Megan's Guidebook
Hiking
The Grinnell Glacier Overlook is accessed from Garden Wall Trail which is a spur off the popular Highline trail. Starting on Highline Trail from Logan’s pass and returning the same way was 16miles round trip. Most of the trail is very moderate. The .8miles up garden wall trail gains 1,000 feet and is surprisingly challenging so prepare for that mile to take extra time! You can save distance by returning to the Loop and taking the Glacier Shuttle back to Logan’s pass. This option does require an advance shuttle ticket.
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Grinnell Glacier
The Grinnell Glacier Overlook is accessed from Garden Wall Trail which is a spur off the popular Highline trail. Starting on Highline Trail from Logan’s pass and returning the same way was 16miles round trip. Most of the trail is very moderate. The .8miles up garden wall trail gains 1,000 feet and is surprisingly challenging so prepare for that mile to take extra time! You can save distance by returning to the Loop and taking the Glacier Shuttle back to Logan’s pass. This option does require an advance shuttle ticket.
One of our favorite hikes in Glacier- Cracker Lake is a bit of a trek at 14miles round trip, but is has very moderate to easy elevation gain and the views are worth it. The trail starts at Many Glacier on the east side of Glacier which can be accessed (although a bit longer route) without a ticket to Going-to-the-sun road.
Cracker Lake
One of our favorite hikes in Glacier- Cracker Lake is a bit of a trek at 14miles round trip, but is has very moderate to easy elevation gain and the views are worth it. The trail starts at Many Glacier on the east side of Glacier which can be accessed (although a bit longer route) without a ticket to Going-to-the-sun road.
This popular hike starts at Avalanche Campground and the trail of Cedars. It clocks at 5.9 miles round trip with a very doable 757ft elevation gain. Due to the lower elevation it is a great hike to do in off season when higher elevation hikes are covered in snow. When you get to the lake there is a beach where most people hangout and it can get a bit crowded. Keep walking along the shoreline and you’ll find plenty of secluded spots to take a break away from the crowds.
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Avalanche Lake
This popular hike starts at Avalanche Campground and the trail of Cedars. It clocks at 5.9 miles round trip with a very doable 757ft elevation gain. Due to the lower elevation it is a great hike to do in off season when higher elevation hikes are covered in snow. When you get to the lake there is a beach where most people hangout and it can get a bit crowded. Keep walking along the shoreline and you’ll find plenty of secluded spots to take a break away from the crowds.
This is one of the most popular hikes in Glacier due to the short distance so expect crowds. At only 2.9 miles round trip this is an easy hike and a great place to see wildlife like mountain goats and bull horn sheep which frequent this area. This hike starts at Logan’s Pass visitor center. You will experience patches of snow along the trail even in July (most gone by August) so be prepared with decent hiking shoes to avoid slipping.
Hidden Lake Trail
This is one of the most popular hikes in Glacier due to the short distance so expect crowds. At only 2.9 miles round trip this is an easy hike and a great place to see wildlife like mountain goats and bull horn sheep which frequent this area. This hike starts at Logan’s Pass visitor center. You will experience patches of snow along the trail even in July (most gone by August) so be prepared with decent hiking shoes to avoid slipping.
A hike that’s not in Glacier- Columbia Mountain Hike is located just outside of Columbia Falls off Highway 2 making it very easy to access. It is a thigh burner at 12miles round trip and nearly 5,000 feet elevation gain. Pictured in December it starts to become accessible with snow shoes only into winter. The significant elevation gain often creates incredible cloud inversions!
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Columbia Mountain
Berne RoadA hike that’s not in Glacier- Columbia Mountain Hike is located just outside of Columbia Falls off Highway 2 making it very easy to access. It is a thigh burner at 12miles round trip and nearly 5,000 feet elevation gain. Pictured in December it starts to become accessible with snow shoes only into winter. The significant elevation gain often creates incredible cloud inversions!
Food scene
A great spot in Columbia Falls for upscale bar food with an amazing patio atmosphere and live music most evenings!
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Gunsight Saloon
624 Nucleus AveA great spot in Columbia Falls for upscale bar food with an amazing patio atmosphere and live music most evenings!
Higher end food in Columbia Falls. The chef takes great pride in all the dishes and offers some unique specials. Also a great spot for brunch with a delicious breakfast menu!
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Three Forks Grille
729 Nucleus AveHigher end food in Columbia Falls. The chef takes great pride in all the dishes and offers some unique specials. Also a great spot for brunch with a delicious breakfast menu!
One of our favorite places to eat in downtown Whitefish- elevated home cooking with a Cajun flair
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Tupelo Grille
17 Central AveOne of our favorite places to eat in downtown Whitefish- elevated home cooking with a Cajun flair
Our favorite Italian spot in the Flathead Valley. Located right in downtown Whitefish this place is a local establishment.
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Ciao Mambo
234 2nd StOur favorite Italian spot in the Flathead Valley. Located right in downtown Whitefish this place is a local establishment.
Winter Activities
Ski or Snowboard at Whitefish Mountain Resort. With 3,000 skiable acres and 111 marked trails Whitefish Mountain has something for all levels. Buy your lift tickets in advance to get the best rates.
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Whitefish Mountain Resort
1015 Glades DrSki or Snowboard at Whitefish Mountain Resort. With 3,000 skiable acres and 111 marked trails Whitefish Mountain has something for all levels. Buy your lift tickets in advance to get the best rates.
Swan Mountain Snow Mobiling in Columbia Falls offers rentals or guided tours. You can venture all the way up to the top of Big Mountain along an extensive trail network!
Swan Mountain Snowmobiling
680 Railroad St ESwan Mountain Snow Mobiling in Columbia Falls offers rentals or guided tours. You can venture all the way up to the top of Big Mountain along an extensive trail network!
Have a winter picnic at Lake McDonald which is open year round and has very limited visitors in winter months. You will feel like you have Glacier National Park all to yourself.
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Lake McDonald
Have a winter picnic at Lake McDonald which is open year round and has very limited visitors in winter months. You will feel like you have Glacier National Park all to yourself.
Summer Activities
A great way to see the beautiful mountains and rivers of Northwest Montana is to take a whitewater rafting trip. They gave the right trip for any comfort level.
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Glacier Raft Company
106 Going-to-the-Sun RdA great way to see the beautiful mountains and rivers of Northwest Montana is to take a whitewater rafting trip. They gave the right trip for any comfort level.
Go Horsebacking in Glacier National park and the surrounding area
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Swan Mountain Outfitters (Glacier Division)
12000 US-2Go Horsebacking in Glacier National park and the surrounding area
Book a fly fishing trip with these guys or stop in to get all your gear and pick up a few local tips!
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Lary's Fly and Supply
604 Nucleus AveBook a fly fishing trip with these guys or stop in to get all your gear and pick up a few local tips!
Best place to rent gear right on Lake McDonald. Rent kayaks, paddle boards or bikes. A rental reservation with them also serves as your access to Going to the Sun road (perfect if you don’t have a ticket for entry which is otherwise required)
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Glacier Outfitters
196 Apgar LoopBest place to rent gear right on Lake McDonald. Rent kayaks, paddle boards or bikes. A rental reservation with them also serves as your access to Going to the Sun road (perfect if you don’t have a ticket for entry which is otherwise required)