Glacier National Park: 4 Days of Lakes, Passes & Glaciers
Cedars, Logan Pass, Grinnell Glacier and a quiet exit through Two Medicine
- Length
- 4 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Best months
- Jul–Aug
- Budget
- $$
A west-to-east loop across Going-to-the-Sun Road with Avalanche Lake, Hidden Lake Overlook, a boat-assisted hike to Grinnell Glacier and a peaceful finish at Two Medicine. Stay in historic park lodges and avoid backtracking. The $$ budget tier is an editorial estimate.
- Boardwalk through old-growth cedars and a hike to Avalanche Lake
- Hidden Lake Overlook from Logan Pass
- Jackson Glacier Overlook, Sunrift Gorge and Wild Goose Island Overlook on the east side
- Boat-assisted hike to Grinnell Glacier from Many Glacier Hotel
- Two Medicine boat cruise and a waterfall walk before exiting via US-2
The story
Glacier National Park is a landscape carved by ice and then left to show off: needle-sharp peaks, long lakes the color of sea glass, and a single road, Going-to-the-Sun, that lifts you from cedar forest to the Continental Divide. This four-day route strings the park's best-loved corners into a west-to-east arc, then finishes with a quiet exit through Two Medicine so you never have to drive the same stretch twice.
Day 1 stays on the west side. You start in Apgar Village with a ranger stop, then have lunch at Lake McDonald Lodge, walk the boardwalk through old-growth cedars at Avalanche Creek, then climb 2.3 miles to Avalanche Lake, which the NPS says has outstanding waterfalls. The night is spent at Lake McDonald Lodge, a Swiss-style lodge that has welcomed guests since 1914, with dinner and a pebble-shore sunset.
Day 2 is the big road day. Stop at Bird Woman Falls Overlook on the way up to Logan Pass, then hike to Hidden Lake Overlook (1.4 miles each way, 460 feet of gain), an overlook in the cradle of Clements and Reynolds Mountains. Descend the east side past Jackson Glacier Overlook, Sunrift Gorge and Wild Goose Island Overlook, eat at Two Dog Flats Grill, and continue to Many Glacier Hotel, a 1914-15 railroad-era lodge on Swiftcurrent Lake.
Day 3 belongs to Grinnell Glacier. A concession boat across two lakes shortens the trail to about 7.2 miles round trip, with about 1,600 feet of climbing according to the NPS, ending with a view of ice-dotted water beneath the glacier. After that, dinner at the hotel is well earned.
Day 4 heads south to Two Medicine for Running Eagle Falls, a cruise on the wooden Sinopah, and a short walk to Paradise Point, then exits via US-2 over Marias Pass.
The trip is designed for the main season, roughly July through early September. Snow keeps the upper sections of Going-to-the-Sun Road and high trails such as Grinnell Glacier closed into early summer, and lodges, boats and shuttles wind down in September, so timing matters more here than in almost any other national park. Reserve lodging and any required Logan Pass access far ahead; details for the current season are in the tips.
Sources: NPS trail pages and Data API, Glacier National Park Lodges, Glacier Park Boat Company.
Day by day
Lake McDonald and Avalanche Lake
Ease into Glacier on the west side: a ranger check-in, lunch at Lake McDonald Lodge, then the boardwalk through old-growth cedars and the hike up to Avalanche Lake. You finish the day beside Lake McDonald with dinner and a pebbled-shore sunset.
Apgar Visitor Center
Rangers here help with trip planning, and NPS describes it as the hub for the Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttle. Pick up a map, ask about trail conditions and bear activity, and check the day's road and shuttle status before you head up the valley.
- Time
- 20-30 minutes
Sources (1)
- NPS: Apgar Visitor Center · retrieved 2026-09-29
Stroll Apgar Village and the shore of Lake McDonald
Apgar sits at the foot of Lake McDonald, the park's largest lake, and a short walk to the pebbled shoreline gives you your first look at the peaks framing the far end. It is a gentle warm-up before the bigger walk ahead, with room to linger over the shops and the water.
