Glacier National Park North Fork Self-Guided Audio Tour

West Glacier , United States

Glacier National Park North Fork Self-Guided Audio Tour

Active

4h - 5h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Craving a wild escape? Glacier’s North Fork is your rugged retreat! Think serene lakes, epic mountain views, and more wildlife than you can count. Our audio tour guides you through Polebridge’s quirky charm, Bowman Lake’s peaceful shores, and the park’s untamed beauty. With stories of park history, ecology, and conservation, you’ll feel like an expert adventurer. Download, plug in, and explore Glacier’s remote wonderland—no crowds, just nature vibes!

*Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

Available options

Glacier National Park North Fork Self-Guided Audio Tour

What's included

Tours NEVER expire

Freedom to explore at your own pace

Offline map (no wifi or data needed)

Turn-by-turn directions using GPS

Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music

Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive

Detailed itinerary

The Forest and Fire Nature Trail is a 1.5-mile round-trip interpretive walk that showcases the park's dynamic relationship with wildfire through a series of recovering burn zones, rated as easy with minimal elevation gain. The trail meanders through areas impacted by the 2003 Robert Fire, allowing visitors to observe forest regeneration stages including young lodgepole pines, pioneer species like fireweed, and patches of surviving old-growth forest.

The historic Polebridge Mercantile, established in 1914, stands as a rustic landmark in Glacier National Park's remote North Fork region, famous for its freshly baked huckleberry bearclaws and other pastries made daily in the century-old building's original ovens

The Polebridge Ranger Station Historic District is located in the northwestern part of Glacier National Park.

It includes historic buildings, such as the ranger station and a nearby barn, dating back to the early 1900s.

This peaceful spot offers a unique look at the park’s history, with beautiful mountain views and nearby access to hiking trails.

The area is also a great place to learn about early conservation efforts in the park.

Bowman Lake offers diverse hiking options in the North Fork. Akokala Lake is a 5.8-mile hike to a glacial cirque, while the 7.1-mile Bowman Lake Head Trail features serene lake views. For shorter hikes, try the 1.5-mile Covey Meadow or the 1.2-mile Hidden Meadow trails. For a challenge, Numa Lookout's 5.6-mile hike rewards with stunning vistas.

The Kintla Lake Head trail is a 6.6-mile out-and-back hike through rolling hills, starting 0.25 miles west of the Kintla Lake Campground. This trail provides access to the serene northern end of the pristine Kintla Lake, surrounded by towering peaks.

What's not included

Private transportation

Meals & Refreshments

Entrance Fees

Parking Fees

Available languages

Audio guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Get Started Easily: • Book Your Tour: Receive a confirmation and easy instructions via email. • Download the App: Follow the simple steps in your email. • Redeem the Tour: Use the redeem code in your email to redeem the tour in the app. • Prepare Ahead: Download the tour using strong Wi-Fi.

Begin Your Journey: • Select Your Tour: Go to the My Stuff tab in the Shaka Guide app to launch the tour. • Start the Tour: Select the tour starting point and follow the GPS instructions. • Follow Shaka Guide: Stick to the suggested route and speed for the best experience.

Why Choose Our Audio Tour: • Cost-Efficient: One tour for the entire vehicle—no per-person fees! • Ultimate Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume on your schedule. • Convenience: Use the tour any day, over multiple days if needed.

Top Features: • Hands-Free: The tour works automatically - GPS-activated stories, directions, and music play as you drive for a seamless experience. • Works Offline: No need for continuous wifi or data. • Reliable Support: Get help via call, chat, or email.

Private and Personalized: • Crowd-Free: Enjoy a private tour with just your group. • Customizable Stops: Pick the stops you want and skip the ones you don’t!

The Ultimate Guided Tour: • Detailed Itinerary: Includes travel tips and recommendations. • Engaging Narration: Captivating stories and history.

What Our Users Say: • “A fantastic way to explore! Easy to use and very informative.” • “Loved the flexibility to stop and go as we pleased. Highly recommend!”

Meeting point

Just north of the gate check just outside of Apgar.

Important notes

HOW TO REDEEM YOUR TOUR:

Thank you for purchasing the North Fork Tour.

Before you start your adventure, you'll need to redeem and download the tour in the Shaka Guide app. Follow the instructions below:

*Please Note: The redeem code is the 10-digit booking reference number on your ticket (located under the barcode).

