You guys, I literally had to pull over five times during my first drive on Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Not because I was scared, but because my jaw kept dropping at those massive peaks towering over me. Even my camera roll is embarrassing—just 200 photos of me trying to capture the same ridiculously beautiful mountains.
I’ve hiked all over this park to bring you the most beautiful places in Glacier National Park that’ll knock your socks off. The moment I watched a mountain goat casually stroll past me at Hidden Lake, with those turquoise waters below, I knew this place was different. These 12 spots will show you exactly why everyone who visits this slice of Montana can’t shut up about it.
Must-See Destinations to Visit in Glacier National Park
Looking to explore Glacier National Park’s most beautiful places? From the stunning vistas of Going-to-the-Sun Road to the serene waters of Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park is packed with stunning scenery. Stroll through the lush trails of Many Glacier, marvel at the natural beauty of Grinnell Glacier, or explore the rugged landscapes of Logan Pass. Discover the tranquil allure of Two Medicine, the breathtaking views from Hidden Lake, or the vibrant wildflowers of Iceberg Lake. Whether you’re into hiking, wildlife, or mountain vistas, here are 12 of Glacier National Park’s most breathtaking spots!
1. Bowman Lake
Bowman Lake is honestly the closest thing you’ll get to having a pristine mountain lake all to yourself in Glacier. This 7-mile glacial gem sits tucked away in the park’s northwest corner, and the bumpy 6-mile dirt road to get there acts as a natural filter for tour buses and casual visitors. I’ve been here on summer mornings when the only sounds were loons calling across the glassy water and my paddle dipping into water so clear I could see the bottom 20 feet down.
The lake sits at 4,000 feet elevation, surrounded by towering peaks that create perfect mirror reflections on calm days. You can rent a kayak from nearby Polebridge (about 30 minutes away) or bring your own – the paddle around the entire shoreline takes about 3 hours and gives you views that’ll make your camera roll embarrassing. The moderate hiking trail along the north shore stretches 7 miles one-way to Brown Pass, but even a short walk gives you incredible mountain views.
Bowman Lake Campground has 48 sites right on the shoreline – I actually prefer camping here over the crowded spots near Lake McDonald. The stars here are absolutely insane since you’re miles from any light pollution. Best time to visit is July through September when the road is reliably open. Just know that this area can get smoky during fire season, so check conditions before making the drive.
2. Elizabeth Lake
Elizabeth Lake is where you go when you want that alpine lake experience without fighting crowds at Hidden Lake. This sapphire-blue gem sits at 7,400 feet beneath the towering walls of Ptarmigan Wall and Mount Wilbur, creating one of Glacier’s most dramatic natural amphitheaters. The 4.8-mile round-trip hike from Many Glacier Hotel is moderately challenging but totally worth it.
The trail follows Ptarmigan Creek through dense forest before breaking into open meadows where the lake suddenly appears like nature’s own swimming pool. I love how the water stays this incredible turquoise color even when clouds roll in – apparently it’s from glacial flour suspended in the water. The backcountry campsite here is one of the park’s most coveted permits, but even as a day hike it’s spectacular.
Wildlife is practically guaranteed on this trail. I’ve seen grizzly bears, moose, and mountain goats within a single trip – the area’s pristine habitat makes it prime territory for Glacier’s big animals. The trail can be muddy in sections, especially early season, so bring good boots. Due to the 2025 Many Glacier construction, you’ll need to take the shuttle from July 1-September 21, which actually makes this feel even more remote and special.
3. Hidden Lake
Hidden Lake delivers the most bang for your hiking buck in all of Glacier National Park. This 2.7-mile round-trip trail from Logan Pass gives you that classic alpine lake view – turquoise water surrounded by jagged peaks – without the all-day commitment. The iconic pyramid shape of Bearhat Mountain rising directly from the lake’s far shore is literally the money shot that ends up on every Glacier postcard.
The trail starts right behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center and follows boardwalks across the Hanging Gardens, which explode with wildflowers from mid-July through August. Mountain goats are so common here they basically photobomb your selfies – I’ve had them walk within 10 feet of the trail multiple times. The overlook at 1.4 miles gives you the classic view, but if you’ve got energy, continue another 1.5 miles down to the actual lakeshore where crowds thin dramatically.
Logan Pass parking is absolutely brutal – seriously, it’s like a war zone by 8 AM. Your best bet is either arriving before 7 AM or taking the free park shuttle from Apgar or St. Mary. The weather up here changes fast, so bring layers even on hot days. I’ve seen it go from 80 degrees and sunny to 45 and snowing in less than an hour. The 2025 vehicle reservation system means you’ll need a timed entry pass for Going-to-the-Sun Road from the west side.
4. Iceberg Lake
Iceberg Lake has to be seen to be believed – I’m talking about actual icebergs floating in a mountain lake in the middle of summer. This perfectly circular lake sits in a dramatic cirque with 3,000-foot cliffs rising straight up from the water, creating natural air conditioning even on 90-degree days. The 4.8-mile round-trip hike from Many Glacier is moderately strenuous but the payoff is incredible.
