A hike at Glacier National Park, Montana is one of the best ways to experience the astounding nature in the region. Even the easy hikes in Glacier National Park lead through dense forests to incredible viewpoints.
Visitors who want to hike Glacier National Park have heaps of trails to choose from – and we are highlighting the top easy to moderate treks!
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17 Best Hikes at Glacier National Park
Our suggested treks in Glacier National Park are ideal for novice and intermediate hikers. That said, several factors – such as weather, crowds and parking – will likely contribute to your personal opinion of what’s the best hiking in Glacier National Park.
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Easy Hikes at Lake McDonald
Carved by glaciers, Lake McDonald is the largest in Glacier National Park. It stretches for almost 10 miles and is nearly 500 feet deep.
It is also home to Lake McDonald Lodge and the starting point for several easy trails. Hikes near Lake McDonald are best accessed via the West Glacier entrance.
#1 Johns Lake Loop Hike
Rating: Easy | Length: 1.8 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gain: 200 feet | Trailhead MAP
Located on the northern tip of Lake McDonald, Johns Lake Trail is one of our favorite easy hikes at Glacier National Park. It features a short loop with minimal elevation gain.
The path follows McDonald Creek, passing McDonald Falls and Sacred Dancing Cascade before crossing Going To The Sun Road.
Trekkers then slip into the forest before arriving at Johns Lake. The area around the lake is marshy and large boulders lie in the dense forest.
Our preference is to hike Johns Lake Loop Trail clockwise, starting at the McDonald Falls Trailhead, which is located on North Lake McDonald Road.
However, the hike can be accessed from two other small parking areas on Going To The Sun Road. Either Johns Lake Loop {MAP} or at Sacred Dancing Cascade {MAP}.
#2 Upper McDonald Creek Trail
Easy | 3 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gain: 200 feet | Trailhead MAP
Upper McDonald Creek Trail is another one of our favorite easy hikes in Glacier NP. Plus, it’s bit of a hidden gem.
The route is an out-and-back path that begins at the bridge over Sacred Dancing Cascade. It follows the creek north through old-growth forest to a wide wetland, which is great for Moose spotting!
The trail then veers away from the water – moving deeper into the moss covered forest. It eventually rejoins the creek, where adventurous hikers can climb over rocks and boulders for better views. If you have a permit, even go fishing!
Pro Tip: Upper McDonald Creek Trail can easily be combined with Johns Lake Loop. The two trails intersect at Sacred Dancing Cascade, making it a 5-mile roundtrip hike.
#3 Rocky Point Nature Trail
Easy | 2 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gain: 100 feet | Trailhead MAP
Located on the southwestern end of Lake McDonald, Rocky Point Nature Trail is a short and scenic loop. The path goes through a burn area (from the 2003 Robert Fire), where regrowth is occurring.
After about a half mile, the Rocky Point Trail forks. Keeping to the right hikers are led toward Lake McDonald and up to a rocky outcrop. (The break off trail further on the right goes down to the shoreline).
From the elevated perch, there are incredible viewpoints of Lake McDonald and the soaring mountain peaks.
The route then loops back around, passing a branch of the McDonald Lake Trail. It leads north for another 6 miles and runs parallel to the water.
While it is considered one of the easy hiking trails in Glacier National Park, we did not find it to be particularly interesting. Most of the walk is far from the shoreline and in overgrown brush.
We actually recommend starting the Rocky Point hike at the Fish Creek Picnic Area. From there, walk through the Fish Creek Campground to Section D.
Then follow the lakeside path that connects to the Rocky Point Trail. We feel this route is much more scenic than starting at the official trailhead.
Easy and Moderate Hikes at Avalanche Lake
Hiking in the Avalanche Lake area is one of the top Glacier National Park activities! The aptly named Avalanche Basin is known for it’s propensity of landslides. The destruction of which is obvious along the trails.
Avalanche Lake sits at the base of several surrounding mountains and is fed by melt-off from Sperry Glacier. They cascade down in long, streaming waterfalls.
Avalanche Creek spills out from the lake. One of the most beautiful spots in the area is where the creek flows through a deep narrow gorge.
#4 Avalanche Lake Hike
Moderate | 6 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gain: 500 feet | Trailhead MAP
Avalanche Lake is a must-see and the only way to get there is to hike up to it! But, don’t worry, there’s good reason why it’s one of the best hiking trails in Glacier National Park.
The hike begins at the Trail of the Cedars (which we cover in more detail next), then makes a quick ascent alongside Avalanche Creek.
The trail then follows the creek to an area of downed trees (caused by a 2010 avalanche) and continues crawling up through the forest to the lake.