- Time
- About an hour
- Best time
- Morning, before the lakeshore fills up
Sources (1)
- NPS: Apgar Village · retrieved 2026-09-29
Drive to Lake McDonald Lodge
Follow Going-to-the-Sun Road along the shore of Lake McDonald to the lodge. The lodges site places Lake McDonald Lodge about 10 miles inside the West Entrance, so allow roughly 20 minutes (estimate).
- Time
- About 20 minutes (estimate)
Sources (1)
- Glacier National Park Lodges: Lake McDonald Lodge · retrieved 2026-09-29
Lunch at Russell's Fireside Dining Room
Lunch at the lodge before the afternoon hike. The dining room serves lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and seats walk-ins only. The lodge also lists Jammer Joe's Grill and Pizzeria and Lucke's Lounge, which serve casual fare and drinks.
- Meal
- Lunch
- Cuisine
- Montana-inspired regional
- Reservation needed
- No
Sources (1)
- Glacier National Park Lodges: Russell's Fireside Dining Room · retrieved 2026-09-29
Drive from the lodge to Avalanche
A short drive up the valley to the Avalanche Picnic Area, where both the cedar boardwalk and the Avalanche Lake trail begin. Allow about 15 to 20 minutes (estimate). Parking here fills up in summer, so arrive as early as your schedule permits. Vehicles over 21 feet long or 8 feet wide are prohibited between Avalanche Creek and Rising Sun.
- Time
- About 15-20 minutes (estimate)
Sources (1)
- NPS: Going-to-the-Sun Road general info · retrieved 2026-09-29
Trail of the Cedars
An accessible boardwalk nature trail through old-growth cedars along Avalanche Creek, where the NPS says you can listen for American dippers and see the force of water carving Avalanche Gorge. The NPS lists it at 0.7 mile, so it works as a warm-up for the lake hike that starts from the same area.
- Time
- About 30 minutes; NPS lists 0.7 mi and minimal elevation gain
- Accessible
- Yes
Sources (2)
- NPS: Hiking the Lake McDonald Area · retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Trail of the Cedars · retrieved 2026-09-29
Avalanche Lake
The classic west-side hike: a steady climb through mossy old-growth forest above Avalanche Gorge, ending at a cirque lake with waterfalls streaming down the surrounding cliffs. The NPS gives 2.3 miles one way, so the round trip is about 4.6 miles. Its trail record lists 741 feet of gain (275 feet of loss), while another NPS page says 500 feet, so expect a steady climb. Most people take two to three hours, longer if they picnic at the lake. Carry bear spray and make noise on the forested stretches.
- Distance
- 4.6 mi
- Elevation gain
- 741 ft
- Route
- Out and back
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Permit required
- No
- Trailhead
- Avalanche Picnic Area (Trail of the Cedars/Avalanche Campground area)
- Distance note
- NPS Avalanche Lake Trail place record: 2.3 mi one way, 741 ft gain and 275 ft loss; the NPS Lake McDonald hiking page lists 500 ft gain, so NPS pages disagree and the place-record figure is used. Distance shown is round trip (4.6 mi); gain is the one-way climb.
Sources (2)
- NPS: Hiking the Lake McDonald Area · retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Avalanche Lake Trail (place record) · retrieved 2026-09-29
McDonald Creek Overlook
On the way back down the valley, pull over at this observation platform for a close look at McDonald Creek, which the NPS notes is part of the park's longest creek system at around 25 miles. NPS photography from this spot shows harlequin ducks on the creek.
- Time
- 15-20 minutes
Sources (1)
- NPS: McDonald Creek Overlook · retrieved 2026-09-29
Check in at Lake McDonald Lodge
A Swiss-chalet-style lodge on the shore of Lake McDonald, welcoming guests since 1914 according to the NPS. Book well ahead for summer.
- Type
- Lodge
- Location
- Inside the park
- Reservation notes
- Reserve through Glacier National Park Lodges (855-733-4522); rates vary by room type. Booking office is in Columbia Falls, separate from the lodge location.
Sources (3)
- Glacier National Park Lodges: Lake McDonald Lodge · retrieved 2026-09-29
- Historic Hotels of America: Lake McDonald Lodge location · retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS place page · retrieved 2026-09-29
Dinner at Russell's Fireside Dining Room
Dine in the lodge's dining room, which serves Montana-inspired dishes and regional craft beers. The restaurant seats walk-ins only, so arrive early in peak season.
