Glacier National Park is simply magnificent. We have hauled our camper out to Montana the last two summers and are going back for the third year in a row this year. There is something magical about Glacier that I can’t describe. Last year when we arrived, my husband and I both looked at each other and said it feels like we were home. It is 100% worth bringing your kids to Glacier National Park. We have only explored the west side of GNP, but this coming summer we are also venturing out to the east side. After spending the last two summers exploring west glacier, here are my top recommendations for adventuring with kiddos!
LAKE MCDONALD
Have you ever seen the images of the beautiful colored rocks on the shore of a crystal clear lake with jaw dropping mountains in the background? Chances are that was a picture of Lake McDonald.
Lake days are the best days in Glacier. There is nothing better than wading around in the water, skipping rocks and breathing in the fresh mountain air. There are a million different ways to access the lake. Simply pull off on the side of the road and find a secluded spot or follow the signs to one of the parking lots with lake access. These areas do tend to be more crowded though.
We love bringing our Oru Kayak to the Lake. It gives you a whole different experience to witness the picturesque mountains from the water. If you do bring your own kayak, make sure you stop at the boat checkpoint before you depart.
GOING TO THE SUN ROAD
This is a no brainer when visiting Glacier National Park. It is one of the most scenic routes in the US and worth the spiraling drive up the mountain. That being said, my daughter and I both suffer with motion sickness so if you are like us make sure you pack some dramamine for the ride. Be on the lookout for bears and big horn sheep along the way! And remember, always keep your distance from wildlife!
IMPORTANT TIP: It is now required that you obtain a vehicle reservation in advance in order to be granted access into the park. In addition to this, you need to obtain a park pass at the entrance as well. Getting the vehicle reservation is a bit trickier however. Visit this website to attempt to get your reservation. Reservations open at 8am and if you get one you’ll be able to get into the park the following day. Don’t worry if you don’t snag a reservation, you can still enter the park before 6am or after 3pm.
LOGAN PASS-HIDDEN LAKE OVERLOOK HIKE
Continuing on the way up the Going to the Sun Road is the Logan Pass Visitor Center. This is a great stopping point and for us, usually our end point. My kids aren’t big fans of the car so we have yet to continue on but I truly don’t feel like we have missed out at all. You still get plenty of scenic views and wildlife sighting up to this point. When I have researched this area I typically find advice to come early in the morning to be guaranteed a parking spot; however, the last two years we have gone in the afternoon and there has been plenty of parking.
If you are up for it, you can hike to the Hidden Lake Overlook. It is about a 2.7 mile round trip hike through meadows with mountains as the backdrop. You might even get lucky and see the wildflowers in bloom. Be warned: there are a good amount of stairs and a decent elevation gain so wear appropriate hiking gear.
Funny enough, we have tried this hike the last two years and still haven’t made it to the overlook. Our goal this year is to finally make it all the way so I’ll let ya know later this summer if that actually happens! The first year, my kiddos didn’t have the appropriate hiking shoes and were slipping around too much. The second year, my daughter got strep throat and was too sick to hike. Regardless, it was still enjoyable and worth the drive up to Logan Pass.
Tip: BRING A JACKET! The temperatures drop quite a bit in these elevations. Don’t be like me and forget jackets the first time you drive up. Whoops. Ever since that incident, I got in the habit of keeping extra jackets in our truck for those “just in case” moments.
TRAIL OF THE CEDARS TO AVALANCHE LAKE
Are you looking for an easier hike? Trail of the Cedars is the perfect easy hike for young kids. It is a 1 mile loop through the forest with a small waterfall stop along the way. It is even stroller friendly! My kids like finding all the signs on the path that tell you about the trees. Education and exercise all in one!
The first year we only did the Trail of the Cedars Loop. The second year we decided to be more adventurous and continue on to Avalanche Lake.
The hike to Avalanche Lake is a 5.9 mile out and back hike. You will see the sign to continue up steep stone steps around the halfway point on the trail of the cedars. It was a little long with 3 young kids, but also completely doable if your kids are used to hiking. I would definitely invest in proper hiking boots for them to avoid slipping on the rocks.