Avalanche Trail actually extends an additional mile along the length of the lake. There are also several paths that lead down to the water’s edge along the way.
As one of the most popular treks at Glacier, the first area you come to with lake views gets very crowded. If you’re looking for a little more solitude, you will likely find it on the far end of Avalanche Lake.
#5 Trail of the Cedars
Easy | 1 mile roundtrip | Flat | Trailhead MAP
Comprised of both an elevated boardwalk and a paved path, this is one of the easiest hikes in Glacier National Park. It’s also one of the few wheelchair accessible paths.
The shaded loop passing through mature cedar and hemlock trees. At about the halfway point, it crosses a wooden bridge that offers phenomenal views of Avalanche Creek flowing through the red rock gorge.
Pro Tip: One of our favorite spots to stop along Trail of the Cedars is the bench that faces an uprooted tree. The tangle of roots are clear of dirt and debris – offering a unique and up-close vantage point.
Moderate Hikes at Logan Pass
At an elevation of 6,646 feet, Logan Pass marks the Continental Divide – and the highest point on Going To The Sun Road.
While the panoramic views from the road are striking, the Glacier National Park hiking trails that begin at Logan Pass offer even more awe-inspiring scenes.
#6 Highline Trail
Moderate | 7.2 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gain: 825 feet | Trailhead MAP
The Highline Trail in Glacier National Park is one of the most popular treks in the area.
While there are a few different ways to hike this trail (some of which are extremely difficult), the in-and-out route to Haystack Butte is an ideal option for a moderate trek.
The Highline to Haystack Butte
For us, the Highline to Haystack trek was one of the top moderate hikes in Glacier National Park.
The Highline is a fairly narrow trail that follows the edge of the cliff above Going To The Sun Road. This can be particularly challenging for hikers with a fear of heights – like me!
The first 3 miles are relatively flat and mostly exposed – and the sweeping views of the surrounding mountains are simply astonishing.
On the approach to Haystack Pass, hikers face a long switchback and a decent elevation gain.
Once in the saddle, there are several large boulders where you can catch your breath, eat a snack and look for wildlife. We saw a slew of mountain goats during one of our hikes here!
While Haystack Pass is a pleasant place to rest, we highly recommend mustering up the energy to hike up Haystack Butte.
The steep (but short) trail quickly takes trekkers to a rocky plateau that offers unbelievable 360-degree views!
#7 Overlook Trail at Hidden Lake
Easy to Moderate | 3 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gain: 550 feet | Trailhead MAP
The easy to moderate Hidden Lake Overlook Trail is rated as one of the best hikes of Glacier National Park.
The trail begins as a paved path, transitions to raised boardwalk and ends as a proper trail. The route traverses wide open alpine meadows.
Depending on the season, they can either be covered in snow or draped in wildflowers. Year-round this trek offers breathtaking views in every direction!
At the Hidden Lake Nature Trail Overlook, hikers are greeted to impeccable views of Bearhat Mountain and Hidden Lake. Mountain goats and big horn sheep are often spotted from the viewpoint.
Hiking the additional 1.5 miles down to Hidden Lake takes quite a bit more effort – or so we heard. The trail was closed during our most recent visit due to grizzly bears frequenting the area.
Hikes at Bowman Lake
Bowman Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Glacier National Park…and also one of the more difficult places to get to.
Located in the northern section of the park near the Canadian border, Bowman is only accessible via unpaved roads. Once there, however, the beauty is breathtaking and beyond worth the bumpy ride!
#8 Shoreline Trail at Bowman Lake
Easy to Moderate | 1 to 14 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gain: 50 feet | Trailhead MAP
This trail along the northwest side of Bowman Lake follows the shoreline from the west end of the Bowman Lake Campground.
It stretches for seven miles to the lake head and Bowman Creek (and much further as part of the 1200 mile Pacific Northwest Trail).
The route is fairly flat with several places to scamper down to the water’s edge for impressive views.
It’s also a great place to rest or have a picnic lunch – which is why we believe it’s one of the best trails to hike in Glacier National Park.
Hiking just a few miles out-and-back makes this is a very easy trek – but going the distance to the opposite end of the lake would certainly be a moderate hike.
Top Tip: On the drive to Bowman Lake, be sure to stop at the Polebridge Mercantile for a Huckleberry Bear Claw. It is the single most delicious huckleberry treat we ate on our Montana trip!
#9 Hidden Meadow Hike
Easy | 2.5 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gain: 250 feet | Trailhead (Tagged as Quartz Ridge) MAP
One of the short and easy trails near Bowman Lake, the Hidden Meadow Trail starts on Inside North Fork Road.