The trail climbs steadily through wildflower meadows that look like someone spilled a paint bucket in July and August. Ptarmigan Falls about halfway up makes a perfect rest stop – the mist feels amazing on hot days. As you approach the lake, you’ll literally feel the temperature drop thanks to the ice chunks that float here well into August. I’ve seen brave souls take polar plunges, but honestly, the water is so cold it’ll knock the wind out of you.
The wildlife watching is fantastic along this trail. Mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and marmots are common, plus you’re in prime grizzly territory. I always carry bear spray and make noise around blind corners. Due to the Many Glacier construction situation in 2025, you’ll need shuttle tickets from July 1-September 21, but that actually makes this feel more special since fewer people can access it. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms that roll through regularly.
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5. Lake McDonald
Lake McDonald is Glacier’s gentle giant – 10 miles long, over a mile wide, and the perfect introduction to the park’s beauty without the hardcore hiking. The lake’s multicolored pebble beaches are honestly mesmerizing, and I can spend hours just skipping the famous stones across the surface. The historic wooden boat tours run by Glacier Park Boat Company are actually pretty awesome and give you great mountain views while learning the area’s fascinating history.
Kayak rentals are available at both Lake McDonald Lodge and Apgar Village – I prefer Apgar since it’s less crowded and has better lake access. Single kayaks go for $24.20/hour, tandems for $32.50/hour in 2025. The morning paddle when the lake is glassy and reflecting Mount Brown and Stanton Mountain is absolutely magical. Just know that afternoon winds can kick up waves, so stick to morning outings.
The sunset views from the lodge’s big front porch are legendary – alpenglow paints the peaks pink and purple while reflecting perfectly on the lake’s surface. The lodge’s massive stone fireplace and rustic vibe make it hard to leave even when adventure calls. Lake McDonald Lodge boat tours cost $27 for adults, $13.50 for kids, and actually include your vehicle access pass for Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is clutch since you need reservations for the west side from June 13-September 28.
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6. Logan Pass
Logan Pass is literally the high point of any Glacier visit at 6,646 feet – it’s where Going-to-the-Sun Road crosses the Continental Divide and gives you immediate access to alpine terrain without the climbing. The Highline Trail starts right here and hugs the Garden Wall with crazy exposure and panoramic views that’ll make your knees weak. Even just walking the first mile gives you views that people travel thousands of miles to see.
The pass itself is surrounded by subalpine meadows that turn into a wildflower explosion during the brief growing season from mid-July through August. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep appear so regularly that rangers sometimes have to manage “wildlife jams” when everyone stops to take photos. I’ve seen goats literally walk through the parking lot like they own the place.
The Logan Pass Visitor Center has decent exhibits about the glacial forces that created this landscape, plus clean bathrooms which is always appreciated. Parking here is absolutely insane – spots fill by 7 AM during peak season and people will literally circle for hours. The shuttle system from Apgar or St. Mary is honestly your best bet. Weather can change instantly at this elevation, so bring warm layers even if it’s hot down below. Snow is possible any month of the year up here.
7. St. Mary Falls
St. Mary Falls gives you that perfect waterfall Instagram shot without the killer hike – this 35-foot cascade drops through a narrow rock canyon with water so brilliantly blue-green it looks artificially enhanced. The 1.7-mile round-trip trail is moderately easy with just enough elevation gain to feel like you earned it. I love the rocky outcrops near the falls for lunch spots – the mist keeps you cool on hot days.
The trail follows St. Mary Lake initially, giving you nice views across the water before diving into forest and following Virginia Creek. If you’ve got extra energy, continue just 0.8 miles further to Virginia Falls – it’s a taller, more dramatic cascade that’s equally worth seeing. The combined hike to both falls is 3.6 miles round-trip and makes for a perfect half-day adventure.
This area gets busy midday during summer, so hit it early morning or late afternoon for better photos and fewer crowds. The trail can be slippery near the falls, especially in spring when snowmelt makes everything wet. I’ve slipped on the rocks here more than once, so watch your footing. The water temperature is absolutely freezing even in summer – don’t expect any swimming unless you’re into polar bear plunges. Access from St. Mary is easy and doesn’t require the vehicle reservations needed for the west side.
8. The Grinnell Glacier Trail
Want to see climate change in action while hiking through some of the most spectacular scenery on earth? The Grinnell Glacier Trail takes you face-to-face with one of the park’s remaining glaciers in a setting so dramatic it’ll ruin other mountain destinations for you. The 10.6-mile round-trip hike (or 7.2 miles if you take the boat shuttle) climbs 1,600 feet through mountain scenery that constantly changes around every corner.
The trail showcases everything that makes Glacier special: crystal-clear alpine lakes, roaring waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and wildlife sightings practically guaranteed. I’ve seen moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and yes, grizzly bears on this trail. The moment when turquoise Grinnell Lake comes into view with the glacier clinging to the cirque walls above is honestly breathtaking.
