Glacier National Park in 4 days
Glacier National Park, Montana is considered to be one of the most gorgeous national parks in the US. We went there in September 2020. It wasn’t snowing but the weather was still pretty erratic with random cold showers during the day. So, I would recommend going no later than August. Also, the east side, which has Native American reservations were closed to prevent COVID-19 spread.
Dressing in at least three layers is highly recommended as the weather changes dramatically with heights and the time of the day.
Day 1
We entered from the western side, which almost everyone uses, and drove to the furthest possible point, Rising Sun, on “going to the sun road”, the main road through the park.
Rising Sun
This also provides the best view of the second-largest lake, St. Mary’s Lake.
Then, we drove westwards (back) to check out Sunrift Gorge. It can be seen via a very small hike.
Rift George
From here, we did a small hike to Baring Falls
Baring Falls
And then we did a long ~10-mile round-trip hike to Siyeh Pass.
Siyeh Pass Trailhead
Siyeh Pass
Driving further westward, we stopped and hiked to St. Mary’s Falls.
Saint Mary’s Falls
Day 2
We decided to do a long hike here, a 17-mile round-trip that starts from Logan Pass trailhead to go to Granite Park chalet. I would recommend doing a small 2-mile detour at the end to check out Grinnell Glacier. The hike is called Highline Trail and true to its name, it is mostly along a cliff. I wouldn’t recommend it to someone with acrophobia.
We did see a couple of bears on this hike.
Highline Trail
The first bear we spotted on Highline Trail. It was eating berries.
The second bear we spotted on Highline Trail
Granite Chalet
Grueling hike to Grinnell Glacier
Grinnell Glacier
Some views on Highline Trail once the weather cleared up
After this hike, we decided to do a small ~2-mile hike to Hidden Lake overlook. The further ~1-mile one-way hike to the lake was closed due to the bear activity.
Hidden Lake Overlook
Day 3
On this day, we decided to do the touristy hikes of the park, starting with Cedars Nature Trail and further to Avalanche Lake. The lake is gorgeous and the hike is highly recommended.
Cedar Trail Waterfall
Avalanche Lake
I would recommend checking more waterfalls on the way back to Mcdonald Lake, the largest lake in the park.
Sacred Dancing Cascade
Mcdonald Lake – go to Apgar Visitor Center in the evening for this majestic view
Day 4
In the morning, we decided to check out the Hungry Horse Dam which can be accessed by a right turn just before entering the Glacier National Park.
Hungry Horse Dam
Then we did a ~10.5-mile round-trip hike to Otokomi Lake from the Rising Sun. The weather became worse as we climbed but the overall views still made it worthy of it.
On the way to Otokomi Lake
Otokomi Lake
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