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Glacier National Park Hiking Adventure

Tucked into northern Montana among the dramatic Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park is renowned for its endless beauty, abundant wildlife, and spectacular hiking trails. On this 6-day adventure, explore iconic trails with expert local guides, from the Iceberg Lake Trail and Grinnell Lake to Hidden Lake Overlook. Along the way, traverse the world-renowned Going-to-the-Sun Road, hike past alpine lakes and waterfalls, raft the scenic Flathead River, and settle into the rhythm of Montana's wild mountain landscapes.

Start - End: Whitefish - Whitefish

Total trip: 6 days

Average group size: 12 people

Level: 3

from NZD 9,299/pp including taxes and fees

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Turquoise lakes, alpine trails, and unforgettable hiking in Glacier National Park are yours to explore.

This Glacier National Park hiking trip invites you to discover one of the most spectacular Montana national parks on foot. Begin in the lively mountain town of Whitefish before making your way into Glacier’s eastern valleys, where Two Medicine Lake, Many Glacier, and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road reveal the park’s breathtaking scale and beauty.

By day, follow some of the best hikes in Glacier National Park past rushing waterfalls, alpine meadows, forested valleys, and iconic lakes, including Iceberg Lake, Swiftcurrent Lake, Lake Josephine, and Grinnell Lake. Cruise across Two Medicine Lake aboard a historic wooden boat, hike to Twin Falls, wander beneath towering cedars near Lake McDonald, and raft the scenic Flathead River.

By night, settle into classic national park lodges and welcoming mountain towns, where crisp alpine air, hearty meals, and sweeping mountain views round out each unforgettable day. With expert local guides leading the way, this 6-day Glacier National Park adventure brings you closer to the hikes in Glacier National Park, local stories, and wild beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

Trip Highlights

Hiking

Twin Falls Trail

Hiking: Twin Falls Trail

Hiking

Iceberg Lake Trail

Hiking: Iceberg Lake Trail

Hiking

Grinnell Lake

Hiking: Grinnell Lake

Hiking

Going-to-the-Sun Road

Hiking: Going-to-the-Sun Road

Hiking

Whitefish Mountain

Hiking: Whitefish Mountain

Cruising

Two Medicine Lake

Cruising: Two Medicine Lake

Plus...

Rafting Flathead River

Plus...: Rafting Flathead River

Day by day trip

Each day brings a new way to experience Glacier National Park, from lakeside trails and rushing waterfalls to cedar forests, mountain valleys, and sweeping views along Going-to-the-Sun Road. Thoughtfully paced days blend rewarding hikes, scenic drives, and moments to slow down, so you can settle into the rhythm of the mountains and enjoy every step.

Day 1

Two Medicine Lake Boat and Twin Falls

Your Glacier Park adventure begins in the hip western town of Whitefish. After a welcome meeting in town, we set off on a two-hour drive towards East Glacier and Two Medicine Lake. We will enjoy a lakeside picnic lunch before climbing aboard the charming, historic vessel, Sinopah, for a tour by wooden boat around the “secret” valley of Two Medicine. You’ll learn about the rich Blackfeet tribal history surrounding the area as you cruise across the lake.

Upon docking on the upper west shore, the group will take a hike to Twin Falls amid forests and sweeping alpine meadows. Once we return, we will make our way to St. Mary with views of Glacier National Park from the hotel.
Accommodation: St. Mary Lodge, St. Mary
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 2 miles (3 kilometers)

Day 2

Full Day Hike to Iceberg Lake

Wake up bright and early this morning and enjoy a hearty meal to fuel up for the full-day adventure ahead.

A 30-minute drive brings us deeper into the park, to the trailhead of Iceberg Lake, considered by many the “Crown Jewel” of hiking trails in the park. Iceberg Lake Trail offers one of the most scenic hikes on the planet. The distance will seem short as you enjoy panoramic views. Watch for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and of course, bears. Your reward at the end of the trail? A jaw-dropping view of giant limestone cliffs and ice fields shooting up from the pristine blue waters of the alpine lake below. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a dip into the iceberg-dotted lake!

