West Glacier , United States

Nature Walk in Glacier National Park

Active

(93 reviews)

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

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Meet at Glacier Guides & Montana Raft at 9:30am to meet your guide and go over a brief orientation. Once in Glacier, you'll get to explore Glacier's natural wonders on a guided adventure! Start with a 1-mile round trip walk through Lake McDonald Valley, admiring its glaciated beauty and resident wildlife. Then, venture to the North Fork Valley with scenic stops en route. Take another 1-mile round trip walk along the Wild and Scenic North Fork of the Flathead River, learning about the environment and its history.

This engaging nature walk is easy, offering captivating insights. After the walk, return to the Glacier Guides and Montana Raft office in the early afternoon, benefiting from your knowledgeable guide's expertise. Typically, the tour concludes around 1:30 PM.

Available options

Nature Walk in Glacier National Park

What's included

Van Transport

Hiking Poles

Vehicle Reservation to Glacier National Park

Snacks

Guide with Wilderness First Aid and Bear Management Training

Detailed itinerary

This easy half day trip in Glacier is the perfect introduction to the park. You’ll learn about Leave No Trace outdoor ethics, forest fire science, history of early settlers, and river ecology, while enjoying the views along two different, short trails.

What's not included

Day Pack

Rain Coat/Fleece/Warm Layers

Gratuities

Glacier National Park

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

20 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

73 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Look for the Glacier Guides and Montana Raft sign and a blue raft on top of a blue bus between mile markers 151 and 152. If you’re arriving from Columbia Falls or beyond, we are on the left. If arriving from West Glacier, we are 1.5 miles, towards Kalispell, on the right.

Important notes

Please be sure to purchase a Glacier National Park Pass prior to your nature walk

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