Head to East Glacier National Park for Wild Hikes and More

How to Explore Glacier National Park on East Side

Glacier National Park, a famed crown jewel of America’s parks, spreads out far and wide in Montana.

Having spent a full week exploring West Glacier with kids, we were chomping at the bit to get back for more hikes and to explore more of Glacier’s east side.

Paddling and hiking in Glacier National Park, and staying somewhere new nearly every night via a romantic campervan was at the top of our agenda.

While Glacier National Park’s west side offers easier access to whitewater rafting, kayaking, and paddling on the North and Middle Forks of the Flathead River, the east side of Glacier offers more remote serenity for paddling on lakes, and the best day hikes to see glaciers and alpine lakes.

paddling-swiftcurrent-lake-many-glacier-national-park — *SUP Paddling on Swiftcurrent Lake in Many Glacier*

Renting a small RV is the best way to see East Glacier

Experience the magic of the outdoors with the best RV and camper van rentals imaginable with Outdoorsy.

PRO TIP: You will want to drive the Going to the Sun Road, so your RV must not be over 21 feet long, 10 feet high and 8 feet wide (including mirrors).

What is on the east side of Glacier National Park?

This park is home to over 700 lakes and 1,557 miles of streams that are fed by alpine glaciers and snowpack.

You will find abundant wildlife in Glacier, and especially on the east side, there is a good chance you will see grizzly bears, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, deer, bald or golden eagles, elk, pika, and more.

Bring your binoculars as Many Glacier and Logan Pass are two prime areas for spying wildlife in Glacier National Park.

Paddling and hiking in Glacier National Park's quieter east side draws the adventurous, purely outdoorsy type.

*Hiking in Glacier to Iceberg Lake from Many Glacier Campground*

Is the east or west side of Glacier better?

We found Many Glacier to be the top gem of our time in Glacier, the Crown Jewel of the Continent. Many Glacier feels more remote, has way fewer visitors than the west side and gives you access to most of Glacier’s best hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

But if like more civilization and more things to do near the park, stay on the west side.

Trip highlights on the east side of Glacier included:

Launching our inflatable paddle boards out on Lake McDonald near sunset
Camping and hiking in Two Medicine
Driving the Going to the Sun Road
Hiking the Highline Trail
Overnighting at the Granite Park Chalet
Sunset coffee from our campervan at Logan Pass
Two nights of camping in Many Glacier
Several spectacular Glacier National Park day hikes and paddling adventures.

Without further ado, here’s how to explore the east side of Glacier National Park in a fully outfitted Moterra campervan (with a super comfy Queen sized bed)!

Camping, paddling, and hiking in Glacier, at its best.

PRO TIP: Renting a campervan allows you to easily move on to your next location, so you’re ready to hit the lakes or trails the next morning. We loved every minute of it!

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Do I need a reservation to drive in glacier?

Glacier National Park will implement a vehicle reservation system in the summer of 2023. From 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., a vehicle reservation is required for four areas of the park: 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 of the four entrances into Glacier has unique details and requires a separate reservation.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 - Fly into Glacier International Airport, pick up Moterra campervan rental, enter West Glacier park entrance, paddle Lake McDonald, overnight camp at West Glacier KOA

Day 2 - Head to Two Medicine, hike to Running Eagle Falls, SUP paddle, and camp overnight at Two Medicine campground

Day 3 - Two Medicine boat ride, hike to No Name Lake, drive to St. Mary and camp in St. Mary KOA

Day 4 - Depart early for Logan Pass, take sunrise hike to Highline Trail plus the steep spur to Grinnell Glacier Overlook, spend night in historic Granite Park Chalet

Day 5 - Hike Loop Trail, hitch a ride back up to Logan Pass, hike to Hidden Lake, then head back east to hike St. Mary and Virginia Falls, camp at Many Glacier Campground

Day 6 - Hike to Iceberg Lake, SUP paddle Swiftcurrent Lake, camp again at Many Glacier

Day 7 - Hike to Apikuni Falls, drive west on the Going to the Sun Road, walk Trail of the Cedars to Avalanche Creek, one more stop at iconic Lake McDonald, camp at West Glacier KOA

Day 8 - Breakfast at local Montana Trader Company, fly home from Glacier International Airport

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Lake McDonald

Before you head to the east side of Glacier National Park, do not miss skipping stones across one of Glacier’s biggest alpine lakes on the west side: Lake McDonald at Apgar Village. Even more divine is paddleboarding here at sunset.

