As one of the country’s most beautiful natural areas with pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, spectacular lakes, and over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a hiker's paradise for adventurous visitors alike. Visit the park’s website to learn more about the hiking trails in Glacier National Park.

Plan on visiting Glacier National Park this summer? To access Glacier National Park during peak hours (6am-4pm) you must purchase a vehicle entry ticket that is separate from your park admission ticket. Vehicle entry tickets are valid for 3 days, but they are limited. We highly recommend you buy your ticketed entry ASAP to ensure you can access the park during your visit. For more details, visit the park's website.

No ticket to enter Glacier National Park? No problem! There is still plenty to see and do in the park after 4pm and before 6am. Grab a coffee and catch the sunrise, go for an early morning hike, or pack a picnic and enjoy the sunset at Lake McDonald! Also, try checking out many of the nearby parks and trail systems outside Glacier that still offer incredible access to Montana's wild backcountry.

Here is a list of some of our favorite hikes and hiking areas if you are unable to get a ticket for Glacier National Park: Many Glacier (on the east side of the park), Stanton Lake, Columbia Mountain, and the Whitefish Trail System.

Note: Dogs are not allowed on trails in Glacier National Park.

The Whitefish Bike Retreat is the ultimate destination for epic mountain & fat tire biking! Bikes can be rented at the Whitefish Bike Retreat or Glacier Cyclery & Nordic. Rentals book up quickly, so we recommend reserving in advance.

The Whitefish area has plenty of nearby rivers and lakes that will exceed your aquatic expectations! Visit Flathead Lake, Whitefish Lake, Upper and Lower Stillwater Lakes, Lake Five, Whitefish River, or McDonald Creek. Whitefish Outfitters provides kayak, stand up paddle board, and river tube rentals for those wanting to explore by water or simply soak up the sun and relax.

Don’t miss the opportunity to raft your way through Glacier Country! Glacier Raft Company provides various guided white water rafting tours for all levels.

Whether you’re an avid fisherman or have always wanted to try your hand at the sport, Montana is the place to do it! Lary’s Fly & Supply provides folks with guided fly fishing trips out on picturesque Montana rivers.

Horseback riding through beautiful Glacier Country is a unique way to explore the area and admire the stunning scenery! Bar W Guest Ranch offers outstanding horseback riding in the mountainous Montana terrain surrounding the ranch, not to mention the thousands of acres the ranch has access to at other locations.

If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, visit Whitefish Mountain Resort for the chance to try out ziplining, alpine sliding, mountain biking, and their aerial adventure park.

Note: Dogs are not allowed on trails at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

The Whitefish Trail System is a user supported, community-driven asset providing 43 miles of natural surface trails and 12 trailheads/connectors located in a forested, rural environment. The trails welcome families including hikers, dog walkers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and runners of all abilities.

Choose from an enclosed gondola or an open chairlift, then sit back and enjoy the mountain scenery as well as views of Whitefish Lake, the Flathead Valley, and Glacier National Park. At the top grab a bite and beverage or grab & go food is also available as well. Visit their website for more information.

• Drive to Polebridge and try delicious baked goods at the Mercantile

• Explore Flathead Lake! The cherry orchards on the east side are gorgeous, or stop at Flathead Lake Brewing or the Raven for a snack and drink!

• Check out local breweries: Backslope, Sacred Waters, or Tamarack are some of our favorites

• Dining & shopping in Whitefish

• Take a boat tour in Glacier! (Note: A reservation for a boat tour will get you access to Glacier National Park for the whole day.)

• Explore the east side of Glacier National Park! The weather on the east side is often much drier, but can be windier. May be a good option for hikes, weather depending.

• Visit Glacier Lodge, a historic lodge with a great patio and views!

For more information about snowshoeing in the Whitefish area and Glacier National Park, visit Explore Whitefish or Glacier National Park’s website.

Gear can be rented at Sportsman & Ski Haus. Rentals book up quickly, so we recommend reserving in advance.

Additionally, the Glacier Institute and Whitefish Outfitters offer guided snowshoe tours in Glacier National Park.

Note: Dogs are allowed to accompany you on the Whitefish Trail and at Round Meadow, however, they are not allowed on trails in Glacier National Park or at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Visit Whitefish Mountain Resort for some of the best skiing in the country! Gear can be rented at Whitefish Mountain Resort or Sportsman & Ski Haus. Rentals book up quickly, so we recommend reserving in advance.

For more information about Nordic skiing in the Whitefish area and Glacier National Park, visit Explore Whitefish or Glacier National Park’s website.

Gear can be rented at Glacier Nordic Center, Glacier Cyclery & Nordic, or Sportsman & Ski Haus. Rentals book up quickly, so we recommend reserving in advance.

Additionally, Glacier Nordic Center offers ski lessons, and Whitefish Outfitters offers Nordic skiing tours.

Note: Dogs are not allowed at Glacier Nordic Center, on trails in Glacier National Park, or on trails at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Northwest Montana Adventures is your premier destination for snowmobile rentals. Guided snowmobile tours are available with Northwest Montana Adventures and Whitefish Outfitters. Rentals and tours can book up quickly, so we recommend reserving in advance.