The route heads east through a new forest (regrowing after a previous fire), then continues through an older forest.
Then it opens up on a vast meadow that is backdropped by beautiful mountains. At the center is a pond that is frequented by swans.
Easy to Moderate Hikes at Saint Mary Lake East Glacier
Saint Mary sits on the east side of the continental divide and is the second-largest lake in GNP. At the center is Wild Goose Island, which is one of the most photographed spots in the park.
However, hikers will be more enamored by the trails on the west end of St. Mary Lake that lead to beautiful waterfalls!
#10 St. Mary Falls
Easy | 1.5 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gain: 250 feet | Trailhead MAP
St. Mary Falls Trail is an easy trek with magnificent scenery. As one of the short hikes in Glacier National Park, it is also one of the most popular.
The path begins in a burn area (from the Reynolds Creek Fire in 2015) – which, while quite stark, is still incredibly beautiful.
As the trail slowly descends toward the water, hikers are greeted with stunning views. Be sure to keep an eye out for moose, we saw two in the lake!
Next, just over a creek and around the bend, is the wonderful, three-tiered St. Mary Waterfall.
The bridge that crosses the base of the falls (and the large boulders below it) are popular spots for jumping into the always brisk water. While we don’t endorse jumping here, we couldn’t resist watching a few who did.
#11 Virginia Falls Hike
Moderate | 3.5 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gain: 400 feet | Trailhead MAP
The hike to Virginia Falls is an extension of the St. Mary Falls Trail. In our opinion, it’s one of the treks that needs to be on your Glacier Hiking checklist.
After passing St. Mary Falls, the trail makes a few sharp turns by an unnamed tumbling cascade. This is not Virginia Falls – keep going!
As you move past these waterfalls, the hike begins its half-mile ascent up to Virginia Falls, a beautiful, tall and streaming waterfall.
Pro Tip: Before arriving at Virginia Waterfall, there is a turn off for Virginia Falls Viewpoint (over a footbridge). While this is a nice place to see the falls, make sure to go all the way up for the most remarkable view.
#12 Sun Point Nature Trail and Baring Falls Hike
Easy | 2 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gain: 50 feet | Trailhead MAP
The Sun Point Nature Trail begins from a large parking lot that is off Going To The Sun Road. It is often less crowded than the smaller lots located along the roadside.
Using the Sun Point trailhead from the east end of the parking lot, hikers descend quickly toward the lake’s edge. Take a detour onto the rocky outcrop for the excellent views!
From there the flat trail follows the shoreline of the lake for almost a mile to the 25-foot Baring Falls.
Trekkers can also take the short but steep detour up to Sunrift Gorge. This deep channel was carved by glacial waters.
Just make sure to keep going all the way up the stairs to where the trail ends to see the geological feature!
BONUS: 3 Waterfalls Hike
Moderate | 6 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gain: 500 feet | Trailhead MAP
For a slightly more moderate hike, combine all three of these waterfalls into one trek. It’s one of the best day hikes in Glacier National Park!
Starting from Sun Point Nature Trail, hikers first arrive at Baring Falls. Then continue along the shoreline of St. Mary Lake for spectacular views and a chance to spend time on a pebbly beach.
About 1 mile after Baring Falls, the path meets up with the St. Mary Trail, where you can visit St. Mary Falls and complete the hike to Virginia Falls.
You can also start this hike at the Sunrift Gorge parking on Going To The Sun Road. First take a peek at the Gorge, then take the descending trail to Baring Falls.
Many Glacier Easy Hikes
Dotted with lakes and trails and surrounded by mountain peaks, Many Glacier delivers some of the most extraordinary landscapes in Glacier National Park. Hikes in the area ranges from easy walks to strenuous treks.
#13 Redrock Falls
Easy | 4 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gain: 225 feet | Trailhead MAP
Redrock Falls is one of the best hikes in Many Glacier – and it’s fairly easy. Highlights of this trek are waterfalls, scenic views, wildflowers and wildlife.
The trail winds through canopied forests, towering aspens and huckleberry bushes. Then continues on past Fishercap Lake and Redrock Lake before arriving at Redrock Falls.
The Redrock Falls Trail continues to Bullhead Lake (which will add three miles to the hike) and then eventually works its way up to Swiftcurrent Pass. Hiking to the pass – and beyond – is considered a very difficult hike!
#14 Swiftcurrent Lake Nature Trails
Easy | 2.5 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gain: 25 feet | Trailhead MAP
The Swiftcurrent Lake Nature Trail might simultaneously be one of the easiest and most beautiful hikes in Glacier National Park.
The flat, looping trail encircles the lake with absolutely gorgeous views at every step, allowing hikers to take in a variety of epic scenes.