Before you head to the West Glacier entrance for the park, make a beeline for a lunch at the local Backslope Brewery in yummy Columbia Falls.

Once satiated, enter Glacier National Park, where you’ll pick up your Glacier Visitor Guide, take a picture by the big sign, get your watercraft inspected, and slide out onto Lake McDonald for some serene SUP paddling.

Aaaahhhhh. Relax and take in the views. You made it.

End your first evening with some delicious huckleberry ice cream in Apgar Village. This week, you’ll want to try huckleberry everything.

PRO TIP: To save money and time, bring your own inflatable paddle boards — via checked luggage if you must. Isle makes the best inflatable paddle boards that you can travel with anywhere.

Isle Pioneer paddle boards are perfect for traveling to Glacier National Park lakes.

We own two of the best inflatable paddle boards for traveling to national parks.

We’ve learned that renting SUPS can be expensive if you hope to paddle several times, and the rental times can be constricting.

Paddle whenever you want*, like at sunrise or sunset, when you bring your own boards with you.

*KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: All watercraft must be inspected and tagged first upon entry (or re-entry) into Glacier National Park. Learn more about boating regulations in Glacier.

Camp your first night in a campervan at the nicest KOA in all of America - West Glacier KOA, just outside Glacier National Park.

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Two Medicine

Two Medicine is just a short, scenic drive along Highway 2 from West Glacier. You’ll skirt along the southern edge of Glacier National Park and cross over the Middle Fork of the Flathead River.

Two Medicine vehicle reservation

Required for each vehicle or motorcycle accessing the Two Medicine area from July 1 through September 10, 2023, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. This reservation is good for one day.

A Two Medicine vehicle reservation provides access for one private vehicle or motorcycle to enter the Two Medicine area of the park at the Two Medicine Entrance Station. In addition to a Two Medicine vehicle reservation, a park pass (7-day, annual, or lifetime) is also required at the time of entry.

How do I reach Two Medicine?

Drive through East Glacier Park Village, then turn left for Glacier’s Two Medicine entrance. You must stop at the the “Big Tree Lodge.” This Glacier Park Lodge was the first hotel built by the Great Northern Railway. Inside the historic hotel, 500-800 year old Douglas Fir logs hold up the lobby, where you’ll enjoy crackling fires and railway history.

Hop back in your campervan and head straight to Two Medicine Campground to snag your first-come, first-serve campsite (100 sites available). Aim to be here by noon to choose from the best available shaded campsites with elevated views of Pray Lake.

Sinopah Mountain (8,276’) rises prominently to the west of Two Medicine Lake - this lake is just a bit past the campground.

Once you tag and pay for your campsite, drive back over to the trailhead for Running Eagle Falls (aka Trick Falls) — you passed this on your way to Two Medicine Campground. Take this short easy hike and add on the nature trail.

Pray Lake in front of Two Medicine Campground

The next morning, take the boat across Two Medicine Lake (tickets here), and hop on one of these fantastic hiking trails. You can also begin your hikes from Pray Lake, although it adds another 4 miles of hiking round trip when you don’t take the boat. Take the boat.

