Rasika DalviThis is my very first blog post, and I couldn’t think of a better place to begin than the most breathtaking destination I’ve ever visited; Glacier National Park, Montana.
As someone who absolutely loves snow, winter, nature, and a little adventure, Glacier National Park had been sitting at the very top of my bucket list for years. So, when my 30th birthday came around in September 2017 (don’t worry… 30 is definitely just a number!), it felt like the perfect excuse to finally make this dream trip happen.
Day 1–2: The Journey Begins
Travelling, travelling… and even more travelling!
They say, “Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations,” and Glacier National Park certainly made us earn it.
Our adventure started with a six-hour journey from Hartford, Connecticut, to Salt Lake City, Utah, with a layover in Chicago, Illinois. If that wasn’t enough, we still had a 10-hour drive ahead of us to reach Glacier National Park. (Yes, we willingly signed up for this. No, our backs didn’t thank us.)
Thankfully, the drive along Interstate 15 was anything but boring. Towering mountains, endless valleys, charming little towns, and breathtaking scenery kept us entertained almost the entire way. If you enjoy road trips as much as we do, this drive becomes part of the adventure rather than just the commute.
After what felt like a marathon of flights, highways, coffee stops, and far too many road-trip snacks, we finally arrived at our dream destination – Glacier National Park!
Yippee! We made it… and somehow still had enough energy to celebrate.
💡 Travel Tip
If your budget allows, try to book a flight to Kalispell Airport (FCA), Montana. It will save you nearly a full day of driving, leaving you with more time (and energy) to explore the park instead of perfecting your “road-trip zombie” look.
Day 3
Lake Swiftcurrent • Lake Josephine • Grinnell Lake • Hidden Falls
With it being our very first day inside Glacier National Park, we decided to ease into our adventure with a relatively easy hike and spend some time getting familiar with the park.
Well… there was another reason too. My husband was slightly (okay, very) concerned about running into a grizzly bear in the middle of the woods! A guided hike seemed like the perfect compromise. 😄 If you’re planning to hike in Glacier National Park, I highly recommend carrying bear spray. Hopefully, it’ll stay tucked away in your backpack, but it’s always better to be prepared in bear country.
Our destination for the day was the stunning Grinnell Lake. Before the trip, I had booked a boat tour and guided hike with Glacier Park Boat Company. I strongly recommend reserving your tickets well in advance, especially during the summer season, as these tours sell out quickly.
The tour begins at the boat dock near the historic Many Glacier Hotel, one of the most iconic lodges in the park. Even if you’re not staying there, it’s absolutely worth stopping by. Nestled beside Swiftcurrent Lake and surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, the hotel has a charming rustic atmosphere and beautiful Swiss chalet-style architecture that perfectly complements the landscape.
If you get the opportunity, treat yourself to a stay here; you’ll wake up to some of the most spectacular views in Glacier National Park.
Our adventure officially began as we boarded the charming wooden boat Chief Two Guns. At last, it was time to explore the spectacular beauty of Glacier National Park! As the boat glided across Swiftcurrent Lake, I couldn’t stop admiring the scenery. Crystal-clear turquoise water reflected the towering snow-capped peaks, while dense pine forests lined the shoreline. It truly felt as if we had been transported to the Swiss Alps; only with a uniquely American wilderness charm.
After crossing Swiftcurrent Lake, we followed a short paved trail to Lake Josephine. Don’t let the word paved fool you, though the trail climbs a fairly steep hill, so comfortable hiking shoes are definitely recommended.
At the shore of Lake Josephine, we boarded another historic wooden boat, the Morning Eagle, which carried us across the lake to its far end. From there, you have several options: return on the next boat, join a guided hike, or continue exploring on your own.
Travel Tip: Before leaving the boat, be sure to collect a return ticket from the boat staff. It allows you to catch a later boat back whenever you’re ready, giving you the flexibility to hike at your own pace.
From the end of Lake Josephine, the real adventure begins. A scenic forest trail leads you through peaceful woods toward Grinnell Lake. Walking beneath the towering trees, with birds chirping and the occasional sound of rushing water, made the hike feel incredibly tranquil.
Along the way, our guide shared fascinating facts about the park’s unique ecosystem, pointing out the native plants and berries that thrive in Glacier National Park. We even got to see huckleberry and thimbleberry bushes up close. (No, we didn’t sample them; we left them for the bears! 🐻)
You’ll also find a few pit toilets along the trail, which are surprisingly convenient if nature calls before you reach the lake.
After hiking about 1.3 miles (2.1 km), we finally arrived at Grinnell Lake; and it was worth every single step. The brilliant turquoise water looked almost unreal. Its vibrant color comes from glacial silt, also known as “glacier flour,” carried into the lake by meltwater from Grinnell Glacier. On a sunny day, the water glows with an almost magical blue-green hue.
Surrounded by towering peaks, the scenery is nothing short of spectacular. To the south rises the distinctive Angel Wing, while Mount Grinnell stands proudly to the north, creating a dramatic backdrop for one of the most beautiful lakes in the park.
