West Glacier
About
As the western gateway to Glacier National Park, West Glacier has been dubbed "guide central," and adventures in and around Glacier National Park often begin and end in West Glacier.
Top Spots
Paddle Middle Fork Flathead near West Glacier
West Glacier, Montana
5.0
Begin your trip at the bridge at West Glacier, there is parking in town and you can walk to the water, or just passed the bridge there are a few spots. Carry gear down to the water from the bridge (easy walking trail down to the edge). Make sure you have run or arranged a shuttle from/to Blankenship Bridge (take-out).Begin your paddle along the border of Glacier National Park. Soon you will ...
Hike to Apgar Lookout
Columbia Falls, Montana
4.5
7 mi
/ 1850 ft gain
Precursor: I completed this hike in November, hence the snow in the photos. Due to a lack of tree coverage, this hike is best suited for a cool summer day, or in the late spring and early autumn. It is doable in the heat of the summer, but be sure to pack plenty of water.
This hike begins by trekking through a recovering forest, which was originally destroyed in the 2003 Roberts Fire. The firs...
Apgar Bike Trail
West Glacier, Montana
3.58 mi
/ 102 ft gain
Apgar Bike Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near West Glacier, Montana.
Capture Sunrise or Sunset at Lake McDonald
West Glacier, Montana
5.0
Lake McDonald doesn't offer the close-up views of glaciers and mountains like some of the other spots in Glacier NP, but it does offer sweeping views of park's west side. The most popular spot to photograph this grand perspective is along the southwest beach and dock. The dock makes the most interesting subject, but after parking walk along the shore and look for interesting rocks or boats to...
Kayak Lake McDonald
West Glacier, Montana
5.0
Rent kayaks at the shore of Lake McDonald and take them out for the day. Make sure to start early to get a full day in and leave yourself enough time to stop for lunch. There are multiple places to pull off and bring your kayaks onto the shore and do some small hikes. The views are spectacular from every angle.
Paddle McDonald Creek, Glacier National Park
West Glacier, Montana
5.0
Begin your trip by dropping your car (or bike) at Quarter Circle Bridge just inside Glacier Park. After dropping your shuttle vehicle, park in the Apgar Campground parking lot and walk your water craft to the shore of Lake McDonald. Paddling North, you will quickly find the outlet of scenic Lake McDonald. Don't exit the lake without snapping a few photos.After leaving the lake, the creek is ...
Swim at the Belton Bridge
West Glacier, Montana
2.0
The Belton Bridge is the old entrance to glacier. You can get there by turning right down old river bridge road, which is the first right when you turn in to the West Glacier village. There are some 5-8 ft rocks to jump off, but be sure to check the water below them first. The water is gorgeous, but it is cold! Even during the warm summer months it will take the breath right out of you. Have fu...
Hike the Rocky Point Trail, Glacier NP
West Glacier, Montana
5.0
2.04 mi
/ 350 ft gain
From the trailhead, just past Fish Creek Campground on the North Fork Road, begin strolling along the trail towards Rocky Point. The trail meanders through some forest, and along a stream, and then eventually gets you some views of Lake McDonald. The trail is signed the whole way. Finish off your short hike with a picnic and a swim at Rocky Point. There are some fantastic small rocks to jump...
Rocky Point via Lake McDonald Trail
West Glacier, Montana
1.63 mi
/ 138 ft gain
Rocky Point via Lake McDonald Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near West Glacier, Montana.
Places to stay
West Glacier, Montana
Apgar Group Sites
Overview
Apgar Campground is situated on the southern tip of Lake McDonald in beautiful Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana. Pr...
West Glacier, Montana
Fish Creek Campground
Overview
Fish Creek Campground is the second largest campground in Glacier National Park, and one of four campgrounds that takes reservat...
Coram, Montana
Under Canvas Glacier
Accommodations:
Hive starting at $99 per night (2 person max)Safari tents starting at $219 per night (4 person max)Safari with 4 twin ...
From $99 / night
Martin City, Montana
Emery Bay Campground
Overview
Emery Bay Campground is located high in the Rocky Mountains, less than 30 miles from the Continental Divide, surrounded by tower...
Flathead County, Montana
Big Creek Campground
Overview
Big Creek Campground lies in the expansive Flathead National Forest in northwestern Montana. Visitors can enjoy access to the Fl...
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Quick links
- The best hiking trails in West Glacier
- The best backpacking in West Glacier
- The best camping in West Glacier
- Top adventures in West Glacier
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