Hiking in Glacier from Two Medicine

Twin Falls - This 1.9 easy going walk / hike is very popular.
No Name Lake - This moderate 5.4 mile day hike can be combined with Twin Falls.
Dawson - Pitamakan Loop - This challenging 15-17 mile hike is an all day hike, gaining 2,909’ in elevation. Amazing views all along this trail.
Scenic Point - This 7.4 mile hike is more strenuous and needs 4 hours or more to complete. begins from the Scenic Point parking area, located 2.7 miles west of the Two Medicine entrance station.
Apistoki Falls - begins from the Scenic Point parking area, located 2.7 miles west of the Two Medicine entrance station.

We hiked to No Name Lake. That trail joins with the Pitamakin Pass Trail for a bit, and then we took the Twin Falls spur on the way back.

Glacier Park Moon Guide is a great guide to all of Glacier National Park day hikes and more.

Paddling on Pray Lake and Two Medicine

Typically paddling is allowed on both of these lakes with personalized watercraft, but in 2021 this area was short-staffed, so watercraft inspection was not available here. Better luck next time.

You can also rent kayaks at the Ranger station at Two Medicine Lake.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: All personal watercraft must be inspected and tagged first upon entry (or re-entry) into Glacier National Park.

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St. Mary

Drive just 45 minutes to St. Mary - East Glacier KOA campground and crash here overnight in your campervan. Enjoy a nice hot shower, do some laundry if you must, and have a crackling fire in the fire pit.

Hit the hay early to be ready for the next morning’s early departure to Logan Pass for your hike to the Granite Park Chalet.

About St. Mary

The quiet water of lower St. Mary Lake makes for great SUPing. The KOA has rentals available at the front desk. If you bring your own paddle board, you must get it inspected at the Ranger station before entering the park’s water.

While we didn’t make time for exploring around St. Mary, it is a gorgeous 10-mile-long glacial lake that sits near the east Glacier National Park entrance. The lake is surrounded by mountains and great for a day time adventure if you have time.

The Glacier National Park Boat Company offers boat tours across Saint Mary Lake between the middle of June and early September.

Folks love the Sun Point Nature Trail or the hike to Baring Falls. Watch out for bears, elk, and other wildlife. St. Mary is at the eastern end of the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

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Logan Pass

The pinnacle of the Going-to-the-Sun-Road is found at Logan Pass. Named after Major Willian R. Logan, the first superintendent of Glacier National Park, Logan Pass is a major destination for most folks who visit the park.

Logan Pass provides amazing scenic views along the Continental Divide and access to some of Glacier’s best hiking trails, like the Highline Trail (more below) and the hike to Hidden Lake.

Check postings for trail closings. When we were there, the Hidden Lake Trail was closed due to bear activity. At the elevation 6,646 feet, you will also find a parking lot, bathrooms and a small gift shop at Logan Pass.

Parking here during the busy months of July and August in the middle of the day can prove quite challenging.

You should plan to park here before sunrise to snag a parking spot and hit the Highline Trail early to the Granite Park Chalet.

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Hiking the Highline Trail

Hiking the Highline Trail to Granite Park Chalet (6,680’) is the best hike in Glacier National Park.

The trailhead is just across the road from Logan Pass parking lot, where you peak the Going-to-the-Sun Road. You’ll hike 7.4 miles to the Granite Park Chalet, more on this historic structure below.

While not a steep hike, acrophobes beware, as the Highline Trail begins as a walk along a cliff’s edge — cables at the ready in some spots. Take your time, and always STOP completely to take pictures of jaw dropping vistas spreading far and wide above the Sun Road.

Haystack Saddle is where you’ll climb most of your elevation gain. You’ll climb 975’ over the 7.4 mile hike, unless you add the Grinnell Glacier Overlook spur. You should do it.

We love Rumpl’s National Parks Collection - a great way to commemorate your next national park family vacation!

The Garden Wall is a biologist’s dream with numerous weeping rocks, waterfalls and fields of wildflowers. One of Glacier's stunning features, the Garden Wall is a geologic ridge called an arête, which was created by passing glaciers.