- Meal
- Dinner
- Cuisine
- Montana-inspired regional
- Reservation needed
- No
Sources (1)
- Glacier National Park Lodges: Russell's Fireside Dining Room · retrieved 2026-09-29
Sunset at the Lake McDonald shoreline
Walk down to the pebbled shore for evening light on the far peaks; the lakebed stones show a rainbow of colors underfoot. A nearby NPS turnout, the North Lake McDonald View, also gives access to the shoreline and a view across to Howe Ridge, which has burned twice in the last few decades. Sunset falls much earlier in September than in July, so shift dinner accordingly.
- Time
- About an hour
- Best time
- Sunset
Sources (1)
- NPS: North Lake McDonald View · retrieved 2026-09-29
Across the Divide to Many Glacier
The big day: over Logan Pass on Going-to-the-Sun Road, an early hike to Hidden Lake Overlook, glacier and lake overlooks on the east side, lunch at Rising Sun, and an evening at the historic Many Glacier Hotel.
Breakfast at Russell's
Fuel up early with the breakfast buffet at the lodge, since the day involves crossing the Continental Divide and a morning hike where an early parking spot matters.
- Meal
- Breakfast
- Cuisine
- Montana-inspired regional
- Reservation needed
- No
Sources (1)
- Glacier National Park Lodges: Russell's Fireside Dining Room · retrieved 2026-09-29
Going-to-the-Sun Road: Lake McDonald Lodge toward Logan Pass
The road climbs from lakeside forest to the Continental Divide, passing sights such as the Weeping Wall and the Loop. The NPS lists the full drive at three to eight hours depending on stops. Allow roughly an hour from the lodge to Bird Woman Falls Overlook and about 30 minutes more to Logan Pass (estimate). Vehicles over 21 feet long or 8 feet wide are prohibited between Avalanche Creek and Rising Sun, and vehicles over 10 feet tall may struggle on the section west of Logan Pass.
- Time
- NPS: 3-8 hours for the full road; this leg roughly 1 hour to Bird Woman Falls Overlook (estimate)
- Best time
- Early morning
Sources (1)
- NPS: Going-to-the-Sun Road general info · retrieved 2026-09-29
Bird Woman Falls Overlook
A roadside pullout with a view across the hanging valley to the tall, thin ribbon of Bird Woman Falls. This stop is on the west side of Logan Pass, so it comes before the summit on the way up.
- Time
- 15-20 minutes
Sources (1)
- NPS: Bird Woman Falls Overlook · retrieved 2026-09-29
Hidden Lake Overlook
From the boardwalks behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center, the trail climbs through subalpine meadows, with alpine plants and wildlife, to an overlook above Hidden Lake in the cradle of Clements and Reynolds Mountains. NPS gives 1.4 miles one way with 460 feet of gain, so about 2.8 miles round trip; allow 2 to 2.5 hours with photo stops. Check trail conditions at the visitor center and carry bear spray. Timed parking limits at Logan Pass are summarized in tips.
- Distance
- 2.8 mi
- Elevation gain
- 460 ft
- Route
- Out and back
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Permit required
- No
- Trailhead
- Behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center
- Distance note
- NPS: 1.4 mi one way, 460 ft gain; distance shown is round trip, gain is the one-way climb (return is mostly downhill).
Sources (3)
- NPS: Hiking Many Glacier and Logan Pass · retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Visiting Logan Pass in 2026 · retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Hidden Lake Trailhead (Logan Pass) · retrieved 2026-09-29
Jackson Glacier Overlook
One of the few places along the road where you can actually see a glacier. The NPS says Jackson Glacier measured 316 acres in 1966 and 187 acres by 2015, a sobering way to frame the view.
- Time
- 10-15 minutes
Sources (1)
- NPS: Jackson Glacier Overlook · retrieved 2026-09-29
Sunrift Gorge
A short stop at Sunrift Gorge. The NPS lists the Sunrift Gorge pullout as the trailhead for the short walk to Baring Falls (0.3 mile one way) and the Sun Point Nature Trail (0.8 mile one way) if you want to stretch your legs longer.
