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Family Guide to Visiting Glacier National Park on the West Side

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Where to Take the Kids in Glacier National Park 2023

Where can I take my kids in Glacier National Park?

The sky’s the limit on a family vacation to Glacier National Park. Big Sky that is.

Glacier National Park is an American national park located in northwestern Montana’s Big Sky Country and hugs the border of Canada.

Glacier became a United States national park in 1910 and has long touted as one of the best due its many glaciers and alpine views.

With rocky, jagged mountains, lavishly dressed wildflowers, thrilling rivers and lakes at nearly every every turn, it’s no surprise that Glacier National Park is also dubbed the “American Alps”.

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A Glacier National Park family vacation takes you through stunning scenic landscape

From hiking to fishing, rafting to kayaking, glorious sunsets along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, abundant wildlife and huckleberry delights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this part of Montana’s Big Sky country.

Is Glacier good for kids?

The days are long in summer, with the sun setting as late as 9:42 PM. This makes Glacier a perfect national park with kids and especially teenagers.

If you have older kids that are anything like mine, they like to sleep in and stay up late, making Glacier a pure gem. Plus, late-day adventurers help you avoid the park crowds.

Where to stay in West Glacier

If you choose to stay outside the park, try to stay close by like in Columbia Falls and Coram, which are both just a short drive to the west entrance of Glacier.

We lodged our first three nights in a very affordable, beautiful cabin in Columbia Falls, followed by a three night stay in a historic log cabin in Columbia Falls.

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Skipping rocks on Lake McDonald was a favorite past time on our summer vacation

Glacier National Park Lakes

Kids are drawn like magnets to Glacier National Park lakes on the west side. Playing at Lake McDonald is a hit with all ages, as well as late, lazy afternoons on Bowen Lake, Avalanche Lake and Stanton Lake.

Kayaking or rafting a section of the Flathead River is also a must with older kids and teens.

Revered wildlife you may see in Glacier National Park: Grizzly bear, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, coyote, beaver, and pika.

Things to do in West side of Glacier National Park

The list of things to do in Glacier with kids is long with knowledgeable outdoor adventure companies ready to lend you the gear you need to have an unforgettable time exploring the park.

From rafting on the Middle Fork and North Fork of the Flathead River to hiking to serene alpine lakes, kayaking or paddling Lake McDonald, snapping sunset vistas along the Going-to-the-Sun Road to crossing the Continental Divide at Logan’s Pass, you’ll just have to take turns deciding what adventure to embark on each day.

Mountain biking and backpacking across Glacier are also options for outdoor adventure junkies.

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The entrance to Glacier in West Glacier, Montana.

Your trip to Glacier National Park

Planning a trip to Glacier National Park becomes a lot easier when you break it down into the different areas inside the park and just outside of it.

The West Glacier National Park entrance and nearby small towns are sweet bases from which to explore the Flathead Valley area, West Glacier and Apgar, North Fork area via Polebridge, Going-to-the-Sun Road, Marias Pass and Essex. These areas are highlighted here in this article.

The east side entrances of Glacier give easy access to Two Medicine and East Glacier, St. Mary and Many Glacier, plus across the Canadian border to Waterton National Park.

Is it better to stay on the west or east side of Glacier?

Folks often ask us if it’s best to stay on the west or east side of Glacier National Park?

In our opinion, it all depends on what you want to do.

If you are looking for quiet camping and lots of long, great hikes deep in Glacier, we say head to the east side.

If you are looking for diving into nature while sticking close to more people, more things to do outside the park, and more lodging options, then stay on the west side.

Endless hikes in Glacier National Park are waiting for you from the west or east side

Glacier can be a great time to visit in May before Memorial Day. Consider Springtime Splendor in Glacier National Park, "Spring is the park's quiet, undiscovered season. It's a time of wildflowers, wildlife and rushing waterfalls.

But if you’re waiting for the kids to get out of school, here’s what you should know…

Glacier Timed Entry for summer 2023

Glacier National Park will implement a vehicle reservation system in the summer of 2023, starting May 26.

From 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., a vehicle reservation is required for four areas in Glacier: Going-to-the-Sun Road, the North Fork, Two Medicine, and Many Glacier.

In addition to a vehicle reservation, a park pass is required to enter the park.

NOTE: A vehicle reservation does not include a park pass, and the park pass does not serve as a vehicle reservation. Each location has unique details and requires a separate reservation.