After lunch at the lake, we’ll hike back to our van and continue on to our home for the night, Many Glacier Hotel. Here, the rooms offer guests modest amenities and old-world style accommodations resulting in a one-of-a-kind, National Park lodging experience filled to the brim with Swiss charm!
Accommodation: Many Glacier Hotel, Browning
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 9.8 miles (16 kilometers)

Day 3

Hike Grinnell Lake, night on your own

Today you'll trek to one of the many backcountry lakes of the park. After waking in the Many Glacier Valley, you'll hike alongside Swiftcurrent Lake before continuing on toward Lake Josephine. Upon reaching Grinnell Lake, kick back and relax as you reflect on the stunning alpine scenery all around you. The lake is named after George Bird Grinnell, an early American conservationist, explorer, and founder of the Audubon Society. After his first trip to the area in 1885, Grinnell was so inspired by the landscape that he spent the next two decades advocating for its protection as a national park. Take your time heading back to the trailhead. This evening, enjoy dinner and a night on your own in Many Glacier.
Accommodation: Many Glacier Hotel, Browning
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hiking: 7 miles (11.2 kilometers)

Day 4

Going-to-the-Sun Road, scenic hiking

Today’s the big day: your journey along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. As the sun lights up the surrounding peaks, watch for grizzly bears, deer, and bighorn sheep. As you hike, behold the stunning views of the glacially carved mountains and spy a hidden lake from a scenic overlook. Enjoy lunch with panoramic views of Glacier’s mountain beauty from the perfect picnic spot.

As we continue our journey to the other side of Logan Pass, we’ll pause to take in sweeping views of the western valleys. Upon arrival at Lake McDonald, enjoy a short hike through the Trail of the Cedars, offering tranquility next to these gigantic trees. Dinner tonight is at the Belton Chalet.
Accommodation: Lake McDonald Lodge, Glacier National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 4.5 miles (7 kilometers)

Day 5

Raft Flathead River

This morning, shuttle to the Flathead River for a scenic rafting adventure on one of Montana's most beautiful waterways. While it may not be the wildest river, it is certainly one of the prettiest. After, enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch prepared by your guides.

This afternoon, drive to Whitefish through the stunning Flathead Valley amid the Swan, Mission, Salish, and Whitefish Mountain ranges of northwest Montana. Be sure to keep your eyes open as you cruise through these breathtaking landscapes.
Accommodation: Grouse Mountain Lodge, Whitefish
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rafting: 2 hours

Day 6

Explore Whitefish Mountain, say your goodbyes

For our final adventure, we ride the gondola up Whitefish Mountain, taking in picturesque views along the way. Once at the top, enjoy the mountaintop covered in wildflowers and wild huckleberries. After soaking in the scenery, we’ll ride back down the mountain before saying our final goodbyes.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast

FAQs

From where you will meet your guides, to how much luggage you should bring, to the types of accommodations where we stay. Read through our FAQs for the lowdown on how to prepare for your adventure in Glacier.

Where does the trip start?

On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are Grouse Mountain Lodge at 7am or the Whitefish Riverfront Hotel at 7.15am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at either of these hotels directly or any other hotel in Whitefish, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Glacier International Airport (FCA) at 1pm in time for flights below or at a hotel of your choice in Whitefish around 12:30pm.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Kalispell/Whitefish, Montana at least the day before your trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Glacier International Airport (FCA) after 3pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

What are the accommodations we stay at on this trip?

We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels near Glacier. We prefer to stay in accommodations close to the park and our activities for the day that are comfortable after a full day of exploration.

While there are laundry facilities at some locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to only not have to do laundry during your trip. If needed the best time will be in Whitefish on Day 5.

How fit do I need to be for this trip?

This is one of our more adventurous trips, so a solid level of fitness is recommended. Most hikes typically take between three to five hours, though some days may involve more or less hiking depending on the itinerary. While it’s not our most physically demanding trip, you'll defintiely feel accomplished after a day on the trails!

Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!

This trip includes:

5 nights’ accommodation
5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
You’re supported from start to finish by our highly experienced guides and leaders
Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
All activities described in the itinerary
Delicious and nutritious snacks to keep you fueled
All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!
Special "Wow" moments you'll never forget
Your queries answered by our knowledgeable Customer Care Team - only a call, chat, or email away
You’re “trip ready” with our Customer Care Team’s calls prior to your trip
“My Account” - your own online space with everything required for your adventure

What Our Guests Say

Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full

By paying in full, we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.

T+Cs Apply. Read more here.

Why Travel With Us

Just-right group sizes allow you to get off the beaten path

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.

Award-winning guides lead the way

It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!

You’ll never need to sweat the details

When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!

Enjoy freedom to push your boundaries – safely

Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.

Decades of expertise mean you’ll experience only the best

Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.