- Time
- 20-30 minutes
Sources (2)
- NPS: Hiking the St. Mary Area · retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Sunrift Gorge · retrieved 2026-09-29
Wild Goose Island Overlook
One of the park's most recognizable scenes: a tiny island rising only 14 feet above the surface of St. Mary Lake, ringed by big mountains. There is parking and an accessible viewing area.
- Time
- 15-20 minutes
Sources (1)
- NPS: Wild Goose Island Overlook · retrieved 2026-09-29
Lunch at Two Dog Flats Grill
A casual grill at the Rising Sun Motor Inn serving burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads, a handy refuel right on the road between Logan Pass and Many Glacier.
- Meal
- Lunch
- Cuisine
- American
- Reservation needed
- No
Sources (2)
- Glacier National Park Lodges: Two Dog Flats Grill · retrieved 2026-09-29
- Glacier National Park Lodges: Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins · retrieved 2026-09-29
Drive to Many Glacier
Continue east past St. Mary, then north on US-89 and west up the Many Glacier Road into the valley (allow about an hour; estimate). The scenery opens up into big pointed peaks around the hotel and Swiftcurrent Lake.
- Time
- Approximately 1 hour (estimate)
Sources (1)
- NPS: Going-to-the-Sun Road general info · retrieved 2026-09-29
Check in at Many Glacier Hotel
Built in 1914-15 as the showpiece of the Great Northern Railway's Glacier hotels, this Swiss-style lodge sits on Swiftcurrent Lake with mountains all around. Per the lodge site it has 214 rooms, no TVs and no air conditioning. Its location puts hikes and boat shuttles close by. You will stay two nights.
- Type
- Lodge
- Location
- Inside the park
- Reservation notes
- Reserve through Glacier National Park Lodges (855-733-4522). The Columbia Falls office is a booking office, not the hotel's location.
Sources (3)
- Glacier National Park Lodges: Many Glacier Hotel · retrieved 2026-09-29
- Historic Hotels of America: Many Glacier Hotel location · retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS place page · retrieved 2026-09-29
Dinner at the Ptarmigan Dining Room
Continental cuisine with views over the lake, per the lodges site. First-come, first-served, casual attire fine.
- Meal
- Dinner
- Cuisine
- Continental
- Reservation needed
- No
Sources (1)
- Glacier National Park Lodges: The Ptarmigan Dining Room · retrieved 2026-09-29
Evening at the Lakeshore View of Many Glacier Hotel
Walk to the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake for the postcard view of the hotel with mountains reflected on calm evenings. The NPS interprets the hotel's history from this shoreline.
- Time
- 30-45 minutes
- Best time
- Evening
Sources (1)
- NPS: Lakeshore View of Many Glacier Hotel · retrieved 2026-09-29
Grinnell Glacier
A full day in the Many Glacier valley: take the boat across two lakes and climb to Grinnell Glacier, then rest your legs over an easy dinner at the hotel.
Early breakfast at the Ptarmigan Dining Room
Eat early and pack lunch or snacks; the hotel also lists Heidi's Snack Shop & Espresso Stand. Breakfast service begins at 6:30 a.m.
- Meal
- Breakfast
- Cuisine
- Continental
- Reservation needed
- No
Sources (1)
- Glacier National Park Lodges: The Ptarmigan Dining Room · retrieved 2026-09-29
Grinnell Glacier via the Many Glacier boat shuttle
This mostly exposed trail climbs past lakes, waterfalls and wildflowers to a view of Grinnell Glacier and an ice-dotted lake beneath striated cliffs. Ride the concession boat across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine to trim the hike; the boat page lists a 9:00 a.m. departure and advises checking in at the ticket office 30 minutes before. Return boats leave from the head of Lake Josephine; check the day's return schedule so you do not have to walk back. NPS gives the viewpoint at 3.6 miles one way with the boat (5.3 without) and 1,600 feet of gain, so about 7.2 miles round trip with the boat. The concessioner quotes 7.6 miles round trip and 1,900 feet for the full hike to the glacier, so sources differ. Bring 3 liters of water, layers and bear spray; there is no shade on much of the route.
