Glacier National Park
Waterfalls, wild forests, big skies, and easy family adventure
Highlights
Drive one of America’s most spectacular mountain roads with jaw-dropping viewpoints and wildlife spotting.
Walk a boardwalk trail above alpine meadows to a turquoise lake backed by rugged peaks.
Explore a glacial valley of lakes, waterfalls, and high peaks that feels like a mountain jungle.
Paddle a serene lake ringed by dense forest and dramatic cliffs, perfect for families.
Skip screens and watch fiery sunsets over Lake McDonald from a pebble beach.
Look for moose, mountain goats, and bears from safe, high-odds viewpoints on short walks.
Where to Stay
3 picks
Canyon Motel
Simple, good-value motel surrounded by trees a short drive from the West Glacier entrance; some rooms have kitchenettes, and all are convenient for Lake McDonald and Apgar.
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn & Cabins
Rustic cabins and motel rooms tucked into thick forest at the head of the Many Glacier valley, steps from trailheads and wildlife walks.
Pine Lodge on Whitefish River
Family-friendly lodge with a cozy, wood-heavy interior, indoor/outdoor pool, and balconies overlooking the river and trees, within easy reach of downtown Whitefish.
Where to Eat
8 picks
Montana Coffee Traders Columbia Falls
Local roastery café with a cozy wood-and-fern interior. Halal-friendly picks include vegetarian breakfast burritos, oatmeal with fruit, yogurt parfaits, and pastries; avoid meat items and verify there is no gelatin or lard when ordering pastries.
Nell’s at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn (vegetarian choices)
Casual lodge restaurant surrounded by dense forest and peaks. Halal-friendly picks include pasta with marinara, vegetarian pizzas (ask to avoid any meat contamination), salads, and sometimes veggie burgers; confirm ingredients and request separate prep where possible.
Many Glacier Hotel Ptarmigan Dining Room (veg-focused)
Grand lakeside dining room with timber beams and mountain views. Halal-friendly options include oatmeal, fresh fruit, pancakes or waffles without bacon, eggs cooked in vegetable oil/butter (no meat), and toast; confirm no pork or lard in potatoes or baked goods.
Two Dog Flats Grill
Casual grill at Rising Sun Motor Inn near St. Mary Lake. For halal, choose salads without meat, veggie burgers or grilled cheese (ask about separate grill space), and fries; confirm no animal fat or bacon in sides.
Glacier Highland Restaurant (vegetarian picks)
Roadside lodge-style restaurant with lots of wood and stone. Halal-friendly choices include veggie burgers (check prep), salads without meat, pasta with marinara, and simple sides like baked potatoes and vegetables; reconfirm no pork or lard in soups or sauces.
Two Medicine Grill
Classic small-town diner near the Two Medicine entrance. For halal, order pancakes, French toast (check batter ingredients), eggs cooked away from meat if possible, hash browns in vegetable oil, and toast; avoid meat and ask staff about cooking surfaces.
Loula’s Café
Friendly, bright café in a historic building. For halal, focus on veggie omelets (request no meat and cook on a clean surface), pancakes, oatmeal, fruit, and pies; ask which baked goods are free of lard or gelatin.
Wrap & Roll Café
Casual wraps and salad spot where you can customize ingredients. Build halal-friendly wraps using falafel or all-vegetable fillings, hummus, beans, rice, and plenty of veggies; avoid meats and ask about any animal-based broths or sauces.
What to Do
11 picks
Apgar Village & Lake McDonald Sunset Stroll
Walk the pebbly shore, let the kids throw stones in the lake, and explore the short lakeside paths through tall trees as the light fades behind the mountains.
Trail of the Cedars & Avalanche Lake Hike
Start with the flat boardwalk through giant cedars (Trail of the Cedars) and, if everyone has the energy, continue to Avalanche Lake, where steep green walls and waterfalls surround a milky-blue lake.
