Oberlin Bend
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Glacier National Park
Things to Do in Glacier National Park
Glacier rewards travelers just as richly from the windshield, shoreline, and boat deck as it does from the trail. The essential experience is Going-to-the-Sun Road, a spectacular mountain drive that threads through glacial valleys, clings to steep slopes, and crests at Logan Pass for one of the park’s signature panoramas. Plan to stop often: Lake McDonald delivers broad, reflective water framed by peaks; Wild Goose Island is the classic St. Mary Lake viewpoint and one of the park’s most photogenic scenes; and Many Glacier feels like a greatest-hits collection of sheer rock walls, historic lodges, and wildlife-rich valley views. Even without committing to a major hike, places like Trail of the Cedars and Running Eagle Falls offer easy access to Glacier’s forests, waterfalls, and rushing water. For classic points of interest, Glacier’s historic character is part of the appeal. The grand lakeside setting at Many Glacier Hotel, the rustic atmosphere around Lake McDonald Lodge, and the park’s famous Red Bus tours all tap into the romance of an earlier era while giving you a relaxed way to absorb the scenery. On the water, boat tours are one of the smartest ways to experience the park’s scale, especially on the larger lakes where mountains rise straight from the shoreline. If you want a softer, slower side of Glacier, head to the beaches along Lake McDonald or St. Mary Lake, where flat stones, cold clear water, and huge open views create ideal picnic and sunset territory. Add in ranger programs, wildlife watching at dawn and dusk, and the rare pleasure of standing at Logan Pass on the Continental Divide, and Glacier proves it is far more than a hiking park—it is a place to drive, float, look, linger, and be amazed.
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Hidden Lake Overlook
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Hidden Lake Overlook is a short, accessible viewpoint reached from the Logan Pass Visitor Center via the Loop Trailhead on Going-to-the-Sun Road. The out-and-back trail to the overlook is about 1.4 miles (2.2 km) with roughly 460 feet (140 m) of elevation gain. Hikers can continue another 1.2 miles (1.9 km) beyond the overlook to Hidden Lake, descending about 780 feet (238 m).
Rocky Point
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Rocky Point opens where the forest gives way to beautiful panoramic views up and down Lake McDonald, making it a rewarding viewpoint in the Apgar area. The hike is about 6 miles (9.6 km) round trip; follow the McGee Meadow Loop until roughly 0.2 miles north of Fish Creek Campground, then take the McDonald Lake Trail on the right just before the road gate; the trail drops a short hill but is fairly level with a couple of junctions to note (left, then right).
McDonald Creek Overlook
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McDonald Creek Overlook offers beautiful views upstream toward McDonald Falls. The area features gentle forest terrain with easy access for both biking and hiking. You can enjoy a 2-3 mile (3-5 km) round trip at Lower McDonald Creek or a 4-mile (6.4 km) round trip to McDonald Falls, which includes a 1.8-mile ski up the unplowed road to the bridge. The viewpoint at McDonald Falls is ADA-compliant with a graded pathway.
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Jackson Glacier Overlook
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Jackson Glacier Overlook offers the best opportunity to see a glacier from Going-to-the-Sun Road, with sweeping alpine vistas and the Gunsight Pass trailhead just a short walk away. Practical amenities are minimal - no restrooms or drinking water on site - and the shuttle stops here with two queuing areas (westbound and eastbound), making it a popular launch point for backpackers heading onto the Gunsight Pass trail toward Lake McDonald Lodge.
Bird Woman Falls Overlook
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Bird Woman Falls Overlook at Logan Pass offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, where encounters with wildlife are common, especially during the hiker–biker season. Keep a respectful distance from animals, as moose and deer are often found at lower elevations, while goats, sheep, and marmots inhabit higher areas. Always secure food and garbage, and remember that if you spot a mountain lion, it is important not to run. Enjoy the beauty of the park while observing wildlife safely.
Big Bend
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Golden Staircase
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Redrock Falls
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Redrock Falls, located in the beautiful Many Glacier area, offers visitors a stunning viewpoint to admire the cascading waters against a backdrop of dramatic landscapes. This scenic spot is ideal for photography and appreciating the natural beauty of the park. Nearby attractions include St. Mary Falls and Virginia and Baring Falls, which can be accessed via short hikes. Enjoy the breathtaking views and serenity of this remarkable area!
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Red Rocks
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Red Rocks at Logan Pass showcases a dramatic, rock-strewn alpine landscape that lights up with fluorescent alpenglow at sunrise and is ringed by wildflower-filled meadows. Visitors should be alert to loose rocks on the road and the uncommon but dangerous possibility of rockfall; cyclists should watch the route and wear helmets, and all visitors should share the trail, step off the trail for pack stock, avoid loud noise, and note that drones are not allowed.
Running Eagle Falls
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Running Eagle Falls is a distinctive viewpoint accessed by the Running Eagle Falls Nature Trail in Two Medicine Valley. Visitors can enjoy a lovely waterfall setting framed by the valley's stunning mountain landscape. The trail offers a beautiful experience for nature lovers and photographers alike.
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Goat Lick
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Grinnell Glacier Overlook
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The Grinnell Glacier Overlook rewards hikers with a dramatic close-up of an alpine glacier framed by emerald lakes, waterfalls, wildflowers and wildlife; moose, mountain goats and bears have been spotted on the trail. The viewpoint is accessed via the Many Glacier/Grinnell Glacier Trail (about 5.3 miles one-way with 1,600 ft elevation gain) or shortened by taking the concession boat from Many Glacier Hotel (3.6 miles one-way); boat tours have fees and reservations are highly recommended.
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Heavens Peak Lookout
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Porcupine Lookout
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Apgar Fire Lookout
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Apgar Fire Lookout rewards visitors with great views from its summit. This 10.5-mile (16.9 km) round-trip starts at the plowed area in front of the barn; follow the left fork across the Quarter Circle Bridge, then the right fork for ½ mile to the trailhead. After an easy start the trail steepens, and climbing skins may be needed if conditions are icy, so the route can be very difficult for beginning skiers.
Mount Brown Fire Lookout
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Loneman Lookout
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Numa Ridge Fire Lookout
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Numa Ridge Fire Lookout is situated in the scenic Goat Haunt area, celebrated for its beautiful lakeshore ranger station and striking peaks like Mount Olson and the Sentinel. This stunning lookout offers breathtaking views and is a great spot to experience the natural beauty of the surrounding wilderness.
Huckleberry Fire Lookout
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Swiftcurrent Fire Lookout
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Weeping Wall
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Great Northern Railway Buildings
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Weeping Wall
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