- Distance
- 7.2 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,600 ft
- Route
- Out and back
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Permit required
- No
- Trailhead
- Many Glacier Hotel boat dock/Grinnell Glacier Trailhead
- Distance note
- NPS: 3.6 mi one way to the viewpoint with boat shuttle (5.3 without), 1,600 ft gain; distance shown is round trip with the boat. Glacier Park Boat Company lists 7.6 mi round trip and 1,900 ft to the glacier. Allow 4-6 hours hiking plus boat time.
- Reservation needed
- Yes
Sources (3)
- Glacier Park Boat Company: Hiking information (Many Glacier) · retrieved 2026-09-29
- Glacier Park Boat Company: Many Glacier · retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Hiking Many Glacier and Logan Pass · retrieved 2026-09-29
Dinner at the Swiss Lounge
A relaxed bar-and-bites spot inside the Ptarmigan Dining Room space, described as the ideal place to grab a quick bite before or after a hiking day. Food is served until 10 p.m.
- Meal
- Dinner
- Cuisine
- Pub fare
- Reservation needed
- No
Sources (1)
- Glacier National Park Lodges: Swiss Lounge · retrieved 2026-09-29
Two Medicine and the Southern Exit
Head south to the quieter Two Medicine valley for a waterfall walk, a historic boat cruise and a lakeside stroll, then exit over Marias Pass toward West Glacier and Kalispell.
Early breakfast at the Ptarmigan Dining Room
One more hotel breakfast before the long drive south, with a packed lunch from the hotel's snack shop or espresso stand if you want one; the Two Medicine area has limited food options.
- Meal
- Breakfast
- Cuisine
- Continental
- Reservation needed
- No
Sources (1)
- Glacier National Park Lodges: The Ptarmigan Dining Room · retrieved 2026-09-29
Drive from Many Glacier to Two Medicine
The route runs through Babb, south on US-89, then south on MT-49 and into the Two Medicine valley. Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours for roughly 55 miles (routing-based estimate; confirm before leaving).
- Time
- About 1.5-2 hours (estimate)
Sources (1)
- NPS: Hiking Two Medicine · retrieved 2026-09-29
Running Eagle Falls
A short, accessible walk (0.3 mile one way per the NPS) to Running Eagle Falls, a large waterfall framed by rocks and trees in the Two Medicine area. The NPS notes restrooms at the trailhead, and a native-plants nature trail starts nearby.
- Time
- About 30-45 minutes; NPS lists 0.3 mi one way, accessible
- Accessible
- Yes
Sources (2)
- NPS: Hiking Two Medicine · retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Running Eagle Falls Trailhead · retrieved 2026-09-29
Two Medicine Lake boat tour
A 45-minute narrated cruise on the historic wooden Sinopah, built in 1926, beneath Sinopah and Rising Wolf Mountains. Arrive well before departure; the operator advises arriving an hour early for parking and check-in. Departure times vary, so check the posted schedule.
- Time
- 45-minute tour; allow about 60 minutes with boarding
- Reservation needed
- Yes
Sources (1)
- Glacier Park Boat Company: Two Medicine · retrieved 2026-09-29
Paradise Point Trail
A short walk from the South Shore Trailhead to Paradise Point. NPS lists 0.7 miles one way with 100 feet of elevation gain, so about 1.4 miles round trip.
- Distance
- 1.4 mi
- Elevation gain
- 100 ft
- Route
- Out and back
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Permit required
- No
- Trailhead
- South Shore Trailhead
- Distance note
- NPS: 0.7 mi one way, 100 ft gain; distance shown is round trip, gain is one-way.
Sources (2)
- NPS: Hiking Two Medicine · retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Paradise Point Trail · retrieved 2026-09-29
Drive out via US-2 to West Glacier
Leave Two Medicine after a picnic lunch (bring your own; food options in the valley are limited) and follow MT-49 to US-2 over Marias Pass, crossing the Continental Divide, to West Glacier. A routing-based estimate is about 70 miles and about 1.5 hours; the exit avoids doubling back over Going-to-the-Sun Road.
- Time
- About 1.5 hours to West Glacier (estimate)
Sources (1)
- Glacier Park Boat Company: Two Medicine · retrieved 2026-09-29
Where to stay
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabins
Built in 1933 and located one mile from Many Glacier Hotel, according to NPS, this motor inn is a hikers' base with trailheads for several of the valley's most popular hikes, including Iceberg Lake and Ptarmigan. A simpler, generally more budget-oriented alternative to the hotel.
