Three Amazing Things to do in West Glacier in Spring

We’ve all heard the song “America the Beautiful”, where Katharine Lee Bates writes of “purple mountain majesties“, but until visiting Montana I had always thought those words were more fanciful than literal. In Glacier National Park I watched with awe as the sunset and the rocky mountain tops truly did turn to a brilliant purple, reflecting in the still waters of Lake McDonald. Glacier was the most anticipated location on my National Parks road trip and even after visiting I just want to go back.

It is not hard to see why Glacier is referred to as the “crown of the continent“. If its jagged mountain tops, alpine lakes, and endless wildlife weren’t enough, it also is unique as not only a National Park and world heritage site, but an international peace park. It was actually the first international peace park, as it combines with Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park.

WEST GLACIER VS EAST GLACIER

It is important to know before visiting Glacier, that the park is divided up into two sections– West Glacier, which contains Apgar Village and the stunning Lake McDonald, and East Glacier, which contains Saint Mary Lake and the Many Glacier area and sits at over 1500 feet higher in elevation than West Glacier. 

The two sides are separated by the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. This scenic drive is about 50 miles long and the quickest way between the two areas of Glacier. The road typically opens in late June or early July and closes between September and November and it is a great thing to do in Glacier with kids. 

We visited in early spring and the road was not yet open, so chose West Glacier to make our base to see the magnificent Lake McDonald. I was worried we would be limited by only exploring one part of the park, but I found there was plenty to do even in the spring in West Glacier. 

1. Kayaking Lake McDonald

Lake McDonald is the largest lake in Glacier National Park. Formed from glaciers, it is known for its beautiful mountain reflections and brightly colored rocks. While you can experience the lake from the beach, the best way is to get out in the water itself. 

Apgar Rentals, located in Apgar Village is easy to get to and has options to rent a variety of boats including kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and motorboats. It’s hard to find a better way to start your morning, than with a relaxing paddle across the smooth waters of Lake McDonald.

After your kayak ride, you can stop by for lunch or just ice cream at Eddie’s Cafe. If you do decide to get a meal, I highly recommend their huckleberry cobbler for dessert! There are also a variety of gift shops in Apgar to buy your Glacier mementos.

2. Biking Going-to-the-Sun Road

One benefit to visiting Glacier before Going-to-the-Sun Road is open is that you can bike up the plowed portion without worrying about sharing the road with cars. This was my favorite thing we did in Glacier!

There are many places to stop and take in the mountain views on this drive, and if you are lucky you may see mountain goats, deer, or even bears from a distance in the valleys and mountainsides. Whether or not you bike all the way to Logan’s Pass, you are sure to see some amazing views.

You can bring your bike or rent one and a bike rack from Glacier Outfitters in Apgar Village. In June, we were able to park at Avalanche Campground then bike up past the barriers preventing cars from passing. Depending on the time of year you are visiting more or less of the road may be plowed so be sure to check on the National Park’s site to check for road conditions.

3. Hiking in Glacier National Park

Of course, the most common thing to do in Glacier (or any) National Park is to hike. Glacier is well known for its amazing hikes, and there is no shortage of them even in the spring. See below for a few amazing hikes in West Glacier and East Glacier. Included is the max elevation to help you plan for snow. 

HIKES IN WEST GLACIER

• Avalanche Lake– At 6.7 miles, this moderate hike will take you up 757 feet to a pristine alpine lake where you can watch several waterfalls pour down. This trail stays below 4000 ft of elevation, so in early June was free of snow. 
• McDonald Creek Trail– this is an easy 5.6-mile trail that leads you along McDonald Creek, just up the road from Lake McDonald Lodge. Check that the road to the parking lot is open or expect an additional mile to your hike. This trail stays below 3500 feet. 
• Apgar Lookout– This is a difficult 7.1-mile hike up 1,860 feet of elevation to the highest point of 5,304 feet. The end of this trail leads you to a lookout over Lake McDonald.

