Exploring Glacier National Park: Top 5 Must-See Spots
Glacier National Park has been on my list for years, and when we finally made it happen, we didn’t do it alone. We went with another couple- one of my favorite ways to travel smarter. Splitting the cost of lodging and rental vehicles understandingly makes destinations like this far more affordable, especially when you’re staying in lakefront homes and covering a lot of ground.
We flew into Kalispell and spent a total of eight days exploring both sides of the park, timing our visit for mid-September- right at the tail end of the season. Fewer crowds, cooler mornings, golden light… but also the start of seasonal closures on the east side. Was it worth it? Absolutely.
Going-to-the-Sun Road: Our First Real “Welcome to Glacier” Moment
We landed early on Day 1, dropped our luggage at the lakefront house we rented in Whitefish, grabbed lunch, and headed straight into the park around 2 p.m. I know everyone says to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road at sunrise, but this timing worked beautifully for us.
We drove up toward Logan Pass with clear, bluebird skies and made a lot of stops. The kind of stops where you pull over, get out of the car, stare for a minute, and say some version of “this doesn’t feel real.”
The drive itself wasn’t overly busy, but Logan Pass was packed. The road definitely gets tight as you climb higher- the kind of tight where you’re aware of how close the drop-off is- but the views are worth every second of white-knuckling. This drive alone explains why Glacier gets the hype it does.
Lake McDonald: Yes, the Rocks Really Are That Colorful
We stopped at Lake McDonald on the way up and explored the lodge before walking down to the shoreline. And yes, the stones are just as colorful as Instagram promises. I’m always skeptical of that kind of thing, but this one delivers.
The water was freezing. Like, no-one-is-accidentally-falling-in freezing. We sat on a log, soaked in the view, and took our time before moving on. It was a calm, grounding moment early in the trip… the kind that sets the tone for everything that follows.
Places to stay on the west side
Suncrest Hideaway
Vacation home in Whitefish with kitchen and balcony, close to downtown
Joe’s Saloon
A Unique Old West Cabin by Glacier NP
Avalanche Lake: Easy Effort, Big Payoff
Avalanche Lake was our Day 2 hike, and I chose it very intentionally. I wanted something that wouldn’t destroy us early in the trip but still delivered a serious reward.
We had timed entry early that morning and arrived just in time to snag parking- it was essentially full when we pulled in. While we saw plenty of people on the trail, it never felt overwhelming. The lake itself was busier, but the hike in was peaceful and steady.
The weather was crisp and a bit cloudy, so the lake wasn’t showing off her brightest turquoise, but honestly, it didn’t matter. The views are still unreal. We snacked, took a ridiculous number of photos, and lingered longer than planned before heading back.
Bowman Lake: The Place I Didn’t Know I Needed
Bowman Lake was pure magic… and almost completely empty.
There’s a reason for that. It’s off the beaten path. The drive is long, the pavement turns to gravel, and the road can be washboarded in sections. If you’re someone who wants to jump from one “must-see” stop to the next, this probably won’t be your favorite place.
But if you love nature for the sake of nature? This is paradise.
We saw a bear on the drive in, passed through Polebridge (adorable), grabbed huckleberry treats- yes, including the bear claw- and ate lunch next door in a beautiful outdoor space with 360-degree mountain views. Somewhere along the drive, we passed a piece of land for sale with miles of river frontage and mountain views, and I briefly considered how many millions of dollars I’d need… plus the willingness to only use it a few months a year.
Arriving at Bowman felt like exhaling. The lake was calm, quiet, and nearly empty. The water was glass… perfect reflections of the mountains and clouds above. We stayed here a long time, doing nothing but being still. That might have been my favorite part.
Many Glacier & Grinnell Lake: The Crown Jewel
We repositioned to the east side of the park for the second half of the trip, staying on Duck Lake- lakefront again- so we could access Many Glacier easily. By the time we arrived, services were already starting to shut down for the season, which is something to keep in mind if you travel in mid-September.
We arrived at Many Glacier around 8 a.m., explored the lodge, and then started the hike to Grinnell Lake.
This hike was taxing, not because of the climb, but because of the elevation. Coming from the south, the thinner air made breathing noticeably harder. But every single step was worth it.
This is the shot. The glacier-fed blue lake view from above. This is what I live for.
We saw a bear on the hike up and slowed our pace, watching from a safe distance as it moved along the mountainside. Once we reached the overlook, we spent at least 30 minutes just sitting there, being still and soaking in the view. It was in that quiet moment… binoculars out, no rush to move on… that we spotted mountain goats perched across the way on a narrow ledge. It felt wild in the best possible way.
If you’re not accustomed to higher elevations, I’d suggest saving Grinnell for later in your trip so your body has time to adjust. For me, it’s the crown jewel of the park and that says a lot in a place like Glacier.
Places to stay on the east side
A cozy house with beautiful views
Lakefront vacation home with kitchen and patio
Montana Mountain Getaway
Vacation home in Babb with fireplace
Final Thoughts From Our Trip
We spent eight days total, flying into Kalispell, staying three nights on the west side (with a fishing trip on Flathead Lake), then driving to Babb for four nights before returning to West Glacier via Going-to-the-Sun Road for our afternoon flight.
The weather was nearly perfect: crisp mornings, warm sun most days. One day was rainy, and we hiked anyway… then came back, rested, and cuddled under fuzzy blankets. We also took a windy day trip to Waterton National Park.
Glacier is breathtaking everywhere you look, but these five experiences shaped our trip in the most meaningful way. If I had to pick just one standout moment? Grinnell Lake wins but Bowman Lake comes in as a very close second for the peace it gave me.
If you loved seeing Glacier through my eyes, I share a lot more behind-the-scenes planning, real-time travel moments, and honest takes over on Instagram. You can follow along [here] for daily travel inspo and practical tips.
For more destinations with great hikes and views check out these blogs
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