There are two trailheads and several detour options along the route. The prime place to start is at the Many Glacier Hotel – a National Historic Landmark that dates to 1915.
The trail can also be accessed from the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead. However, hiking all the way to Grinnell Glacier is rated as super difficult!
Two Medicine Easy Hikes
Comprising the southeastern section of GNP, Two Medicine is considered sacred ground by the Blackfeet Tribe (with a portion of the land on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation).
Two Medicine is home to the Two Medicine Store (a National Historic Landmark) and several excellent Glacier Park hiking trails.
#15 Aster Park Overlook and Aster Falls
Moderate | 4 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gain: 700 feet | Trailhead MAP
Most of the Aster Park Overlook Trail is easy, but it culminates in a steep climb up to the viewpoint. At the beginning there is an option to take a spur trail to Paradise Point, which is a worthwhile detour.
Continuing on, you pass by ponds, through forests and over Aster Creek. Then the trail inclines to the overlook and Aster Falls.
Top Tip: During the summer months, visitors can join ranger-led Glacier National Park Guided Hikes to Aster Park Overlook. The informative and entertaining guide points out things that are easily missed – like a bear claw mark on a tree!
#16 Running Eagle Falls
Easy | <1mile roundtrip | Elevation Gain: 10 feet | Trailhead MAP
The Running Eagle Falls Trail is an easy and flat out-and-back trail that is suitable for hikers of every level. It is also wheelchair accessible.
On this quick jaunt, walkers cross a bridge to a platform overlooking Running Eagle Waterfall. Sometimes split into two streams, many claim it to be one of the best waterfalls to see when you hike Glacier National Park.
Year-round, the lower falls flow through a sink hole, making it appear as if the water is spilling out of the rock.
In the springtime, when the flow is heavy, the water falls over the top, creating a second, 40-foot waterfall that streams over the lower section.
#17 Appistoki Falls
Easy | 1.5 miles roundtrip | Elevation Gain: 200 feet | Trailhead MAP
Another easy waterfall hike in Glacier National Park, Appistoki Falls is short and sweet. The trek actually follows a portion of the Continental Divide Trail for about a half mile.
Then a spur trail leads to Appistoki Falls, which are nestled in a deep gorge. (There is not a safe way to get up close to it!).
The route continues past the falls up to Scenic Point. While the view is said to be fabulous, the hike is extremely difficult, with an elevation gain of 2,300 feet!
Glacier National Park Trail Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version our Glacier National Park Montana Map below.
Tips For Glacier National Park Montana Hiking
We have shared our top tips for the best hikes in Glacier National Park for easy to moderate treks – but we have some important advice for your trip!
Be Sure You Have Your Park Pass – BOTH of them
This is one of our top Glacier National Park Hiking Tips – because one requirement is fairly new and can be difficult to obtain.
Visitors can buy a GNP specific weekly or annual pass. The America the Beautiful National Parks Pass is also accepted for entry into Glacier. Any of these can be purchased at the entrance gates or online in advance.
Vehicle Reservation Pass
To help manage heavy congestion along North Fork and Going To The Sun Road, a second ticket – called a Vehicle Reservation Pass – is required.
You will need one to reach nearly all of the best hikes in Glacier National Park. There are a limited number, so plan to purchase one for your trip as soon as they are available.
Get the most current information on the Official Park Website.
Glacier Hiking Trail Necessities
Before setting off on the best trails in Glacier National Park, you need to make sure you are prepared for your trek!
Plenty of Water
Before you set off, you will want to make sure you bring enough water. You should bring water with you on every trail, every time. Even for the easy hikes in Glacier National Park.
For the GNP trails we feature, we each carried at least 1 liter of water. A collapsible water bottle is great for traveling hikers – they take up little room in your luggage and eliminate waste.
There are water sources at some trailheads, but not all. So make sure to fill up before you leave your accommodations. While it’s tempting to drink from mountain streams, it is not recommended.
Snacks for Hiking GNP
Just as important as it is to stay hydrated during treks, you will want to make sure you have some trail fuel your hikes.
We bring apples, granola bars, trail mix and string cheese. If you go hiking in the morning, consider bringing a complete packed lunch to enjoy at a scenic viewpoint.
It shouldn’t need to be said, but we’re going to go ahead and say it anyway. Whatever you pack in, pack out!
An Actual Camera
The Montana nature at GNP is absolutely stunning. We feel the ideal way to capture the scene is with a true camera.
We always shoot with a DSLR Canon Rebel, which is an excellent travel camera. The kit comes with tons of accessories and takes fantastic photos!
