitefish and Glacier National Park!

To visit Wild Horse Island on Flathead Lake, you will need a boat to access this primitive state park, or you can kayak or paddleboard over to the island (about 45 minutes.) Sea Me Paddle offers guided kayak trips to the island.

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park

When you visit Montana, you will spend a lot of time looking at mountains and hiking up them.

Now it’s time to explore the belly of the mountains at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park.

Montana’s first and best-known State Park showcases one of the most highly decorated limestone caverns in the Northwest—President Theodore Roosevelt even designated Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park a National Monument on the same day as the Grand Canyon.

It was named to honor the famous explorers who crossed the park property, although they did not discover the caverns.

The impressive geological features of these Montana caverns include stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. The only way to see the caverns are by guided tours of the cave.

These tours range from easy to adventurous and some even cater to those with physical limitations. Bring a sweater, as the caves are naturally cool year-round.

The kids will love the two-hour Classic Tour with its stalactites and stalagmites, the famous Beaver Slide and occasional bat sightings.

The adventurous will love the Wild Cave Tour, where you can explore the caverns with only headlamps. Be prepared for a lot of bending, crawling and duck waddling.

The tour includes a short hike through gorgeous mountain scenery from the visitor’s center and back.

With over 3,000 acres of the park above ground, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for camping, hiking and biking.

More than half of the trails are naturally carved by the hooves of deer, elk and even the occasional mountain goat.

The park has 10 miles of well-marked, maintained trails that lead through remarkable changes in habitat.

For a short, easy route, follow the Nature Loop Trail at the upper picnic area.

Hikers looking for more of a challenge can follow the 6-mile Grand Loop Trail, which runs between the camp’s two visitor centers and gives a good overview of the park.

The park has a large campground with 40 campsites, a tipi and three cabins.

Love Caves? The Luray Caverns in Virginia are some of the best we’ve ever seen.

Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for some fall hiking and wildlife viewing in Montana.

I can’t imagine how beautiful it must be with the golden glow of autumn.

I am so excited to visit Montana on our RV road trip across America next Spring/Summer. We plan to create a lot of content to help you learn more about the amazing things to do in Montana, with kids especially!

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What are some of your favorite hikes in Montana for wildlife viewing?

Posters of Chief Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse adorned my wall, books of wisdom from Native American people sat on my desk, and dream catchers worked their magic of an evening (and still do).

I love the deep spiritual connection to Mother Earth of the Native Americans and their delicate balance of strength, kindness and humility.

I feel their spirit is ancient and timeless and something our harried and hurried modern world could benefit greatly from tapping into.

High on our list of our America Unplugged travels is to experience the Native American Story.

We recently learned a little about the Powhatan people during our visit to the Jamestown Settlement in Williamsburg, Virginia.

These historical experiences are important, but we also want to experience the traditions and celebrations of Native American culture as it stands today.

American Indian culture is alive and thriving in modern galleries, powwows, museum exhibits, film festivals and restaurants.

Many Americans feel that to experience another culture, they must travel abroad.

But within their own backyards, they have access to many diverse cultural stories, one of the richest being that of the Indigenous people.

Learning about Native American Culture in Montana

Montana is a state rich with Native American history and culture.

With 12 Native American Tribes representing 6.3 percent of the population, you have numerous unique Native American cultural immersion experiences to enjoy.

And what better place to do it then with Montana’s stunning landscapes and national parks?

Many of the tribes I grew up learning and avidly following can be found in Montana: The Crow, Blackfeet, Sioux, and Cheyenne.

Montana is also the site of the infamous Battle of Little Bighorn within the Crow Reservation.

Here are 5 memorable Native American cultural experiences I have researched, in sponsorship with Visit Montana, to add to my Montana travel bucket list.

I hope you will do the same!

1. Crow Fair Celebration Powwow & Rodeo

Crow Agency is the headquarters of the Crow Indian Reservation and is close to the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area and Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument (the battle is re-enacted here each June.)

This year will be extra special, as it is the 100th Annual Crow Fair and Rodeo.

It’s held by The Apsáalooke people of the Crow Indian Reservation just South of Hardin, Montana, which is about 45 minutes from Billings.

The Crow Fair Celebration is the largest Native American event in Montana, and one of the biggest powwows in the country.

It includes a parade, a four-day powwow, a rodeo and horse races.

It also becomes the tipi capital of the world with the largest modern-day American Indian encampment in the nation.

The highlights of the Crow Fair Celebration include:

• Daily morning parade showing traditional bead work, buckskin and leather work. Riders on horseback are followed by elaborately decorated cars, trucks and trailers. Some of the vehicles are decorated in memorial to tribal elders who have passed during the prior year
• All-Indian Rodeo showcasing the talents of the best Indian-Cowboys in the Western USA.
• Closing out with a Dance Through Camp, which is a prayer for good things to come for the Crow people.

The Indian Relays

One of the big events of the Crow Fair is the wild, fast and exciting Indian Relays; relay races that involve bareback horseback riding.

