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Steps from Glacier National Park’s west entrance, West Glacier—a stop on Amtrak’s Empire Builder line—flurries with activity. Restaurants, souvenir shops, and outfitters congregate here on the banks of the Flathead River, right off the park’s ultra-scenic main drag, Going-to-the-Sun Road. A plethora of accommodations and things to do can be found in this area of the park, from hunting for huckleberry ice cream and hiking along Lake McDonald, to attending ranger programs at the Apgar Visitor Center. From here, access to all the park has to offer is a cinch.
June through mid-September is when you want to visit West Glacier and Glacier National Park. In this season, Going-to-the-Sun Road is reliably open to vehicles, services are available, and the weather’s nothing short of fantastic for hiking, rafting, and more. However, West Glacier is the place to be in the off-season for winter sports—the road from town to Lake McDonald Lodge is usually open year-round.
While you’ll likely want a car to travel through West Glacier and Glacier National Park at your leisure, you could manage it without one: Take Amtrak’s Empire Builder to West Glacier, utilize Xanterra’s shuttle into the park (fee-based; reservations required), or spend your time around the West Glacier area, where many tour operators are based. Technically, you can even walk into the park.
While Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed to vehicles until the 50-mile route is fully plowed around late June, it’s open to hikers and bikers as early as April. Rent a bike (or e-bike!) in West Glacier, and hit one of the world’s most scenic drags—while it’s empty and serene—on two wheels. Biking the whole thing is a two-day task, but you can aim for a day’s pedal between Avalanche Trailhead and Logan Pass.
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Known as the entrance to Glacier National Park on its west side, West Glacier is a gateway to some of Montana’s most epic scenery. West Glacier is home to a range of visitor services including hotels, gift shops, and cafés. Things to do near West Glacier include hiking, rafting, and biking.
...MoreYou'll want at least two days in West Glacier. Many people choose to stay for up to seven days or longer, or split time between West Glacier and East Glacier. This gateway to Glacier National Park in Montana is a popular launching point for hiking, biking, river rafting, and more.
...MoreJune is the best month to visit West Glacier. The popular season at Glacier National Park is from June through mid-Sep., with the early part of the season being the least crowded. Many people come here to drive the Going to the Sun Road, hike, fish, and raft.
...MorePass through West Glacier on your way to Glacier National Park. Inside the park, you'll have a long list of hiking trails to explore. The most popular thing to do in Glacier National Park is to experience Going to the Sun Road, known for its epic mountain views.
...MoreYes, you can visit West Glacier without a reservation, but to enter Glacier National Park, a reservation is required for most hours of the day. Check the Glacier National Park website for the latest up-to-date information on reservations and things to do, including driving the Going to the Sun Road.
...MoreWest Glacier is a gateway to Glacier National Park, one of Montana’s top natural attractions. Within the park, the Going to the Sun Road is one of the top attractions, along with several other hiking and biking trails. Popular things to do include rafting, fishing, and taking nature photography.
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