With the Granite Park Chalet barely in sight and less than a mile to get there, you will see a side trail on your right climbing up to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook*. This is a must-do. Give yourself a good hour or more to ascend 900’ in less than 0.9 miles. Safely take pictures of the glacier, and then hike back down.

We witnessed an inspiring marriage proposal up here. Others saw a Grizzly playing down near the glacier. Even with a hazy sky filled with California wildfire smoke, the views were astounding. What will you see?

PRO TIP: Do NOT take selfies with your back to the glacier. It can be windy up there, and the loose rock could give way as you situate yourself. Always ask someone else to take your photo of you while standing on a flat spot. There are fatal falls every year in national parks. Don’t be one of them.

Pass by Bear Valley and reach the historic Granite Park Chalet. From here, some hikers opt to hike out of the area via the Swiftcurrent Pass over to Many Glacier (7.6 miles).

But most day hikers take the 4 mile long Loop Trail headed back down to the Sun Road, then hop on a shuttle back up to Logan Pass. Or thumb a ride back up from the Loop Trailhead parking lot like we did. The shuttles only run in summer.

For the ultimate experience, book a night or two in the Granite Park Chalet and enjoy some of the best Glacier National Park hikes from the chalet. More below.

*Grinnell Glacier Overlook

Hiking up to Grinnel Glacier Overlook is worth the climb!

From the top of the Continental Divide, 1,000’ above Grinnell Glacier, you'll have an outstanding, worthwhile birds-eye view of the Salamander, Grinnell Glacier, Upper Grinnell Lake, Allen Mountain, Angel Wing and Mt. Gould.

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Granite Park Chalet

We lucked out with a last minute one night stay at the Granite Park Chalet.

It’s open June 26 through September 10 in 2023.

After a sunrise start on the Highline Trail, a detour to the Grinell Glacier Overlook, our 9 mile day hike ended at the Granite Park Chalet about 1pm. We checked into our basic, clean room with bunk beds, (bring a sleeping bag or order their linens ahead of time) paper-thin walls and put our feet up a while.

Dinner and breakfast was bring your own backpacking meals. You can also pre-order meals from the chalet - which are also backpacking meals.

Right On Trek Backcountry Meals are made in Glacier National Park’s own backyard, right in Kalispell, Montana. Serve up hot dishes like Broccoli Beef Stroganoff and High Country Pad Thai — eating well in the backcountry just got easier.

Mingle with other Chalet overnight guests. Play cards, swap stories, and snap sunset and sunrise photos. You may be blessed to witness an elopement or meet young honeymooners.

Stay two nights and enjoy several more of the best Glacier National Park hikes from the chalet, like Ahern Pass and Swiftcurrent Lookout.

Online reservations for Granite Chalet 2023 are available as of January 10, 2023. Mark that date in your calendar to book your rooms online at the Granite Park Chalet as they go very quickly.

How to snag a last-minute stay at the Granite Park Chalet.

Loop Trail from Granite Park Chalet

The next morning, hike down 4 mile easy going Loop Trail through a burn scar and regrowth area and gorgeous views. Take the shuttle back up to Logan Pass or thumb a ride from a friendly driver.

Before you leave Logan Pass, hike the Hidden Lake Trail all the way to the lake or at least to the overlook. Unfortunately, this trail was closed while were there due to a mama grizzly and cubs in the area.

Glacier’s Free Shuttle Service

Glacier National Park's free shuttle service on the Going-to-the-Sun Road typically operates July 1st through Labor Day, weather permitting. This bus service provides complimentary two-way service along Going-to-the-Sun Road between the Apgar Visitor Center and St. Mary Village.

St. Mary and Virginia Falls

Either on your way to or from Many Glacier, make time for this top hike in Glacier National Park.

From the St. Mary Falls Trailhead off the Going to the Sun Road, you will hike through a burn scar just 1.1 miles to St. Mary Falls. Then, you won’t want to miss hiking further upward to Virginia Falls (see below). All in all, you’ll hike 3.6 miles and it’s worth every turn as this multi-tiered waterfall grows prettier with each step.