Many Glacier Scenic Drive & Hotel Exploration
Drive into the Many Glacier valley, stopping at pullouts to admire the steep, forested slopes and waterfalls; wander the historic Many Glacier Hotel lobby and lakeside deck.
Swiftcurrent Lake & Josephine Lake Boat Tour
Take the family-friendly boat tour that crosses Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes (advance reservation recommended), surrounded by dense forest and high peaks.
Fishercap Lake Wildlife Walk
Stroll a short, mostly flat trail to Fishercap Lake, famous for moose sightings especially early or late in the day; stay quiet and watch from a safe distance.
Grinnell Glacier Trail (Partial Family Hike)
Start up the Grinnell Glacier Trail but turn around when the kids get tired; even the lower sections offer lush forest, waterfalls, and big views over the lakes.
Going-to-the-Sun Road Eastbound Drive
Drive from Many Glacier toward St. Mary and then west along Going-to-the-Sun Road, stopping at viewpoints like Wild Goose Island and Sunrift Gorge before climbing to Logan Pass.
Hidden Lake Overlook Trail
From the Logan Pass Visitor Center, follow the boardwalk/graded path over meadow-like terrain (often with mountain goats) to a viewpoint over Hidden Lake and surrounding peaks.
Running Eagle Falls (Trick Falls) Short Hike
Take the easy, mostly flat trail through pine forest to Running Eagle Falls, where water sometimes pours both over and through the rock, depending on season.
Whitefish Mountain Resort Nature Trails & Scenic Lift
Ride the scenic chairlift or gondola (seasonal) up through thick forest to panoramic views, then wander the short nature trails on top.
Columbia Falls & Whitefish Last-Minute Shopping
Use your final day to pick up souvenirs, local art, and any outdoor gear from small shops in Columbia Falls or Whitefish before heading toward the airport.
Good to Know
8 picks
Build Halal-Safe Meals with Vegetarian Focus
Most restaurants in and around Glacier do not serve certified halal meat. Plan to eat mostly vegetarian or seafood (when clearly not cooked with pork/animal fat), and always confirm how beans, soups, and sauces are prepared. Use grocery stores to buy familiar halal-labeled snacks and proteins where available.
Self-Catering Boosts Flexibility
Booking lodging with at least a mini-fridge, and ideally a microwave or kitchenette, lets you prepare quick vegetarian meals, heat pre-cooked halal items you bring with you, and avoid relying on limited restaurant menus in remote areas.
Start Days Early for Parking & Calm
Popular trailheads like Logan Pass, Avalanche, and Many Glacier often fill by mid-morning. Leaving your hotel around 7–7:30 AM can mean easier parking, cooler temperatures, less crowded trails, and happier kids.
Prepare for No Signal Navigation
Download offline maps (Google Maps offline areas or a simple offline GPS app) and save key addresses before you arrive. Take photos or screenshots of reservation details and trail maps in case you can’t reach websites in the park.
Layered Clothing is Essential
Pack lightweight layers for each person: base layer, fleece or sweatshirt, windproof/rain jacket, plus a warm hat for mornings and evenings. Weather can swing from hot sun to cold wind quickly, especially at Logan Pass.
Bear Safety Basics for Families
Teach the kids simple rules: hike in a group, make noise, never run if you see a bear, and keep at least 100 yards away. Carry bear spray easily accessible (adults only) and learn how to use it before hitting the trail.
Pace Your Hiking Days
Alternate longer hikes (like Avalanche Lake or partial Grinnell) with easier days focused on boat rides, scenic drives, and short walks. Plan 3–4 hours of on-your-feet time, not all at once, for the kids.
Bring Simple Car Entertainment
Scenic drives are beautiful but can still feel long for kids. Pack offline audiobooks, playlists, and compact games so they stay happy while you enjoy the views along Going-to-the-Sun Road and between park sections.
Map
Best For
Start planning your trip with this itinerary in Takeoff.
Don't have the app? Download it free on the App Store.