Standing there, it was easy to understand why the early explorers and promoters affectionately called the Rocky Mountains the “American Alps.” The resemblance is remarkable, yet Glacier National Park has a wild beauty all its own.
The lake, falls, mountain and glacier are all named after George Bird Grinnell, an early American conservationist, explorer, who devoted more than two decades working to establish this heavenly beautiful land as a national park.
After getting soaked ourselves in such a divine beauty, we decided to head to the Hidden Falls. While back on our way to lakeshore we reached a suspension footbridge over Cataract creek. That wooden bridge was so delicate that only one person could cross at a time.
Everyone was enjoying their turn on this old, swinging bridge. From this bridge, the falls is around 0.2 miles away. After such a short and pleasant hike, you’ll see a beautiful overlook of the Hidden Falls.
After spending some unforgettable moments at Grinnell Lake, we reluctantly started our hike back toward Lake Josephine to catch our return boat. Leaving behind such a magical place was not easy, but the memories we created there made every step back just as enjoyable.
I must say, this was the perfect way to begin our Glacier National Park adventure; a beautiful combination of scenic boat rides, peaceful forest trails, breathtaking views, and a little bit of adventure.
After nearly four hours of hiking, our legs were happy, but our stomachs were definitely asking for attention! We headed back to the Ptarmigan Dining Room inside the historic Many Glacier Hotel for lunch. And let me tell you, food somehow tastes even better after a good hike; especially when enjoyed with a spectacular view. Sitting by the window, surrounded by towering pine trees, the calm waters of the lake, and the majestic mountains in the background, made this lunch experience truly special.
Sometimes, it’s not just about what is on your plate, but also about the view that comes with it. 😊
On our way back, luckily we got a glimpse of a black bear wandering in the mountains. (No, we didn’t have to use our spray; it was so far on the mountain and we were happy about it).
Day 4
Logan Pass and Magnificent Waterfalls!!!
Happy Birthday to me!!! 🎉🏔️
What better way to celebrate turning 30 than by exploring one of the most spectacular national parks in America?
Today, we were ready for some serious adventure and had planned to conquer a few challenging hikes. However, as they say, “Nature always has its own plans!” Our hiking plans depended heavily on the wildfire situation in the park, which had unfortunately caused the entire west side of Glacier National Park to close. (Our bad luck! 😞)
But when one trail closes, another adventure begins! We decided to start our day with the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road and make our way toward Logan Pass, the highest point along this iconic route. And what a decision it turned out to be!
The drive itself was nothing short of spectacular. Winding through towering mountains, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking viewpoints, the Going-to-the-Sun Road truly deserves its reputation as one of the most scenic drives in America. Every turn revealed a postcard-worthy view, and we found ourselves stopping again and again just to take in the incredible beauty surrounding us.
(Tip: I would recommend visiting your nearest visitor’s center to get info about accessible hikes. If you think the weather would be fine and you can go per your plan. Then, No. Welcome to Montana. Roads which were closed last night are accessible now or vice-versa. It’s better to be well informed by inquiring to Park Rangers).
We started our hike to Hidden Lake through Logan Pass. It is a comparatively easy hike, but at the elevation of 1325 feet. So, one can feel little tired while climbing up to the top. So, I would suggest carrying enough water, some snack and of course winter jackets (it would be chilly and windy once you are close to the top). There is wooden stairway which takes you through alpine meadows known as Hanging Gardens.
As you start your hike, you could see humongous 8760 feet Clements Mountain in front of you. In fact, your view is dominated by such huge mountains from all the sides. As we did this hike in September, we could see grass, some flowers, mud and of course snow. But, I am sure when the snow melts it would look like a beautiful carpet of the wildflowers. Over this trailhead, you could also find small, frozen waterfalls; which adds to the beauty.
Once you reach at Hidden Lake overlook, you can enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of Grinnell Lake and surrounding mountains.
After enjoying such a wonderful view for some time, we started hiking back to Logan Visitor Center. On this trail, you may expect to get a glance of bighorn sheep, mountain goats, squirrels and yes grizzlies too.
Glacier National Park is home to more than 200 breathtaking waterfalls, and choosing which ones to visit is honestly not an easy task! For our adventure, we decided to hike to two of the park’s most beautiful waterfalls – St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls.
The hike begins at the St. Mary Falls Trailhead along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. It is a moderately challenging hike of approximately 3.6 miles round trip, offering beautiful views throughout the trail.
As you begin your hike, you’ll notice that the trail starts with a gradual downhill descent. It feels easy at first, but remember; you’ll have to climb this same section on your way back when your legs are already tired from all the exploring! (Don’t worry, it’s not an extremely difficult climb, and the views along the way make every step completely worth it.)
As you continue along the trail, the first reward waiting for you is the stunning St. Mary Falls. The moment you see the cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and the magical aqua-green colored water, you’ll understand why this spot is one of the most loved destinations in Glacier National Park. The vibrant color of the water, created by glacial minerals, makes the waterfall look almost unreal; like a scene straight out of a fantasy movie.
There is a small wooden bridge to cross the waterfall and start with the hike for Virginia Falls.
