Glacier National Park
Firsthand hiking guides and practical logistics for an active Glacier trip, including the things we would do differently.
Plan around the hiking
We spent most of our time on the east side, added Lake McDonald for the west-side experience, and learned quickly that parking and driving can shape the day as much as mileage.
5 Days in Glacier National Park
A realistic active itinerary with one west-side night, Logan Pass and an east-side hiking base.
How to Plan Your Glacier Hiking Trip
Where to stay, how to divide east and west, Logan Pass logistics and why geography matters.
Where We Stayed in Glacier
Many Glacier Hotel, Lake McDonald Lodge and the booking trick that got us three nights.
Grinnell Glacier
Our best bang-for-your-buck hike in Many Glacier.
Dawson-Pitamakan Loop
The full-day hike we chose over doing all of Highline.
Highline Trail in 3 Hours
Our shorter strategy: get the classic Highline views in about 2½ hours without making the shuttle logistics a full-day project.
Hidden Lake Overlook
Crowded, accessible and still absolutely worth doing at Logan Pass.
Avalanche Lake
A beautiful west-side hike that we liked much better later in the day.
Ptarmigan Tunnel + Iceberg Lake
Two very different Many Glacier hikes that strong hikers can stack.