Here’s the deal for 2025: Many Glacier construction means you’ll need shuttle tickets from July 1-September 21 to access this trail. Honestly, it might make the experience better since fewer people can get here. You can still take the boat shuttles across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine to shorten the hike – costs about $15 each way and saves your legs for the real climbing. The glacier itself is noticeably smaller than even photos from a few years ago, which makes this hike feel urgent and important.
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9. Trail of the Cedars
Need a break from all the hardcore hiking? Trail of the Cedars lets you wander among 500-year-old giants without breaking a sweat. This 0.8-mile loop features wooden boardwalks through towering western red cedars and hemlocks that create a natural cathedral – it’s like stepping into a Pacific Northwest rain forest right in the middle of Montana.
The fully accessible boardwalk makes this perfect for strollers, wheelchairs, and anyone who needs an easy walk. Moss-draped trees and lush ferns create a cool, shaded retreat even on scorching summer days. The highlight is the dramatic overlook of Avalanche Gorge, where Avalanche Creek has carved a narrow slot canyon through red rock. I always stop here and just listen to the rushing water – it’s incredibly peaceful.
This trail connects to the more challenging Avalanche Lake Trail if you want to extend your adventure, but honestly, the cedars loop is perfect on its own. It’s one of the few places in Glacier that actually feels more like Olympic National Park than typical Montana terrain. Kids love the boardwalks and the giant trees make everyone feel small. When temperatures soar on Going-to-the-Sun Road, this shaded walk provides the perfect escape with minimal effort but maximum impact.
10. Two Medicine Lake
Two Medicine Lake is Glacier’s best-kept secret for avoiding crowds while still getting those jaw-dropping mountain lake views. This crystal-clear lake sits beneath Rising Wolf Mountain and creates mirror-perfect reflections on calm mornings – I’ve spent hours here without seeing another soul. Before Going-to-the-Sun Road existed, this was actually the main destination for tourists arriving by train.
The Glacier Park Boat Company runs scenic tours here, or you can rent canoes and kayaks from the small dock. Several excellent hiking trails radiate from the lake, including paths to Appistoki Falls and Upper Two Medicine Lake. The sunrises here are absolutely spectacular – the morning light hitting Rising Wolf Mountain and reflecting on the lake is probably my favorite sunrise spot in all of Glacier.
The campground right on the lakeshore is fantastic if you can snag a spot – sites have mountain views and you fall asleep to the sound of lapping water. This area doesn’t require vehicle reservations in 2025, making it a great alternative when the main park areas are slammed. The road usually opens in late May and stays open through October, weather permitting. Wildlife is common here too – I’ve seen moose feeding in the shallows early morning and mountain goats on the surrounding peaks.
11. Virginia Falls
Virginia Falls is nature’s ultimate cool-off spot after a hot summer hike. This 50-foot cascade creates a misty veil that you can actually walk close enough to feel the refreshing spray – it’s like having a natural air conditioning system in the mountains. The 3.6-mile round-trip hike gives you two waterfalls for one effort since you pass St. Mary Falls first.
Multiple footbridges cross Virginia Creek, offering different vantage points of the rushing water and making for great photo opportunities. The small side paths lead to spots where you can safely get close enough to feel the mist without risking a slip on wet rocks. The surrounding forest shows fascinating wildfire regeneration from past burns, with vibrant wildflower displays in early summer.
This moderate-difficulty hike suits families with older kids or anyone wanting a satisfying half-day adventure with an excellent effort-to-reward ratio. The trail can get muddy in sections, especially early season, and the rocks near both falls can be slippery year-round. I always bring micro-spikes if there’s any chance of ice. The water volume is highest during spring snowmelt (June-July) but the falls are impressive through September. Access is easy from the St. Mary entrance without needing vehicle reservations.
12. Waterton Glacier International Peace Park
Ever crossed an international border on foot while hiking? Waterton Glacier International Peace Park combines Glacier with Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park into the world’s first International Peace Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Canadian side centers around the charming Waterton Townsite and stunning Waterton Lake, where prairie dramatically meets mountains.
The International Peace Park Boat Tour actually crosses the border on Upper Waterton Lake – you’ll need your passport but the commentary about the area’s history and the unique experience of crossing countries by boat is fascinating. Don’t miss the scenic Red Rock Parkway drive or a visit to Cameron Lake on the Canadian side. The Prince of Wales Hotel offers incredible views and afternoon tea if you want to get fancy.
For ambitious hikers, the Goat Haunt trail crosses the international border on foot (passport required), making for a unique hiking experience. The combination of alpine peaks, pristine lakes, and prairie-mountain landscape makes this international treasure truly special. Both sides charge separate entrance fees – Glacier costs $35 for a 7-day vehicle pass, while Waterton’s day pass is about $10 CAD. The Canadian side typically opens later in the season (July-September) due to snow, but when both parks are fully operational, this area showcases some of North America’s most spectacular mountain scenery.