There is so much to do in a week’s time with your kids and teens in Glacier on the west side.

Ideally, you could spend one week on the west side, then another week on the quieter, yet adventurous east side around Many Glacier.

The more remote, rugged, quieter side of Glacier National Park - the East Side.

Table of Contents

Simply click on the content titles below to take you to that part of the post:

  1. West Glacier and Apgar Village

  2. Going-to-the-Sun Road

  3. North Fork via Polebridge

  4. Flathead Valley

  5. Marias Pass and Essex

  6. How to Avoid Summer Crowds

  7. How to Get There

  8. Weather in Summer

  9. What to Pack

  10. Lodging Near West Glacier

  11. Where to Eat Around West Glacier

In each section, we will give you ideas of what to see in Glacier National Park, and we’ll highlight best things to do with kids and teens in each area of the west side of Glacier.

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Glacier National Park west side offers lots of time for jumping in lakes and floating down rivers

West Glacier and Apgar Village

Many adventures begin and end in West Glacier, making this a great area to base yourself nearby. We chose to stay in a vacation cabin in Columbia Falls, about 19 miles south of West Glacier park entrance.

The park’s recreation hub, West Glacier and Apgar Village offer jumping off places for many family friendly outdoor adventures like hiking, rafting, paddling, fishing, and swimming.

Apgar Village also has a fantastic gift shop to find all your Glacier souvenirs.

The Apgar Visitor Center in West Glacier is the place to ask a ranger questions, find park maps, books, and learn about junior ranger programs.

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Get your souvenirs in Apgar Village in west Glacier National Park, right by Lake McDonald

Fun Family things to do in West Glacier and Apgar

  • Lake McDonald shoreline in Apgar Village. Skip rocks and jump off the dock! This was one of our kids’s top favorites — we came here three different days.

  • Kayaking a five mile stretch of the North Fork Flathead River

  • Huckleberry Patch on Hwy 2 for all things huckleberry - try the ice cream!

  • Lake Five just outside the park, is perfect for swimming on a hot day as it’s warmer than the alpine lakes. Look for “Paul’s Memorial” sign for access. Hungry Horse Reservoir is a good place to swim too.

  • Obligatory picture by the Glacier National Park entrance sign

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Paddle boarding is fun on the west side of Glacier, as well as the east

Kayak and Paddle Lake McDonald

Early evening, when flocks of people have migrated to dinner, pack a picnic and bring a blanket for the colorful, rocky beach along Lake McDonald in Apgar Village. Courageously jump off the dock with your friends and family and snap sunset photos.

If you own kayaks or SUPs and you have the space, definitely bring them along for Lake McDonald. For rentals, try Glacier Outfitters (196 Apgar Loop) in West Glacier.

Read our 2023 review of the best inflatable paddle boards to travel with.

Swimming in Glacier National Park lakes is quite the chilling experience. They are alpine lakes. For example, the Lake McDonald’s water temperature in July hovered in the low 50s.

Looking for a short hike? Hike the short and easy jaunt to Rocky Point along Lake McDonald. Reach the trailhead from the Inside North Fork Road or from Fish Creek Campground Loop D.

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We loved driving the Going to the Sun Road on our trip to Glacier

Going-to-the-Sun Road

The Going-to-the-Sun Road is an iconic jewel of Glacier National Park.

Keep your eyes peeled while crossing over the Continental Divide while traveling to and from Lake McDonald and Logan’s Pass.

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MUST KNOW: Glacier National Park is implementing a vehicle reservation system in the summer of 2023. In addition to a vehicle reservation, visitors also need a park pass.

There are four areas of the park affected by the vehicle reservation system in 2023: Going to the Sun Road, North Fork, Two Medicine, and Many Glacier.

Glacier Vehicle Reservation

A Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor vehicle reservation is required for each vehicle or motorcycle accessing Going-to-the-Sun Road through the West entrance May 26 through September 10, 2023, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Beginning July 1 through September 10, 2023, a vehicle reservation is required for each vehicle or motorcycle accessing Going-to-the-Sun Road from the Rising Sun check point, six miles inside the St. Mary Entrance, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors will have access to the St. Mary Visitor Center and park shuttle outside of the vehicle reservation area. 

Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor vehicle reservations are good for three consecutive days.