Each team in the race comprises four riders, and when teams switch, one rider jumps off and the next rider jumps on – all while the horse is moving.

As someone who can barely even get on a still horse, this is an impressive display of horsemanship and bravery.

Children also showcase the horsemanship skills they have learned from their elders to carry on the traditions of their culture.

Visit Montana has created a video, Racing with Tradition, which showcases Indian Relays and their significance to tribes in attendance.

In the video, Sarah Munjal and her three children attend an Indian Relay Championship, experiencing and appreciating the tribal culture and excitement surrounding this event.

The Crow Fair and Rodeo begins on the third Thursday in August and attracts more than 50,000 spectators and participants from the around the world.

The Apsáalooke Nation warmly invites you to attend their annual celebration and welcomes you into their large and extended family.

This year the celebration is held August 15-20, 2018.

Learn more here. 

2. North American Indian Days

North American Indian Days is an annual celebration held every July in Browning, to the east of Glacier National Park.

It’s one of the largest gatherings of Native tribes from the US and Canada and the largest and most impressive of Blackfeet tribal events.

The festival celebrates Blackfeet traditions and attracts a variety of Plains tribes, who pitch tipis on the festival ground and engage in all sorts of colorful and lively activities.

Among them are stick games, traditional drumming dancing contests, the crowning of Miss Blackfeet, PRCA Rodeo events and the popular and thrilling Indian Relays, showcasing Indian horsemanship.

This year (2018) the North American Indian Days is held July 12 – 15.

Learn more here.

3. Blackfeet Tipi Village at the Lodgepole Gallery and Tipi Village

From sun up to sundown, the Blackfeet Tipi Village offers a well-rounded and fully immersive experience into Blackfeet culture, lifestyle and history with tours to historical sites around the reservation.

You can visit the Native American Art Gallery for contemporary and traditional fine Blackfoot Indian art.

Their history tour brings Native American culture alive with a visit to the buffalo jump sites, tipi rings, powwows and the Museum of the Plains Indian.

You can go horseback riding following the paths of Blackfeet warriors and fish from the streams flowing out of Glacier National Park.

Spend the evening around the cracking fire learning about Indian culture, listening to Native America stories, drumming and songs about life for the Blackfoot Indian in Montana.

Then retire to your tipi and enjoy a night of camping in Blackfeet Country!

This is the Native American cultural experience I have dreamed of.

Learn more here.

4. Tour the Going-to-the-Sun Road with a Native American Guide

For an unforgettable and deeper connection to the natural beauty and Native American’s spiritual and cultural connection to Glacier National Park, take a tour on the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road with Sun Tours.

Guides on this tour are residents of the reservation and are deeply knowledgeable on tribal history, culture, lifestyle and the natural features of the landscape.

They will cover spiritual and philosophical perspectives, animal species, the history of the park and some of the plants and roots used for medicinal and nutritional purposes.

The Blackfeet Indian Nation called this area the “Backbone of the World.”

As you pass large glacial lakes, cedar forests and the windswept alpine tundra, the guides well tell you stories of life in both modern times and those of the Buffalo Days.

Make this experience more than just a few photos capturing some stunning scenery.

Bring it to life with culture, tradition and spiritual connection from those who have traveled the road for hundreds of years.

Learn more here. 

5. Arlee Powwow Esyapqeyni

Feel the beat, hear the music and experience traditional dress at the Arlee Powwow Esyapqeyni.

It is the premier annual celebration of the Salish and Pend d’Oreille tribes and is sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Nation.

Today a powwow (or gathering) is a reunion for many Native families, clans and tribes spread apart in different cities or reservations.

There is the exchange of news, ideas, song, and dance, Native fashion, style and art.

It’s a time when Native people reflect on traditions and celebrate in the footprint of their elders.

In the 1890s, traditional Indian dances were illegal under Bureau of Indian Affairs, but the Bureau didn’t find it illegal to celebrate the Fourth of July.

The Salish and Pend d’Oreille tribes came up with an ingenious plan to carry out cultural events in secret behind a Fourth of July “celebration” to honor the nation’s birthday.

That began a tradition that has grown and evolved over the subsequent decades and has made the Arlee Powwow Esyapqeyni the longest running tribal celebration.

I love this story of determination to continue their traditions and celebrations and not let their culture be suppressed.

I’d love to be a part of that spirit in celebration with the Salish and Pend d’Oreille tribes.

The Powwow involves traditional dance competitions of the past and present, singing and drumming and a big Fourth of July parade.

There are also many vendors with handmade beaded crafts and food booths, which include a variety of Indian Tacos for sale.

The Fourth of July day events include a stick game tournament, parade and a Snake Dance.

The annual festival is held on June 28 – July 4, 2018 at the Arlee Powwow Grounds in Arlee, Montana.

Learn more here.

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How have you experienced Native American culture on your US travels? What would you most like to experience and why?