1. Download the Shaka Guide App in the App Store or Google Play Store (or use the link at the bottom of this email)
2. Open the app and go to the support tab
3. Click Account Settings
4. Click Retrieve Purchases
5. Select Use Redeem Code (the 10-digit booking reference number on your ticket, located under the barcode)
6. Sign up with your email ID
7. Enter the redeem code shared above in the message.

Once you've redeemed your tour, you'll find it under "My Stuff" in the app.

For a smooth ride, download the tour with wifi before you go.

We can't wait for you to explore with Shaka Guide!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to aloha@shakaguide.com or call (808) 201-8138

DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE: www.shakaguide.com/download

About West Glacier

West Glacier, Montana, is a small, picturesque community that serves as the primary entrance to the stunning Glacier National Park. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, this area offers a gateway to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the United States, including glacier-carved valleys, pristine lakes, and rugged mountains. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Top Attractions

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning landscapes, including glacier-carved valleys, pristine lakes, and rugged mountains. It offers a vast network of hiking trails, scenic drives, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Nature Multiple days recommended Free entry with America the Beautiful Pass, otherwise $35 per vehicle

Going-to-the-Sun Road

This iconic road stretches 50 miles across Glacier National Park, offering breathtaking views of the park's landscapes. It's a must-see for visitors and is particularly stunning in the summer when wildflowers are in bloom.

Scenic Drive 2-4 hours for a scenic drive Included with park entry fee

Lake McDonald

Lake McDonald is the largest lake in Glacier National Park, known for its stunning turquoise waters and surrounding mountain scenery. It's a popular spot for hiking, boating, and picnicking.

Natural Wonder 1-2 hours for a visit Included with park entry fee

Many Glacier

Many Glacier is one of the most scenic and popular areas of Glacier National Park, known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. It offers a variety of hiking trails, boat tours, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Nature Full day recommended Included with park entry fee

Apgar Village

Apgar Village is a historic area within Glacier National Park, offering a glimpse into the park's past with its rustic buildings, museums, and visitor center. It's a great place to start your exploration of the park.

Historical 1-2 hours for a visit Included with park entry fee

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bison Burger

A juicy burger made from locally sourced bison meat, often served with toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomato, and special sauces.

Lunch/Dinner Gluten-free and low-fat options available

Huckleberry Pie

A sweet and tangy pie made with huckleberries, a local wild berry that grows abundantly in the region.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy

Fresh Trout

Freshly caught trout, often grilled or fried, and served with seasonal vegetables and potatoes.

Dinner Gluten-free and low-carb options available

Popular Activities

Hiking Rock climbing Mountain biking Whitewater rafting Picnicking Wildlife viewing Scenic drives Fishing

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the best time to visit West Glacier due to the warm weather and full access to all park facilities and trails. The days are long, and the weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for hiking, camping, and exploring the national park.

15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-7 (Mountain Standard Time, MST), GMT-6 (Mountain Daylight Time, MDT) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some potential hazards and challenges due to the remote and natural environment.

West Glacier and the surrounding area are generally safe, with low crime rates and a strong focus on outdoor recreation and nature. However, visitors should be aware of potential hazards and challenges, such as wildlife encounters, variable weather conditions, and limited medical facilities.

Important Precautions:

• Carry bear spray and know how to use it
• Stay on designated trails and paths
• Be aware of wildlife and maintain a safe distance

Getting there

By air

Glacier Park International Airport • 25 miles (40 km) from West Glacier

By train

West Glacier Amtrak Station

By bus

Kalispell Transit Center

Getting around

Public transport

Shuttle services are available within Glacier National Park and connect to nearby towns. They are especially useful during peak season when parking is limited.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

West Glacier

Day trips

Waterton Lakes National Park

30 miles (48 km) • Full day recommended

Waterton Lakes National Park, located in Alberta, Canada, is a stunning park known for its rugged landscapes, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife. It's a great destination for hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.

Whitefish

30 miles (48 km) • Half day to full day

Whitefish is a charming town known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as its proximity to outdoor recreation opportunities. It's a great destination for shopping, dining, and exploring local attractions.

Flathead Lake

50 miles (80 km) • Full day recommended

Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake by surface area west of the Mississippi River. It's a popular destination for boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking.

Festivals

Glacier National Park's 111th Birthday Celebration • May 11th Whitefish Winter Carnival • February (dates vary)

Pro tips

Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds at popular attractions and trailheads
Carry bear spray and know how to use it when hiking or exploring the park
Stay on designated trails and paths to protect the environment and ensure your safety
Check weather conditions and road closures before venturing out, as they can change rapidly
Pack layers and be prepared for variable weather conditions, even in the summer