Activities in West Glacier

Experience world-class outdoor adventures in the Montana wilderness

Explore Montana's Wilderness

Discover breathtaking trails and unforgettable adventures

Fishing

West Glacier, Montana, is a fantastic spot for fishing! Nestled near Glacier National Park, it's surrounded by pristine rivers, lakes, and streams. Here are some of the top fishing options in the area:

1. Lake McDonald

Lake McDonald is the largest lake in Glacier National Park and is a great place for fishing, especially if you're into fishing for trout like lake trout, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout. You can either fish from the shore or rent a boat. The lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and scenic beauty.

2. Flathead River

The Flathead River flows from the northwest part of the park and is a popular spot for fishing. The river is home to rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout, among others. The section of the river near West Glacier offers some beautiful, peaceful spots to cast a line.

3. Belton Bridge and McDonald Creek

McDonald Creek, which runs through the West Glacier area, is another great spot for fishing. You'll find cutthroat trout and rainbow trout here, and the stream offers both easy access and beautiful surroundings.

4. North Fork Flathead River

If you're looking for a more rugged experience, the North Fork Flathead River provides excellent fishing opportunities. It's a bit more remote, but it's known for its stunning wilderness and fantastic fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout.

Tips for Fishing in West Glacier:

  • • Fishing Licenses: Make sure you have a valid fishing license for Montana, which you can get online or at local retailers.
  • • Best Time to Fish: Summer months (June to September) are ideal, though spring and fall can also be great, especially for catching bigger fish like lake trout.
  • • Catch and Release: Be mindful of conservation rules in Glacier National Park, as it's a protected area. Many places practice catch-and-release fishing, especially for native species.

Hiking and Biking

West Glacier is a prime spot for both hiking and biking, especially because it serves as the gateway to Glacier National Park. The park is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, with rugged mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and wildflower-filled meadows. Here's a bit about what you can expect for both activities:

Hiking

There are tons of hiking trails to explore, with options for every skill level:

Trail of the Cedars (Easy)

This is a great, short trail (about 0.7 miles) that loops through an ancient forest of towering cedars and hemlocks. It's especially beautiful in the spring and fall, with vibrant colors.

Avalanche Lake Trail (Moderate)

A 4.5-mile round trip that takes you to the picturesque Avalanche Lake, surrounded by steep cliffs. It's a classic hike with stunning views, waterfalls, and wildflowers in the summer months.

Highline Trail (Difficult)

For experienced hikers, this is one of the most iconic hikes in the park. It's a long, exposed trail (about 11.8 miles one way) that offers breathtaking views of the park's landscapes, including wildflower meadows, mountain vistas, and possibly wildlife sightings like mountain goats.

Grinnell Glacier Trail (Difficult)

A challenging, but rewarding 7.6-mile hike to the Grinnell Glacier, where you'll get close-up views of the glacier and surrounding lakes.

Biking

While Glacier National Park itself doesn't allow bikes on most of its trails, there are still plenty of opportunities to bike around the area:

Going-to-the-Sun Road

This famous road runs through the heart of Glacier National Park and is one of the best places for biking, but it's only open to cyclists in the summer when the road is closed to vehicles. Be prepared for some challenging climbs and awe-inspiring views as you bike along this iconic route.

Glacier View Mountain Bike Trails

These are some great off-road trails if you're looking for more rugged terrain. They're less crowded and offer a good mix of technical trails with scenic views.

The Whitefish Trail

Located just a short drive from West Glacier, this system of mountain bike trails is a great way to explore the surrounding forests and wildlife, with options for different skill levels.

Flathead River and Lake Bike Paths

If you want to bike on something more leisurely, you can explore some of the easier, flatter bike paths around the Flathead River and Lake.

Tips for Hiking and Biking:

  • • Be Prepared for Weather: Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so pack layers and be ready for everything from sun to rain, especially if you're hiking or biking at higher elevations.
  • • Wildlife: Glacier National Park is home to wildlife like bears, elk, and mountain goats. Always follow safety guidelines to minimize risks.
  • • Trails Open/Closed: Some trails may be closed due to weather, maintenance, or wildlife activity, so it's always good to check current trail conditions before you head out.

Guided Tours

Whether you're interested in hiking, wildlife watching, photography, or scenic driving, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the best types of guided tours you can experience in West Glacier:

Going-to-the-Sun Road Tours

The Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most iconic drives in the U.S., and a guided tour allows you to experience this incredible route while learning about its history, geology, and wildlife.

  • • Red Bus Tours
  • • Glacier Park, Inc. Tours

Hiking Tours

Guided hiking tours give you the chance to explore the trails safely while learning about the area's history, geology, and wildlife.

  • • Half-Day and Full-Day Hikes
  • • Wildflower & Nature Walks
  • • Custom Hikes

Wildlife Tours

Glacier National Park is known for its diverse wildlife, and a guided wildlife tour can help you spot animals like grizzly bears, black bears, moose, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and a variety of bird species.

  • • Wildlife Watching Tours
  • • Birding Tours

Photography Tours

If you're passionate about photography, a guided photography tour can help you get the most out of your camera and capture the park's beauty from the best vantage points.

  • • Photography Workshops
  • • Private Photography Tours

Boat Tours

For a different perspective of Glacier National Park, guided boat tours on the park's lakes are a fantastic way to explore the area from the water.

  • • Lake McDonald Boat Tours
  • • St. Mary Lake Boat Tours

Adventure Tours

For those seeking more excitement, various adventure tours offer unique ways to experience the wilderness.

  • • Horseback Riding Tours
  • • Rafting Tours
  • • Winter Tours (Snowshoeing & Skiing)

Popular Tour Companies to Consider:

  • • Glacier National Park Lodges
  • • Swan Mountain Outfitters
  • • Glacier Guides and Montana Raft
  • • The Wild River Adventures
  • • Discover Glacier National Park Tours

Tips for Choosing a Guided Tour:

  • • Book in Advance: Especially during peak summer months, tours can fill up quickly. It's a good idea to book your spot ahead of time to ensure you get the experience you're looking for.
  • • Check for Permits: Some areas within Glacier National Park require special permits for guided tours, so check if the tour company is officially authorized.
  • • Customization: If you have specific interests (wildlife, photography, geology, etc.), look for a guide who can tailor the tour to those preferences.
  • • Tour Length: Be sure to check the duration of the tour. If you have limited time, a half-day tour might be better, but if you want a more immersive experience, consider a full-day or multi-day option.