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Many Glacier

Next to hiking the Highline Trail to the Granite Park Chalet, Many Glacier was one of our very top favorite areas of Glacier. Next time we’re spending a week here.

With so many fabulous day hikes to lakes and glaciers, as well as opportunities for SUP paddling, wildlife viewing, and serene camping, Many Glacier is the best east Glacier National Park entrance.

Stop at the grand Many Glacier Hotel on Swiftcurrent Lake, before driving a bit further to Many Glacier Campground at the end of the road, just across from the park’s Swiftcurrent Motor Inn (think basic rooms and simple cabins).

Many Glacier vehicle reservation

Required for each vehicle or motorcycle accessing the Many Glacier area from July 1 through September 10, 2023, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. This reservation is good for one day.

A Many Glacier vehicle reservation provides access for one private vehicle or motorcycle to enter the Many Glacier area of the park at the Many Glacier Entrance Station. In addition to a vehicle reservation, a park pass (7-day, annual, or lifetime) is also required at the time of entry.

Camping in Many Glacier

We booked a campsite at Many Glacier Campground — the most outstanding campground in the entire park.

Individual sites at this campground operate on a 6-month rolling basis:

Availability is released from Fri, June 9th 2023 through Thu, September 21st 2023. Select dates for availability.
On March 22, 2023 at 08:00 am MDT, availability will be released through September 22, 2023.

New in 2023, a certain number of sites will be reservable up to 4 days before the desired date at this campground.

Camping in Many Glacier Campground in our rented campervan from Moterra

7 Reasons Why You Should Camp in Many Glacier:

Partial shade for nearly all campsites. Thick vegetation, tall Douglas fir and lodgepole pines and quaking aspen forest.
You’ll have access to several phenomenal day hikes right from the campground.
Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine are close by for fishing, paddling, and boat rides to trailheads
Many Glacier is a more remote, serene campground. Generator-free sites available.
Lots of opportunities to see wildlife. A moose walked right through our site.
Swiftcurrent Inn nearby, providing a restaurant, camp store, gift shop, limited groceries, and coin operated showers.
Potable water is accessible in the campground, and restroom facilities are equipped with flush toilets and sinks with running water.
You could stay here an entire week and enjoy the best of Glacier National Park. People have been camping here annually for 20 years running. What does that tell you?

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SUP Paddling Swiftcurrent Lake

After a long day hike, paddling the Swiftcurrent Lake is a great way to relax a bit and enjoy the scenery.

Enjoy a tranquil nature paddle around Swiftcurrent Lake. If you didn’t bring your own, rent a canoe, single or double kayak or rowboat near the dock.

PRO TIP: All watercraft must be inspected and tagged first upon entry (or re-entry) into Glacier National Park. Go to the Ranger Station just before Many Glacier Campground. Allow 45 minutes or more for the process.

Best Glacier National Park hikes

Many of the best Glacier Hiking Trails leave right from Many Glacier.

Grinnell Lake Trail and Grinnell Glacier Trail are two of them.

We opted to hike to Iceberg Lake and Apikuni Falls, since we saw Grinnell Glacier from 1,000’ above near the Highline Trail.

The Swiftcurrent Pass Trail and the hike to Ptarmigan Tunnel are also popular, longer hikes.

Grinnell Lake Trail and Grinnell Glacier Trail

While you can begin the easy Grinnell Lake Trail (7 miles round trip) and challenging Grinnell Glacier Trail (11 miles round trip) from the trailhead by Many Glacier Hotel, you can pay a small fee to ride the boats across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine to put you further along and shave 4 miles round trip off your hike.

Hike to Iceberg Lake

The 10 mile out-and-back hike to Iceberg Lake from Many Glacier campground came recommended by a campsite neighbor who’s been camping and hiking around Many Glacier for 20 years.

You’ll pass Ptarmigan Falls along the way, where the trail splits off to Ptarmigan Tunnel.