The entire Going-to-the-Sun Road does not usually open until late June at the earliest. Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor vehicle reservations are sold prior to the full opening of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Check the park website for current road status or to sign up for text alerts  

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McDonald Creek pull out on Going to the Sun Road

Best Things to See on Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan PAss

  • After McDonald Lake, pull-out to see McDonald Creek and check out Upper McDonald Creek Falls and Red Rocks.

  • Hike to Avalanche Lake via Trail of Cedars. See details below about this fabulous family hike!

  • West Side Tunnel At 192 feet long, this tunnel is studded with two gorgeous alcoves framing Heaven’s Peak.

  • The Loop is the road’s huge hair-pin turn and is a great stop for views, as well as for the trailhead to Granite Park Chalet.

  • Bird Woman Falls Look across the valley for Bird Woman and see the nearby stair step falls called Haystack Falls.

  • Weeping Wall and Big Bend You may get a shower if your windows are down! Pull off at Big Bend to stop and see.

  • Triple Arches An engineering feat you must keep your eyes out for.

  • Garden Wall For the best view of this botanical wonder, hike the Highline Trail from Logan Pass (further up the road), which will also take you to the Granite Chalet.

  • Oberlin Bend Overlook Find the path to look for mountain goats and their babies; this is the best spot to take pictures of the Continental Divide.

  • Logan Pass sits on top of the Continental Divide at 6,646’. Spy mountain goats and bighorn sheep. The Hidden Lake trail is a must-do.

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Hiking up to Avalanche Lake via Trail of Cedars on west side of Glacier

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Avalanche Creek on the way up to Avalanche Lake

Hike Avalanche Lake via Trail of Cedars

One of the best Glacier National Park hikes with kids, this rewarding out and back 5.7 mile hike to Avalanche Lake is totally worth a half day of your time. 

What is the best hike with kids in Glacier National Park? If you can only do one, this might be it!

An overall moderate hike, you begin the hike along boardwalks via Trail of Cedars, and then you climb up along mesmerizing Avalanche Creek. From there, the trail winds up through a lush, dense forest before opening to the lake. 

Once you arrive at Avalanche Lake, spy several long, cascading waterfalls racing down the mountains that serve as the backdrop for the lake (see below).

PRO TIPS: In the summer, pack a picnic dinner, plenty of water, and hit the trail around 5pm to avoid the crowds and enjoy more of the lake to yourself. 

After your hike, drive Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan’s Pass for an awesome sunset and a shorter hike to Hidden Lake. You’ll likely meet mountain goats and Bighorn sheep from a safe distance.

This was one of our favorite hikes to one of many fantastic Glacier National Park lakes.

Learn about more of the best hikes in Glacier National Park, when we visited the east side. Many of them are accessible from either end of the park.

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Hiking to Avalanche Lake was one of our favorite things to do with kids in Glacier

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Grab a Huckleberry Bear Claw at Polebridge Mercantile in North Folk

North Fork via Polebridge

We chose to hit up the North Fork area of Glacier on a Sunday, hoping to avoid weekend crowds in the main parts of the park. 

A North Fork vehicle reservation is required for each vehicle or motorcycle accessing the North Fork area from May 26 through September 10, 2023, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. This reservation is good for one day. 

Polebridge Mercantile

Drive to Polebridge via the Outside North Fork Road. Stop at the Polebridge Mercantile for delightful huckleberry bear claws or other treats. Have lunch at the saloon next door, or enjoy your picnic lunch.

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Spend the day at Bowman Lake, north of Polebridge, on the west side of Glacier

Bowman Lake

Seven miles northeast of Polebridge, Bowman Lake is worth the winding bumpy off-road drive. Park your car near the campground and follow signs to the lake and the trailhead that takes you around the lake through dense forest. 

Typically, you can kayak or paddle on Bowman Lake, but that was not allowed while we were there as they were trying to rid the lake of an invasive species. 

This area is worth a longer visit - especially if you like camping and quiet evenings along the lake.

Kintla Lake is even further off the beaten path. Kintla is perfect if you are bringing your own kayaks or paddleboards and love backcountry camping.

These are two special Glacier National Park Lakes you can’t miss.

Panoramic view of Bowman Lake

Panoramic view of Bowman Lake

Floating, paddling, and fishing the North Fork Flathead River

Bring your own fishing gear, SUPs or rafts to be on the water whenever you chose. Or use one of the many rafting and guided fishing companies in the area to explore the scenic North Fork Flathead River.

