GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

Overview
Glacier National Park holds a near-intact collection of native animals and plants – everything from grizzly bears and lynx, to whitebark pine and Ice Age wildflowers. Explore this stunning wonderland in the company of knowledgeable naturalist guides, who can fill you in on the ecological relationships, tell you stories of early conservationists, and identify that track, flower, or bird.

The trip keeps you in the park for the duration of the journey, so there’s plenty of time to immerse in this incredible mountain kingdom. You’ll travel through breathtaking valleys and mountains, and hike along picture-perfect alpine trails with spectacular views. In fact, jaw-dropping views are the bread-and-butter of this trip! Keep your camera handy – the drive over Going-to-the-Sun Road is especially unforgettable, with its hairpin turns and astonishing vistas.

Boat rides add a nice complement to your trail time. Thrill to a fun, half-day Class II-III float on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, and enjoy boat rides across Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes to get to the Grinnell Glacier trailhead.

Stays at Lake McDonald Lodge and Many Glacier Hotel add a very special element. Both are historic, classic national park hotels, set on pristine lakes and surrounded by dazzling mountain views. If you’re pining for mountains, this is your trip!

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Itinerary

DAY 1: WHITEFISH, MT

Meet your guide and fellow travelers in Whitefish for a welcome dinner.

DAY 2: FLATHEAD RIVER / LAKE MCDONALD LODGE

Kick off the adventure with a half-day float on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Class II-III rapids make it fun and splashy. When we come off the river, we’ll head to historic Lake McDonald Lodge.

DAY 3: GOING-TO-THE-SUN ROAD / LOGAN PASS

Today we drive up the Going-to-the-Sun Road - “up” being the operative word there. The road runs through the heart of the park, connecting the east and west boundaries and crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass (6,646 feet). Our guided hiking options at the pass will be the Highline Trail or Hidden Lake.

DAY 4: GOING-TO-THE-SUN ROAD TO MANY GLACIER

You have another chance this morning to try to absorb the jaw-dropping views on the Going-to-the-Sun Road as we drive over to the east side of the park. We arrive at the historic and wildly scenic Many Glacier Hotel in the afternoon. This historic hotel is on Swiftcurrent Lake, which is set like a punchbowl in its mountain surroundings.

DAY 5: MANY GLACIER AREA

Watch the rugged mountains of Glacier light up with the rising sun as you prepare for a terrific day! The fun begins with boat rides across Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes, followed by a hike to your choice of Grinnell Lake or a longer option to Grinnell Glacier.

DAY 6: MANY GLACIER AREA

Guide’s choice hiking this morning, based on the group’s interests and energy levels. Easy and moderate hikes abound to waterfalls, lakes, and viewpoints. Afternoon options include short walks from the lodge, wildlife viewing from spotting scopes on the hotel’s porch, or a tour of the historic hotel. Tonight we celebrate this memory-making trip and vow to return!

DAY 7: WHITEFISH FOR DEPARTURES HOME

Linger over breakfast this morning, soaking in the last mountain views across Swiftcurrent Lake. Then say “so long” to Glacier National Park and return to Whitefish or Kalispell for afternoon flights home.

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