The lens we used for our GNP trip was a 18-135mm, which was good for waterfalls and landscape photos.
It was not so great for taking pictures of wildlife from a distance. In hindsight, we would have also brought the 55-250mm lens on our hikes.
Binoculars
Another item we failed to bring on our trip was binoculars – and desperately wished we would have!
During our numerous Glacier National Park day hikes, we spotted a lot of wildlife. While others viewed mountain goats and grizzly bears through binoculars, we were left squinting at far away specks!
Hiking Poles
While we feel hiking poles are not necessary on these easy Glacier National Park hikes, they certainly help!
If you haven’t hiked with poles before, they reduce stress on your legs, ankles and feet on downhill treks and provide stability and balance.
Bear Spray
Bears can make appearances on any trail – at any time. Making noise (like talking and clapping) is a good way to make your presence known to them.
However, carrying bear spray (and knowing how to use it) is essential. The spray can also be used if encountering other aggressive animals – like an attacking moose.
Day Pack
When you hike Glacier National Park, a backpack or hip bag is needed. We use our day packs to carry all of our essential trekking items.
We already mentioned that you should Leave No Trace – and that applies to toilet paper, too. I use small Ziplocks to carry my used TP in. You can find more tips for ‘going on the trail’ on the NPS Website.
What To Wear on Hikes at Glacier National Park
Determining exactly what to wear when you hike Glacier National Park will depend on the season, weather and just plain luck. However, we do have a few general packing hacks for your trip to Montana.
Hiking Shoes
For the easy hiking trails on our list, we did not wear boots. Instead, I wore my everyday trainers and Kris wore Merrell Trail Shoes. We thought they were sufficient for the level of hikes we did.
That said, hiking boots – like the kind I used to own by Columbia – would have offered more support and comfort over our everyday travel shoes.
Clothes for Hiking in Glacier NP
Comfortable, moisture-wicking material outfits are the best to wear while hiking Glacier National Park.
My favorite hiking clothes are a pair of leggings and a loose athletic t-shirt. On cooler days and crisp mornings, I layer my outfit with a long sleeve quick dry shirt and/or a fleece jacket.
It is essential to be prepared for a variety of weather scenarios. We recommend bringing sunglasses along with a wide-brimmed travel hat…and a packable raincoat.
Best Time to Hike Glacier National Park
Although technically open year-round, the prime time to hike Glacier is in the summer and autumn. Many of the facilities, water supplies and roads are completely shut off during winter and spring.
We visited in the autumn and watched the leaves turn from green to yellow and witnessed the park slowly begin to shut down for winter. For us, the cooler weather was perfect for hiking in Glacier.
That said, many plan their trips during the summer. My family visited in July, and while they loved the long days of sunshine, there was still quite a bit of snow covering the peaks and meadows near the continental divide.
Dealing with Crowds at Glacier NP
During the summer months – and into the early fall – Glacier is crushed by visitors. Even though the park covers 1 million acres, it can get very crowded very quickly.
We were seldom alone on the trails – and if so, it was only for a few moments. When hiking, remember to use proper Trail Etiquette.
Parking at Glacier NP Trailheads
For the top hikes at Glacier National Park, finding parking near trailheads can be a real struggle (if not downright stressful).
For the most popular trails, some hikers recommend arriving by 6:30am to ensure a parking space. Since most of our hikes only last 3 to 4 hours, we found that the afternoons were a better time to start our treks.
By 1pm or 2pm, many early morning hikers are already coming off the trail – and there is still plenty of daylight left for us to enjoy our shorter Glacier hikes.
Also, be aware that in addition to the main parking lots for each trailhead, there are usually nearby pull offs where you can park. Just make sure you are well clear of the road and in an area where parking is actually permitted.
Glacier National Park Weather
The weather at Glacier National Park can be unpredictable. During our trip, we trekked in full sunshine, drizzly rain, dense fog and smoke from wildfires.
In order to be prepared, our honest packing advice is to dress in layers. Also, check the weather before you leave your accommodations (cell service at Glacier is slim-to-none).
Patience and Flexibility
Perhaps our best tip to hike Glacier National Park is to be kind, patient and flexible. Always be prepared with a back up plan for alternate trails, follow ranger instructions and go with the flow.
How To Plan Your Trip to Montana
For more information about visiting GNP, read our complete Glacier National Park Itinerary. Additionally, use our guides to nearby destinations, like Missoula, Whitefish and Kalispell – and our advice for Touring Montana via Road Trip!
Final Tip: As you begin to make your reservations, organization is key! Be sure to stay on top of all your GNP trip details with our Printable Travel Planner!
Start planning your USA Trip! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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