Iceberg Lake Trail also promises stunning vistas, wildflowers in summer, and the emerald lake and glacier view makes a fabulous lunch stop. Triple dog dare you to take 3 dips in the glacial lake!

You’re likely to see lots of wildlife and Grizzly sightings are common. Bring your bear spray and some binoculars.

Apikuni Falls hike

On your way out of Many Glacier, stop at the Apikuni Falls trailhead for a quick, moderate 1.8 out-and-back hike to a 300 foot tall waterfall. Follow Apikuni Creek through lush forest along a rocky path. Talk as you hike and watch out for wildlife.

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*View of Swiftcurrent Creek from Apikuni Falls Trailhead*

Going to the Sun Road

By the end of our East Glacier National Park tour, we drove the Going to the Sun Road. You should definitely drive the entire Sun Road in at least one direction. For many park visitors, this is the park highlight, for some via the historic Red Bus tours.

Vehicle Reservation Required summer 2023

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 vehicle reservations are good for three consecutive days. In addition to a vehicle reservation, a park pass is required to enter the park.

Best Stops on Going to the Sun Road

Becky Lomax, author of our now ragged guidebook, Moon: Glacier National Park is a park expert. These are some of the best all the stops along the way, driving from west to east:

Lake McDonald
McDonald Creek
Trail of the Cedars / Avalanche Creek
West Side Tunnel
The Loop
Bird Woman and Haystack Falls
Oberlin Bend
Logan Pass
Lunch Creek
East Side Tunnel
Siyeh Bend
Jackson Glacier Overlook
St. Mary Falls
Sun Point

Since we focused on the east side of Glacier, we drove the Sun Road in reverse.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Know the Driving Restrictions. Any vehicle over 21 feet long, 10 feet high and 8 feet wide (including mirrors) is restricted from the Going-to-the-Sun-Road.

Your Guide to West Glacier National Park with Kids

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Where to stay in Glacier National Park

There are so many options for where to stay in Glacier National Park. Camping in Glacier, camping just outside of Glacier, vacation cabin rentals from basic to luxurious, or historic lodges in Glacier. Our very favorite: traversing the park in an RV or campervan rental so you can easily stay somewhere new every night.

Let’s break it down for you:

Perks of STaying in a Campervan in Glacier Campsites

If you’re anything like us, you’ll love trekking across Glacier National Park in a campervan.

Sleep where you want, eat what you want, pick up easily and move on to your next location, without having to take down a tent.

Since there were just two of us, we especially loved not having to re-make our bed every night. Had our kids been along, we would have thrown them in tents outside anyway.

While we’ve loved renting a campervan with Outdoorsy before (read our review), this time we rented a Moterra campervan.

Moterra specializes in luxury campervan rentals across the Western United States, offering beautifully built out Mercedes Benz Sprinters with all the amenities you need in a compact 19’ wheelbase. Perfect for driving that Going to the Sun Road!

Moterra includes everything you need for your campervan rental, and even offers free Insiders Guides for all of their destinations, luxury add-ons, activities management, custom itinerary packages and more!

BONUS: Driving a 19’ long Moterra campervan means you can go everywhere a car can go, and you can even park at tent sites in many of the National Parks.

*Many Glacier Campground is a great base for some of the best day hikes in Glacier National Park*

Camping in Glacier

Camping in an RV or campervan is our new favorite way to explore. Here are Glacier campsites where you should aim for camping if that’s your thing.

East of Logan Pass:

Many Glacier - On the east side of Glacier and mentioned above, one of the most popular campgrounds. View wildlife like bighorn sheep, moose, and bears and embark on some of the best day hikes.
Two Medicine - Approximately 13 miles from East Glacier, 100 first-come, first-serve campsites here provide quick access to paddling and hiking in Glacier.
St. Mary Campground - The largest campground on the east side of Glacier National Park and is open year round.
Rising Sun Campground - Located just west of St. Mary and halfway along St. Mary Lake, enjoy beautiful sunrises in the morning with view of Red Eagle and a great base camp for many of the best hikes in Glacier National Park on the east of Logan Pass.