The North Fork emerges from the Canadian Rockies to the north of Glacier National Park and flows southwest down into Flathead Lake. Most years, you can begin a multi day float trip from the Canadian side.

The Middle Fork, on the other hand, begins from Essex southeast of West Glacier and is the wilder of the two forks.

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We loved kayaking down the Flathead River on the west side of Glacier

MUST KNOW: A North Fork vehicle reservation is required for each vehicle or motorcycle accessing the North Fork area from May 26 through September 10, 2023, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. This reservation is good for one day. 

In addition to a vehicle reservation for North Fork, visitors also need a park pass.

North Fork Vehicle Reservation

(valid for 1 day) 

A North Fork Vehicle Reservation is required for each vehicle accessing the North Fork area of the park through the Polebridge Entrance Station.

Vehicle reservations will be checked at the Polebridge Entrance Station. The reservation period is 6 am to 6 pm daily.

A vehicle reservation does not guarantee a parking space in popular areas. 

The North Fork is a primitive area of the park, with no cell service and rough, unimproved roads. To avoid vehicle breakdowns in a remote area without cell service, only vehicles with high clearance and 12-ply rated tires or higher should visit the North Fork area.

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Flathead Valley

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Alpine Slide at Whitefish Resort

Tucked into Montana’s northwest corner, the Flathead Valley is nestled between Flathead Lake and Glacier National Park. Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi and offers loads of outdoor recreation in every season.

Don’t own your own watercraft? Don’t worry, there are plenty of places to rent motorized and non-motorized watercraft for all kinds of family fun on Flathead Lake.

The sweet towns dotted all around Flathead Lake are ready to welcome you with local flavors, brews, and unique diners. Here, we’ll touch on the few places we stopped in the Flathead Valley to give you a taste of how you can spend your time there.

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Indulge in a huckleberry shake at Norm’s in Kalispell

Kalispell

Still one hour from your entrance into Glacier National Park at West Glacier, this is a great lunch stop if you’re coming via Missoula or the Glacier Park International Airport.

Head to Main Street and go back in time to the 1950s when you sit for lunch at Norm’s News. Soda fountain throwbacks, hamburgers, and candy racks aimed to please. The Huckleberry Milkshake is the best way to be introduced to this corner of Montana.

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Sitting at the end of Big Mountain Road, Whitefish Mountain Resort offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter and scenic lift rides, mountain biking, alpine slides and more adrenaline filled adventures in the summer.

Go for several alpine slide rides on the cheap with the 25 ride punch pass —it’s a hoot! Ride your sled like you’re on a mini roller coaster around banked turns, under bridges, and through a tunnel while you control your speed with a simple hand brake. Includes a free scenic chairlift ride back to the top of the slides each time.

Nearby Whitefish Lake is full of action in the summers: fishing, water-skiing, jet-skiing, kayaking, canoeing, and more makes this part of Flathead Valley a great destination for family fun.

Get Expert Advice

Need help deciding or planning your next national park vacation? Book a one hour consultation call with me. Ask me questions and gather tailored advice and next steps for putting together your next adventure.

BigFork

On the northeast edge of Flathead Lake, Bigfork is a resort town bursting with restaurants and shopping and serves as a launchpad for whitewater kayaking.

Stop at Bigfork’s Raven Brew Pub and Grille for delicious fish tacos and local brews. Ask to sit outside on the deck right on the water’s edge. Less than two miles down the road, you’ll find Wayfarer’s / Flathead Lake State Park.

For more helpful information on all the things to do, where to stay, and where to eat in the Flathead Valley, the Moon Glacier National Park Travel Guide includes an abundance of suggestions for what to do in this area.

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Stanton Lake in the Great Bear Wilderness is great for fishing

Hike up through Glacier forests to Stanton Lake

Marias Pass and Essex

The railroad picked Marias Pass for its chosen route across the Continental Divide. Hop in the van for this low-key drive on the Theodore Roosevelt Highway (US-2) and consider these excursions:

  • Middle Fork of the Flathead River Also called the Wild and Scenic River, plan a float trip.

  • Stanton Lake This mostly easy two mile forest hike leads up to a serene lake sitting at the feet of the Great Northern Mountain in Great Bear Wilderness. Fishermen take note: this lake is hopping with cutthroat, rainbows, and mountain whitefish.

