West Glacier is a small town of 174 people at the west entrance to Glacier National Park. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in hospitality. Staying and playing in West Glacier is a perfect compliment to visiting one of America’s most spectacular National Parks.
You’ll drive through West Glacier on your way into the park, so it’s worth knowing what to do in West Glacier, whether staying for the night or just picking up a jar of huckleberry jam for home.
Stay at the West Glacier Cabins
Photo Credit: Ed Coleman.
The West Glacier Cabins are a classic Montana experience located on the doorstep of Glacier National Park. They’re full-service cabins with modern amenities and room to sleep four comfortably. What I loved about staying there was the spacious kitchen and deck and easy access to the Flathead River.
Hike West Glacier
Photo Credit: Ed Coleman.
Hiking in West Glacier means traversing up and down the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Two small trails run 1/4 mile from the West Glacier Cabins to the main drag of West Glacier. The paved trail runs on the south side of River Ave, and an unpaved trail runs along the river on the north side of the road.
On the other side of the river, you can take the Apgar Bike Trail to the South Boundary Trail for 20+ miles of hiking.
Enjoy a Stay and Cycle Package
Photo Credit: Brian Schott.
What’s better than driving the epic Going-to-the-Sun Road? How about biking it car-free? This iconic road is closed to vehicle traffic every spring but open to bikers. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to have this 50-mile road practically to yourself or, with the route’s growing popularity, at least car-free.
Starting in May, road crews clear snow up to Logan Pass. As the season progresses, cyclists can travel farther and farther up the mountain. By mid-to-late June, you can usually travel from Avalanche Creek all the way to Logan Pass. Even if you only make it to the hairpin, you’ll see awe-inspiring views of majestic glaciers, scenic valleys, cascading waterfalls, and towering mountains. Don’t worry if you’re not a cyclist; e-bikes make this trip accessible to almost anyone.
Raft with Glacier Raft Company
Photo Credit: Ed Coleman.
The Middle Fork of the Flathead River was one of the nation’s first wild and scenic rivers. Trips range from easy 1/2 affairs to epic three-day adventures. It’s hard to say what’s better, having your guides fix a hot meal along the river or running the Class III whitewater rapids of John Stevens Canyon. With a full-day trip, you get both and a chance to see the peaks of Glacier from a different view.
Pro-Tip – If you are looking for big water and sparse crowds, spring (after Mothers Day) is the hot ticket!
Dine at the Belton Chalet
Photo Credit: Ed Coleman.
The century-old Belton Chalet has been welcoming guests before the park ever opened. If you think a coffee-rubbed petite filet, steelhead trout with lemon-caper sauce, or Pappardelle with a cream sauce made from local mushrooms sounds good now, imagine how good it would taste after a full day of hiking.
Devour a Slice at Glacier National Pizza Company
Photo Credit: Ed Coleman.
Maybe you don’t want to wait for a sit-down meal, or you’re sweaty enough from your adventures that you’d rather eat outside. No worries, Glacier National Pizza Company has you covered, whether you’re ordering by the slide or customizing your own 16″ pizza. Of course, you can wash it all down with a local Montana microbrew.
Drinks at Freda’s
Photo Credit: Ed Coleman.
Freda’s has been a West Glacier tradition since 1951. You can get your big sky on with a double bison smash burger or elk sausage and pair it with a huckleberry margarita or huckleberry spiked lemonade from their full bar. Here’s a game changer: Freda’s has a full-service espresso bar for a little pick-me-up on your way into the park.
Play a Round at Golfing to the Sun Mini Golf
Photo Credit: Ed Coleman.
Life was hard before Mr. Rogers and everybody getting a participation trophy. Golfing to the Sun preserves the nostalgic good times with a cast of goofy characters and Glacier trivia. Don’t forget to be silly and agree on your stroke limit before you start because this course is challenging enough for adults but still entertaining for kids.
Maybe your participation trophy can be a double scoop of huckleberry ice cream from the attached creamery. If you putt a hole-in-one on bonus hole #19, you’ll win a free huckleberry sundae. Otherwise, our family rules were that the lowest score buys ice cream for everyone!
Huckleberry Hut
Photo Credit: Ed Coleman.
We have another family rule. You can’t leave Glacier without getting something huckleberry. That’s where the Huckleberry Hut comes in. You might not know what you’re looking for when you walk in, but they will surely have something you’ll want to take home with you. Don’t worry; you can substitute fudge for huckleberry. You have our permission…wink!
Wrapping Up Things to Do in West Glacier
Photo Credit: Ed Coleman.
More than a million people visit Glacier National Park every year, two-thirds of them through West Glacier. If you’ve ever wanted a hot slice of pizza or cold ice cream after a day of hiking, West Glacier could be for you. If you want to wake up at the front door of one of America’s premier National Parks or eat a fresh bison burger before rafting class III rapids, West Glacier is calling you. The question isn’t whether you must go, but when.