I am personally REALLY looking forward to this up and coming trip. Have always wanted to drive the “Going to the Sun Road” and have procured a pass online. As a lover of scenic drives, I hear that it doesn’t get any better than this one!
This quick trip out there will be part of the Montana portion of my 50at60 journey, and will be spent with my family. A couple of new characters for the on going vlog series actually 🙂
The trip we are planning has us coming in from the South … Gardiner, Montana to be exact. Its a 6.5 hour or so drive from there, but supposedly a pretty scenic drive.
As was the case in the last post here (and many others!), I decided to reach out to AI and thought I would share it here. I know there is a ton of information out there and to be honest with you, the park visitors centers are always a great place to gather up to date information. All that being said, this is of course a beginners primer to get you going. I’ll come back at a later date for a full report of what we actually did and some images of course! Till then …
Day 1: Arrival and Scenic Drive
Morning: Drive from Gardiner to Glacier National Park
- Depart Gardiner, Montana early in the morning.
- Drive to Glacier National Park, passing through beautiful Montana landscapes (approximately 6 hours, 300 miles).
- Suggested stops along the way:
- Livingston: A charming town with historic buildings and a great spot for breakfast.
- Bozeman: Stretch your legs and maybe grab a coffee in this vibrant town.
- Flathead Lake: Consider a quick detour to see this large natural lake.
- Suggested stops along the way:
Afternoon: Arrive in Coram, Montana
- Check into your lodging in Coram, Montana.
- After settling in, head to the Apgar Visitor Center to gather information and maps for your visit.
Evening: Lake McDonald
- Explore Lake McDonald, the largest lake in Glacier National Park.
- Take a relaxing walk along the shore and enjoy the serene views.
- Have dinner at one of the nearby lodges or restaurants, such as Russell’s Fireside Dining Room in the Lake McDonald Lodge.
Day 2: Going-to-the-Sun Road and Easy Hikes
Morning: Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Drive the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road early to avoid crowds.
- Stop at key viewpoints such as Lake McDonald Lodge, The Loop, and Logan Pass.
- At Logan Pass, visit the Logan Pass Visitor Center and take a short walk to the Hidden Lake Overlook(2.7 miles round trip, moderate).
Mid-Morning: Wildlife Spotting and Scenic Stops
- Continue along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, stopping at scenic points like Jackson Glacier Overlook and Sun Point.
Afternoon: St. Mary and Virginia Falls
- Drive to the St. Mary Falls trailhead and hike to St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls (3.6 miles round trip, easy to moderate).
- Enjoy the beautiful cascading waterfalls and lush surroundings.
Evening: Many Glacier Area
- Head to the Many Glacier area for dinner.
- Enjoy a meal at Ptarmigan Dining Room in the Many Glacier Hotel.
- Take an evening walk around Swiftcurrent Lake for a chance to spot more wildlife.
Day 3: Two Medicine and Relaxation
Morning: Two Medicine Area
- Drive to the Two Medicine area, known for its stunning scenery and fewer crowds.
- Hike the Running Eagle Falls Trail (0.6 miles round trip, easy) to see the beautiful waterfall emerging from a cave.
- Take a boat tour on Two Medicine Lake for a unique perspective of the park.
Mid-Morning: Scenic Stops and Wildlife Spotting
- Explore other short hikes and viewpoints in the Two Medicine area, such as Aster Falls (2.8 miles round trip, moderate).
Afternoon: Return to Coram and Relax
- Return to Coram and relax at your lodging.
- Spend the afternoon exploring the local area, visiting shops, or simply resting after your hikes.
Evening: Dinner and Reflection
- Have dinner at a local restaurant in Coram or nearby West Glacier.
- Spend your final evening reflecting on your Glacier National Park adventure and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
This itinerary offers a mix of scenic drives, easy hikes, and wildlife spotting opportunities, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable visit to Glacier National Park.