- Type
- Hotel
- Location
- Inside the park
- Reservation notes
- Reserve through Glacier National Park Lodges.
Sources (2)
- Glacier National Park Lodges: Swiftcurrent Motor Inn · retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabins · retrieved 2026-09-29
Village Inn at Apgar
Built in 1956, this 36-room motor inn sits on the shore of Lake McDonald, with lake views from every room per NPS. Handy for the first night if you arrive late.
- Type
- Hotel
- Location
- Inside the park
- Reservation notes
- Reserve through Glacier National Park Lodges. Coordinates shown are for Apgar Village.
Sources (2)
- Glacier National Park Lodges · retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Village Inn at Apgar · retrieved 2026-09-29
Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins
Built in 1940 and renovated in 2015, this 72-unit property sits about a quarter mile from St. Mary Lake and 12 miles from Logan Pass, with a grill, general store and gift shop on site. A convenient midpoint on the east side of Going-to-the-Sun Road.
- Type
- Hotel
- Location
- Inside the park
- Reservation notes
- Reserve through Glacier National Park Lodges. Coordinates from NPS's 'Rising Sun' place record (the 'Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins' record's coordinates match St. Mary Visitor Center).
Sources (2)
- Glacier National Park Lodges: Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins · retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins · retrieved 2026-09-29
Apgar Campground
The largest campground in the park, shaded by trees, with Lake McDonald sunsets a short stroll away. NPS lists reservations as required through spring, summer and fall via Recreation.gov.
- Type
- Campground
- Location
- Inside the park
- Price per night
- From $30 (as of 2026-09-29)
- Booking
- Book / details
- Reservation notes
- NPS API lists a $30 summer-status fee; reservations via Recreation.gov.
Sources (1)
- NPS: Apgar Campground · retrieved 2026-09-29
Many Glacier Campground
One of the park's most popular campgrounds, set in trees in the Many Glacier valley; NPS notes only a small number of sites can fit larger rigs, and sites are reservable on a rolling basis six months ahead.
- Type
- Campground
- Location
- Inside the park
- Price per night
- From $30 (as of 2026-09-29)
- Booking
- Book / details
- Reservation notes
- Reservations via Recreation.gov, rolling six months ahead; some sites released close to the date (per NPS).
Sources (1)
- NPS: Glacier fees (camping) · retrieved 2026-09-29
Map of places
- Apgar Visitor Center (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
- Apgar Village (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
- Russell's Fireside Dining Room (Lake McDonald Lodge) (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
- Trail of the Cedars (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
- Avalanche Lake Trail (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
- McDonald Creek Overlook (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
- Lake McDonald Lodge (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
- Russell's Fireside Dining Room (Lake McDonald Lodge) (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
- North Lake McDonald View (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 1
- Russell's Fireside Dining Room (Lake McDonald Lodge) (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
- Going-to-the-Sun Road (Lake McDonald Lodge to Logan Pass) (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
- Bird Woman Falls Overlook (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
- Hidden Lake Trailhead (Logan Pass) (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
- Jackson Glacier Overlook (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
- Sunrift Gorge (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
- Wild Goose Island Overlook (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
- Two Dog Flats Grill (Rising Sun Motor Inn) (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
- Many Glacier Hotel (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
- The Ptarmigan Dining Room (Many Glacier Hotel) (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
- Lakeshore View of Many Glacier Hotel (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 2
- The Ptarmigan Dining Room (Many Glacier Hotel) (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 3
- Grinnell Glacier Trailhead (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 3
- Swiss Lounge (Many Glacier Hotel) (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 3
- Running Eagle Falls Trailhead (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 4
- Two Medicine Lake boat dock (Glacier Park Boat Company) (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 4
- Paradise Point Trail (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Day 4
- Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabins (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Option
- Village Inn at Apgar (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Option
- Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Option
- Apgar Campground (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Option
- Many Glacier Campground (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Option
Good to know
Current conditions (as of 2026-09-29)
- The NPS reported Going-to-the-Sun Road fully open for the 2026 summer season; late-season closures are possible, so check the park's road status before driving.