Campground Reservations in Glacier National Park

West of Logan Pass:

Avalanche Campground - Located in one of the most popular sections of Glacier National Park west of the Continental Divide.
Apgar Campground - The largest campground in the park, evening sunsets on Lake McDonald are a huge plus.
Fish Creek Campground - Also near Lake McDonald, sites offer shade and privacy.
Sprague Creek Campground - A small campground located on the northeast shore of Lake McDonald, just off Going-to-the-Sun Road.

There are also private campgrounds outside the park that sell shower service. Download The Dyrt PRO - the Largest Campground Search App that is now available to use offline.

Glacier National Park Lodges

Glacier’s historic lodges are super cool and fun, if you have a lot of disposable income and you plan way ahead and book months in advance. We’re talking a year in advance if you can.

West of Logan Pass

Apgar Village Lodge and Cabins - right on idyllic Lake McDonald, SUP paddle from here.
Lake McDonald Lodge - a century-old lodge located on the southeast shore of Lake McDonald.
Cedar Creek Lodge - the newest lodge, just outside the park in fun Columbia Falls.

East of Logan Pass

Glacier Park Lodge at Two Medicine Entrance - the first hotel built by the Great Northern Railway.
Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins - just a short drive from spectacular St. Mary Lake and wonderful day hikes among soaring mountains.
Many Glacier Lodge - this historic five-story hotel sits romantically on Swiftcurrent Lake with easy access to some of the best Glacier National Park hikes.
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabins - smack in the middle of hiker’s paradise in Many Glacier.

Cabins near Glacier

Not into camping or prefer to stay in one place several nights in a row with a full kitchen and living room?

Check out this lakefront cabin in Glacier National Park right on Lake McDonald, complete with a boat deck and fireplace.

We stayed in this dreamy log cabin in West Glacier our first time visiting there.

Or try for one of the few cabins near St. Mary on the east side.

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What to Pack for Glacier

Besides your normal outdoor adventure gear like sturdy hiking boots, hiking socks, rain gear, sun hoody, sunglasses, hats and warm layers, consider adding the following gear to get the most out of outdoor adventures in Glacier National Park:

Osprey 24L Daypack with 3L water reservoir
Trekking poles - save your knees so you can hike more! My favorite: Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Trekking Poles
Stand Up Paddle boards and life jackets
Binoculars to spy that far off Grizzly
Bear spray - you’ll have to buy it there if you’re flying
Printed reservations for flights and campgrounds
Printed maps of Glacier hikes you plan to take
Cash for last minute campgrounds and firewood on site

Read our April 2023 review of the best inflatable paddle boards out there.

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*What to wear hiking in Glacier National Park*

How to get to Glacier

We flew United Airlines direct from Denver right into Glacier National Airport in Kalispell, then caught a quick Uber to pick up our Moterra Campervan Rental. Easy peasy and makes for quick entrance into Glacier National Park.

You can also fly into Missoula Montana Airport, about 2.5 hours from Glacier.

Of course you can drive, or take the train, which you can even book with Vacations by Rail.

P.S. About LAST MINUTE Stays at Granite Park Chalet

If you’re hiking the Highline Trail and you want to stay at the historic Granite Park Chalet, know that last minute openings created by cancellations are available immediately to the next online request for the opening, although the Chalet does not keep a waiting list.

This is how we scored a one night stay for two. Daily check the Granite Park Chalet calendar, that appears to be updated twice daily.

If you see spots open up on your desired date, quickly fill out the online request form, submit, and cross your fingers that you were the first one “in line” with your request. It helps to be flexible. You will get an email confirmation either congratulating you or telling you better luck next time. Good luck!

Please let us know if you have questions about exploring the east side of Glacier National Park by campervan!

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