My kids love bringing their bear bells to shake while hiking. We’ve yet to see a bear, but my kids are so dang loud I am not surprised. We even found wild raspberries along the way. Since we are in bear country, I don’t bring tons of snacks with us like I do back home so this was a nice little find. Wild raspberries are nature’s candy and a sweet little treat for my forever hungry children.
After your kids ask you how much further about a hundred times, you are finally rewarded with a crystal clear lake that looks straight out of a fairytale. You’ll be blessed with a mountain backdrop with waterfalls streaming down. The nearly 6-mile hike was worth every second to arrive at this destination.
ROCKY POINT NATURE TRAIL
Rocky Point Nature Trail is a beautiful hike that is non-strenuous and kid friendly. It is a 1.9 mile hike that is a little more secluded. Remember to bring your bear spray! This hike begins by North Fork Road near the Fish Creek Campground. Stroll through the forest and you’ll end up at a secluded part of Lake McDonald where you’ll find clear water and colorful rocks.
POLEBRIDGE & BOWMAN LAKE
Want to escape the crowds at Lake McDonald? Drive about an hour north to the quaint little town of Polebridge and then continue on to Bowman Lake. Make sure you stop at Polebridge Mercantile and Bakery before you relax at the lake for the day. Do yourself a favor and grab a huckleberry bear claw, or 2! Follow the gravel road to the lake where you can relax without the crowds and soak in the fresh mountain air.
Bowman Lake was the perfect place for the kids to play in the water, enjoy fresh huckleberries, go kayaking and fishing. It is a bit of a drive (and an extremely bumpy one at that) but completely worth it!
EDDIE’S ICE CREAM IN APGAR VILLAGE
Did someone say huckleberry ice cream? This is an absolute must while visiting West Glacier! Eddie’s is family run and operated- and in my personal opinion has the best huckleberry ice cream. There is nothing more refreshing than stopping by for ice cream after a long day hiking in the national park. We may have bribed the kids into finishing the longer hikes with promised ice cream at the finish line. Hey, you gotta do what ya gotta do!
There are also many shops nearby where you can pop in a grab some fun souvenirs.
SCENIC FLOATS & WHITEWATER RAFTING
Glacier Raft Company has many rafting adventures to choose from for all ages. The first year we opted for the Half Day Scenic Float. If you have younger kiddos, this is a great option for your family. The second year we visited, I took my older daughter on a white water rafting trip. It was the highlight of the trip for her and we plan to go again this year! Whether you opt for the scenic float or adventure on the rapids, you’ll be in awe floating down the Flathead River. The water is insanely clear with portions being a turquoise blue. Go for a dip at your own risk- it is freezing!
GOLFING TO THE SUN
Before you enter the national park, you’ll be bombarded with tourist traps…including Golfing to the Sun Mini Golf. Across the road you’ll find a bar and restaurant with delicious huckleberry mules. Go grab yourself one then let the kids play mini golf. If you get a hole in one on the last hole, you earn yourself a free ice cream!
WEST GLACIER KOA
If you are staying in West Glacier with kids, West Glacier KOA is the place to stay. HANDS DOWN. It is more of a luxury campground resort that has everything you could ever imagine rather than roughing it in the woods. First of all, it is incredibly landscaped and beautiful everywhere you look. Strawberry Mountain makes for a gorgeous backdrop. Secondly, it is overflowing with endless activities for kids. They host nightly events such as magic shows, bird shows with a local wildlife rescue, tie-dye shirts and more! In addition to this, they have a brand new playground, gaga ball, soccer fields, swimming pools and a nature trail perfect for bike riding. They also have a restaurant and ice cream shop!
Our favorite thing to do in the evenings after the kids activities is heading over to the BearStream, grabbing a craft cocktail and listening to live music while the kids dance and meet other adventuring families.
Honestly, I could go on and on about West Glacier KOA. Dedicated blog post on this one-of-a-kind campground coming soon!
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