HIKES IN EAST GLACIER

• St Mary and Virginia Falls Trails– This is an easy 3-mile trail that will take you to two waterfalls with a max elevation of 4,875 feet. 
• Saint Mary Lake Trail– If you are up for a more difficult hike you can hike past St Mary and Virginia Falls and hike further along Saint Mary Lake. This is a moderate hike with a max elevation of 4,878 feet, and totals around 24 miles if you choose to hike the whole trail.
• Sun Point Nature Trail– This easy 1.7-mile trail is perfect if you want great views without a difficult hike. This connects to Saint Mary Lake Trail, but only has 213 feet of elevation gain.  

Where to Stay in West Glacier

If you can, I would recommend staying within the park. There are few things better than waking up steps from an alpine lake, and this makes it easier to view sunset or sunrise as well. Below are the lodging and camping options inside Glacier near Lake McDonald. There are additional campgrounds and hotels in the nearby town of West Glacier or further out towns. 

The campground opening dates listed below may change but were taken from the National Parks Service site. Please check individual campgrounds you are interested in as they may change year by year.

LODGING

• Lake McDonald Lodge– Lake McDonald Lodge is a historic lodge with both hotel style and cabin rooms. It will offer amazing views over Lake McDonald.
• Village Inn at Apgar– This inn has adorable 1950s charm, and lake views from every room, located in Apgar Village.
• Apgar Village Lodge– Located in Apgar Village, they offer private cabins and motel rooms for a range of prices. 
• Motel Lake McDonald– Located near Lake McDonald Lodge, this motel has a great location with more modest accommodations. 

CAMPING

• Fish Creek Campground– Fish Creek is the only campground on the West Side of the park that allows reservations. It opens on June 1st. 
• Apgar– First come, first served, opens May 1, primitive camping from April 1- May 1
• Avalanche– First come, first served, opens June 19, access to Avalanche Lake Trail
• Sprague Creek– First come, first served, opens May 8, access to Lake McDonald
• Bowman Lake– First come, first served, opens May 21
• Kintla Lake– First come, first served, opens June 11th, primitive camping from May 20 -June 11
• Quartz Creek and Logging Creek– First come, first served, opens July 1, primitive camping

When to Visit Glacier National Park

Spring can be a great time to visit Glacier, as many areas will be clear of snow, and you can experience the park with fewer crowds. There is something truly special about visiting a National Park when it is uncrowded and serene.

That being said, if you can only visit Glacier once, or want to experience it in all its glory, I would recommend visiting later in the year when Going-to-the-Sun is open and snow has melted from its higher trails. As a hiker, I felt I missed out by not being able to hike some of Glacier’s most famous trails, and will be planning a return trip some summer.

TIPS FOR VISITING GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

•  Leave No Trace– This applies to any outdoor area, but National Parks, in particular, tend to get treated more like theme parks than protected nature areas. Stay on the path and throw away your trash!
• Respect the Wildlife- Glacier is grizzly bear country. If you are camping store your food properly. When you are hiking, carry bear spray (you can rent it from Glacier Outfitters), make noise and hike in groups to make bears aware of your presence, and if you see a bear, react properly. Make sure to read Glacier’s Bear Safety.
• Check for Snow– When planning your hikes, read recent reviews that can indicate if snow is present or microspikes are needed. Likewise, check Glacier’s road status
• Be Flexible– If more trails had been open, I doubt I would have biked or kayaked, but those were some of my favorite memories from Glacier! If snow or weather impacts your plans, stay positive and explore the park in a different way. 

GLACIER PACKING LIST

Below see some recommendations for what to pack for Glacier. Keep in mind the weather is highly unpredictable in the mountains, and even in spring, it can get chilly at altitude!

• Bear Spray
• Rain Jacket
• Down Coat
• Moisture Wicking Shirts
• Water Bottle
• First Aid Kit
• Sunscreen

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• Hiking Pants or Leggings
• Waterproof Boots
• Thick Socks
• High Calorie Snacks
• Hat & Gloves
• Lip Balm

SAVE IT FOR LATER