As you continue along the trail, keep an eye out for several beautiful unnamed waterfalls cascading down the mountainside. These hidden gems are scattered throughout the trail and make the hike even more enjoyable. But don’t get too excited and mistake every waterfall for Virginia Falls; the best one is still waiting for you!
After approximately 1.7 miles, you’ll reach the Virginia Falls Viewpoint Trail Junction. This is where many hikers are tempted to turn back, especially after seeing the steep climb ahead. But trust me; don’t stop here! The most spectacular part of the hike is just around the corner. (Your tired legs might complain, but your eyes will definitely thank you!)
Continue hiking a little farther, and you’ll finally arrive at the base of Virginia Falls. Standing at about 50 feet tall, the waterfall plunges dramatically down the rocky cliffs, creating a mesmerizing scene surrounded by Glacier’s incredible wilderness. The sound of rushing water, the cool mist floating through the air, and the breathtaking beauty of the falls create an unforgettable experience. Take a moment to stand there, feel the refreshing spray on your face, and let nature recharge your mind and soul.
We were completely exhausted after doing three hikes one after another in a day, but certainly we were richly rewarded with an incredible nature’s beauty. In the evening, we went to see Glacier Railway Station. It’s a beautiful countryside wooden railway station. If you are fond of trains and like all such rustic rail stations, then you can visit this one.
In a lovely way, I had celebrated my birthday. I wish my all forthcoming birthdays would be wonderful, adventurous and memorable as this one.
Day 5
Two Medicine Lake & Red Rock Falls!!!
After several days of exploring the more popular areas of Glacier National Park, today we decided to discover a quieter and more peaceful side of the park – Two Medicine Lake.
Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Glacier, Two Medicine is one of the park’s less crowded and more serene destinations. If you’re looking for a true wilderness experience away from the busy trails, this is the perfect place to slow down and reconnect with nature. Imagine waking up beside the sparkling waters of the lake, surrounded by towering mountains, fresh mountain air, and the peaceful sounds of the wilderness. Two Medicine offers a wonderful camping experience for those who want to spend more time immersed in Glacier’s natural beauty.
Sometimes, the quieter corners of a national park hold the most unforgettable experiences, and Two Medicine is definitely one of those hidden gems.
After soaking in the peaceful beauty of Two Medicine Lake, we continued our adventure with a hike to Red Rock Falls.
This relatively easy 4.2-mile round-trip hike begins at the Swiftcurrent Pass Trailhead and takes you through some of Glacier National Park’s most beautiful landscapes. While Red Rock Falls itself may not be the most dramatic waterfall in the park, the journey to reach it is truly the highlight of this trail. The path winds through peaceful forests, open meadows, and stunning mountain scenery, making it a relaxing and enjoyable hike. One of the best parts? The trail is much less crowded compared to some of Glacier’s famous hikes, allowing you to enjoy the wilderness at your own pace.
Along the way, make sure to take a short detour to Fishercap Lake. This beautiful little lake offers a serene setting with incredible reflections of the surrounding mountains and is also a great spot for wildlife viewing. Keep your eyes open; you might even get lucky and spot some of Glacier’s amazing wildlife!
Sometimes, it’s not just the destination that makes a hike memorable; the trail itself becomes the adventure.
On our way back, we got a glimpse of bighorn sheep.
Day 6
Enchanted Lake McDonald!!!
Our final day in Glacier National Park began with a delicious breakfast at Whistle Stop. After treating ourselves to some mouthwatering huckleberry pancakes (a must-try when visiting Montana!), we started our drive toward Lake McDonald, located on the west side of the park.
Unfortunately, due to the wildfire closures, we couldn’t explore much of the west side during this trip. But thankfully, we were still able to visit the crown jewel of Glacier National Park – Lake McDonald. Stretching approximately 10 miles long and reaching depths of nearly 500 feet, Lake McDonald is the largest lake in Glacier National Park. Formed by ancient glaciers carving through the landscape, this magnificent lake is a true masterpiece created by nature.
The moment we arrived, we were completely mesmerized. This was, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever seen. Photographs and videos simply cannot capture its true magic. The crystal-clear water, colorful smooth pebbles beneath the surface, and the breathtaking mountain backdrop create a scene that feels almost unreal.
I know this may sound a little philosophical, but Lake McDonald is one of those rare places where you don’t just admire nature -you feel connected to it. Standing by the peaceful shoreline, surrounded by such incredible beauty, you feel like a small yet meaningful part of the natural world.
You find yourself wishing that time would slow down, just so you could stay there a little longer and absorb every moment. And experiencing such a magical place with someone you love makes it even more special.
As they say, “Save the best for last,” and Lake McDonald was truly the perfect grand finale to our Glacier National Park adventure – the beautiful cherry on top of an unforgettable journey.
After collecting a lifetime of unforgettable memories from this magical land, it was finally time to begin our journey back home. With hearts full of gratitude and cameras full of breathtaking moments, we said goodbye to the mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and endless wilderness of Glacier National Park.
But this is not a goodbye forever – it is only a see you again. There is still so much more of this incredible park waiting to be explored.
Until then, keep shining, Glacier! 🏔️✨
🌿 Stay on the Trail!
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