- 2026 rules: no vehicle reservations. Logan Pass used a $1 ticketed shuttle (July 1 to September 7, 2026) via Recreation.gov and three-hour timed parking with free kiosk permits. Both have ended for the season.
- 2026 season dates: Many Glacier Hotel June 5 to September 21 (closed now); Lake McDonald Lodge May 15 to September 28; Rising Sun Motor Inn June 11 to September 13. For 2027 the lodges site lists Many Glacier Hotel June 3 to September 20 and Lake McDonald Lodge May 14 to September 30.
- Two Medicine boat tours ran June 1 to September 7, 2026 (adult round trip $20.85 as of the operator's 2026 page). The NPS notes 2026 construction affects North Shore Trailhead access at Two Medicine.
- Many Glacier boat 2026 season ran June 10 to September 19; the concessioner listed its final return from the head of Lake Josephine at 5:45 p.m. (walking back is about 2 miles).
- Entrance fee in 2026: $35 per vehicle in summer (valid 7 days); the park does not accept cash. Check for the following year's fees.
Planning notes
- Best window: mid-July through August, when the upper road, Hidden Lake and Grinnell Glacier are typically clear and lodges and boats operate. Early September is a shoulder period: boats, lodges and shuttles typically start closing between roughly the first and third weeks of September, so confirm the dates for every piece of the itinerary.
- Expect Logan Pass access to be regulated in peak summer (shuttle tickets, timed parking or reservations have varied by year); check NPS before booking.
- Vehicles longer than 21 feet or wider than 8 feet are prohibited between Avalanche Creek and Rising Sun; vehicles over 10 feet tall can struggle west of Logan Pass.
- Carry bear spray on every hike and hike in groups where possible; the NPS strongly recommends it.
- Lodge restaurants seat first-come, first-served with no reservations; lodging books far in advance.
- Drive-time figures in this trip are estimates; confirm on the day.
- The budget tier is an editorial estimate; lodge pages do not publish rates.
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Sources
- NPS: Apgar Visitor Center retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Apgar Village retrieved 2026-09-29
- Glacier National Park Lodges: Lake McDonald Lodge retrieved 2026-09-29
- Glacier National Park Lodges: Russell's Fireside Dining Room retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Going-to-the-Sun Road general info retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Hiking the Lake McDonald Area retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Trail of the Cedars retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Avalanche Lake Trail (place record) retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: McDonald Creek Overlook retrieved 2026-09-29
- Historic Hotels of America: Lake McDonald Lodge location retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS place page retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: North Lake McDonald View retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Bird Woman Falls Overlook retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Hiking Many Glacier and Logan Pass retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Visiting Logan Pass in 2026 retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Hidden Lake Trailhead (Logan Pass) retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Jackson Glacier Overlook retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Hiking the St. Mary Area retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Sunrift Gorge retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Wild Goose Island Overlook retrieved 2026-09-29
- Glacier National Park Lodges: Two Dog Flats Grill retrieved 2026-09-29
- Glacier National Park Lodges: Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins retrieved 2026-09-29
- Glacier National Park Lodges: Many Glacier Hotel retrieved 2026-09-29
- Historic Hotels of America: Many Glacier Hotel location retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS place page retrieved 2026-09-29
- Glacier National Park Lodges: The Ptarmigan Dining Room retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Lakeshore View of Many Glacier Hotel retrieved 2026-09-29
- Glacier Park Boat Company: Hiking information (Many Glacier) retrieved 2026-09-29
- Glacier Park Boat Company: Many Glacier retrieved 2026-09-29
- Glacier National Park Lodges: Swiss Lounge retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Hiking Two Medicine retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Running Eagle Falls Trailhead retrieved 2026-09-29
- Glacier Park Boat Company: Two Medicine retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Paradise Point Trail retrieved 2026-09-29
- Glacier National Park Lodges: Swiftcurrent Motor Inn retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabins retrieved 2026-09-29
- Glacier National Park Lodges retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Village Inn at Apgar retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Apgar Campground retrieved 2026-09-29
- NPS: Glacier fees (camping) retrieved 2026-09-29
Hours, fees, prices and closures change. Confirm details with the park or business before you go.