10 Easier Day Hikes in the Glacier Area
While most folks visit Glacier to drive the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road the majority of the park can’t be seen from a car. Step off the paved road with these ten hikes. While hiking in Glacier it is important to be bear aware. Carry bear spray and always make noise. Check out this post about bear safety. Check out Alltrails.com for more details, directions and condition reports.
Distance: 5.25 miles, Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate, 1000 ft of elevation gain
Directions: Head to the end of Old Bridge Road and park. Walk across the footbridge to the trailhead.
Need to Know: Hike across the Old Bridge and walk along the river. Enjoy peekaboo views down to the river where you can watch the whitewater rafters go by and the train. Recommended turn around point is the cabin. Dip your toes in Lincoln Creek in the front of the cabin but watch out for snakes!
2. Rocky Point via Lake McDonald Trail
Distance: 2.2 miles, Out & Back
Difficulty: Easy, 262 ft of elevation gain
Directions: Start just past the Fish Creek Picnic Area. Entrance reservations required seasonally.
Need to Know: Hike through a forest that burned in 2018. Note all the new growth in the last 4 years. From the trail use any one of the cutoffs to head down to the lake and enjoy the views.
Distance: 4 miles, Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate, 1118 ft of elevation gain
Directions: From West Glacier head east on Highway 2. Look for the sign for the trail on your right to turn onto a gravel road.
Need to Know: Start off in a densely wooded area, long pants are recommended. Once you get to the lake the trail continues around the lake in the bowl of the mountain, look for frogs and tadpoles on your way.
Distance: 3.8 miles, Loop
Difficulty: Moderate, 688 ft of elevation gain
Directions: From West Glacier head east on Highway 2
Need to Know: This hike ends with rewarding mountain and lake views. Power through the steep part in the beginning and the trail will flatten out as you get to the lake. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach alongside the lake.
Distance: 3.3 miles, Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate, 849 ft of elevation gain
Directions: Head east on Highway 2 from West Glacier.
Need to Know: Traverse through wildflower woods until you reach the outlook tower foundation. Look for where the trail continues into the trees for a view of West Glacier on a clear day.
6. Living Wetlands Interpretive Trail
Distance: 30 acres of paved trails
Difficulty: Easy, flat paved trails
Directions: Located in Averill’s Viking Creek Wetland Preserve. Park at Crestwood Park, Behind Viking Lodge or 550 E. First Street #103, Whitefish, MT.
Need to Know: Wander along these paved trails reading up on the wetland ecosystems you are traversing.
Distance: 60+ miles of paved trail
Difficulty: Easy
Directions: Riverside Park
Need to Know: Enjoy this paved trail system in Riverside park. The trails lead through spectacular views of the mountains, prairies, river canyons, waterfalls, reservoirs and five hydroelectric dams. This trial system connects to Great Falls historic downtown with many parks and dining options. Perfect for dogs, kids, biking and strollers. Be sure and check out Giant Spring State Park which the trail system goes through.
8. Johns Lake
Distance: 1.9 mile loop
Difficulty: Easy, 183 ft of elevation gain
Directions: Head up the Going to the Sun Road. Drive past Lake McDonald and the trailhead is on the left at the end of the lake. Entrance reservations required seasonally.
Need to Know: Enjoy this shady trail mellow trail to Johns Lake. Pass the McDonald Creek falls to look for lily pads and ducks in the lake.
Distance: 5.9 miles, Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate, 757 ft of elevation gain
Directions: Head up the Going to the Sun Road. Just past the Avalanche Campground is the parking area. Entrance reservations required seasonally.
Need to Know: Enjoy waterfalls streaming over cliff sides into an alpine lake at the end of this trail. Begin by meandering through the Trial of the Cedars boardwalks before heading up to Avalanche Lake. Parking can be crowded here so be patient.
Distance: 2.6 mile loop
Difficulty: Easy, paved trail
Directions: Begin at the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead. Entrance reservations required seasonally.
Need to Know: Paved for accessibility this loop will take you around Swiftcurrent Lake. Enjoy views of the lake and the surrounding peaks. Extend this hike by heading up to Grinnell Glacier or Hidden Falls trail. Watch for moose!