  • Izaak Walton Inn in Essex You can lodge here and take a scenic train ride should you so desire

  • Goat Lick Bring your binoculars to spy on goats clinging to the cliffs in early summer as they lick up much needed minerals from the weeping walls.

  • Silver Stair Falls Literally pull off the road and the falls are right there!

  • Picnic at Maris Pass across from the Lewis Overthrust Fault

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How to Avoid Summer Crowds in Glacier

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Silver-Stairs along Marias Pass on way to East Glacier

According to the national park website, Glacier National Park is open every day of the year and visitors can enter the park at anytime. Winter weather tends to dictate when most visitor facilities open and close. Generally from late May to early September, facilities are open to welcome summer visitors.

NOTE: The Going-to-the-Sun Road, which takes you across Logan Pass and the Continental Divide, is not fully open until late June or early July, depending on road conditions. Typically the road is fully open until the third Monday of October, but that can also change due to weather.

How to enjoy Glacier National Park hikes and outdoor fun in summer:

  • In the height of summer, the days are long. If you have older kids and teens, take your mornings easy and enjoy things outside the park.

  • Begin jaunts and hikes in Glacier in mid to late afternoon; start hiking at 5 pm and pack a picnic lunch; most hikers will be back to their cars by then in search of dinner while you have more of the trails and lakes to yourself.

  • Bring your own paddle boards and kayaks so you can be on the lake in the early evening when most people are returning their rentals.

  • Buy your National Park Pass ahead of time.

  • If you can, plan your visit after the crowds have come and gone: after Labor Day through mid October.

Planning a trip to Glacier National Park with toddlers? Here are tips for hiking in Glacier with toddlers.

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How to Get There

Driving

Visitors arriving by car will use U.S. Highway 2 to reach Glacier National Park from West entrance.

Glacier’s west entrance is near the communities of Kalispell and Whitefish, and even closer to Columbia Falls. The west entrance of Glacier is just after West Glacier Village and also provides access to Apgar Village and Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Consider an epic trip from Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park to Glacier National Park — an ideal Montana road trip in summer.

Hit the road and go where you want. Rent a campervan in Glacier.

Flying

The closest airport to Whitefish and Glacier National Park is the Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana. The airport is 30 miles from the West Entrance of Glacier National Park. 

Other Airports:

  • Missoula International Airport (MSO) -  140 miles from the West Entrance - We flew here via cheap flight with Frontier Airlines from Denver, then rented a vehicle.

  • Great Falls International Airport (GTF) - 200 miles from the West Entrance

Train

Amtrak trains can take you to West Glacier, Whitefish, and East Glacier train depots on the Empire Builder line. The train can be taken from as far east as Chicago or as far west as Portland and Seattle.

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Weather in Summer

We visited Glacier National Park in July, knowing the weather can be more iffy in June and the opening of the Going-to-the-Sun road more tentative.

Typically, July is the warmest month of the year in Montana with dreamy summer weather, thus the crowds of visitors. The average high temperatures are 75°F to 88°F and the night time averages 40°F to 55°F.

We were often pulling on a fleece layer by evening or dinner time. Naturally, the temps will cool as you go higher in elevation, so always check the weather for the spots you’re visiting.

What to Pack for Visiting Glacier in Summer

Much like being in Colorado in the mountains, summer in Montana means the weather can change drastically in hours. And casual attire is restaurant attire — Chacos and hiking boots welcome.

Plan to dress in layers, including t-shirts, fleeces, athletic shorts and pants, a waterproof rain jacket, and a light puffy jacket. Bring dollar store finger gloves, your favorite beanie, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a swimsuit for warm days and sunny lake dips.

Don’t forget a daypack and a large water bottle, bear spray deterrent, and other hiking necessities.

Our handy Ultimate Family Camping Gear Essentials Checklist has a section that includes what to wear and pack for outdoor adventures in national parks.

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We stayed in this beautiful log cabin near West Glacier

Lodging Near West Glacier

Historic Glacier National Park Lodges

Village Inn at Apgar Built in 1956, this inn is located on the quiet shore of Lake McDonald just 2 miles inside of Glacier National Park’s west entrance. It was last renovated in 2015. Simple, rustic rooms, there are several options to sleep two to six people.

Lake McDonald Lodge This classic Swiss chalet style lodge dates back to 1913 and is found on the eastern shore of Lake McDonald, 10 miles inside Glacier National Park’s west entrance. Along the Going-to-the-Sun Road on the eastern shore of serene Lake McDonald with 82 guest rooms split between the main lodge, cabins, Snyder Hall and the lovely Cobb House.

Vacation Homes

If you choose to stay outside the park, try to stay close by like in Columbia Falls and Coram, which are both just a short drive to the west entrance of Glacier.

We ended up staying the first three nights in a very affordable, beautiful new cabin in Columbia Falls, followed by a three night stay in the super fine log cabin (pictured above), also in Columbia Falls.

Glacier National Park Campsites

Here are the three (of many) campgrounds to aim for on Glacier’s west side:

  • Sprague Creek Campground Right on the shore of Lake McDonald with shaded campsites.

  • Avalanche Campground This one stands out as the closest west-side base for exploring Logan Pass. The hike for Avalanche Lake leaves from the back of this campground.

  • Rising Sun Campground Nestled between Logan Pass and St. Mary under Otokomi Mountain by St. Mary Lake.

Explore Glacier via Campervan

Rent a 21’ or shorter campervan so you can drive the Going to the Sun Road.

Glamping and Camping outside West Glacier

Under Canvas Glacier Locate in Coram, you'll be glamping near Glacier with only a 15-minute drive of Glacier National Park’s west entrance. Treat yourself to a stay in one of the 49 individually decorated guest rooms featuring fireplaces. Daily housekeeping provided and cribs are also available. This upscale campground includes a picnic area and barbecue grills.

West Glacier KOA: Just minutes outside the West Glacier entrance to Glacier. You’ll find RV, tent and cabin accommodations. Loads of amenities, including a pool and playground.

West Glacier Campground  Just one mile from Glacier’s west entrance. RV, tent and cabin accommodations with many amenities, like the Sunflower Cafe.

Mountain Meadow Campground Easy to find off the highway, this campground feels secluded. This campground is about 10-15 minutes from the park entrance at West Glacier.

Dinner while camping is easy when you go with Right On Trek Backcountry Meals. Made right in Glacier National Park’s own backyard in Kalispell, Montana.

Serve up hot dishes like Broccoli Beef Stroganoff and High Country Pad Thai — eating well in the backcountry just got easier.

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Where to Eat Just Outside West Glacier

Gunsight Saloon  Located in the heart of Columbia Falls on Nucleus Avenue, this newer bar and grill serves up local brews, scrumptious burgers and more. In the summer, enjoy outdoor dining and live music. 

Montana Coffee Traders  With locations in Columbia Falls, Whitefish, and Kalispell, you can’t miss this joint for breakfast or lunch. Delicious organic, fair trade coffee and homemade dishes like Trader’s Taters and quiche.

Backslope Brewery  Handcrafted beers and yummy pub plates. Try the garlic parmesan fries with the Bistro Burger.

Josephine’s Bar & Kitchen  Locally recommended with five star reviews, this sweet family spot serves Tomatoes Truffle, house cut shoestring fries, and craft cocktail bar aimed to please. In Coram off of US HWY 2.

La Casita  Also recommended by a local, enjoy authentic Mexican dishes in a rustic, family-friendly location in West Glacier. 

Nite Owl & Back Room  Choose from steaks, slow cooked BBQ, and pizza in a laid back roadhouse. Sits at 522 9th St. W in Columbia Falls.

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We love the Rumpl National Parks Collection of Puffy Blankets - a great way to announce, kick off, or commemorate your next national park family vacation!

Final thoughts on Glacier

We loved Glacier National Park. Exploring this park in the late afternoons into late evenings was the perfect way to avoid crowds and have a blast with tweens and teens. We cannot wait to go back and explore the east side!

If you are looking for a super comprehensive guide book for Glacier National Park and the surrounding area, we loved the Moon Guide on Glacier National Park.

Please let us know if you have any questions about traveling to Glacier with older kids and teens. We’d love to help!

Check out more ideas for seeing America’s national parks:

Glacier National Park in Montana's Big Sky country is the ultimate outdoor adventure trip with older kids and teens. Glacier is filled with towering mountains, wildlife, lavish wildflowers, and rivers and alpine lakes, and jaw dropping views.. Rafti…