Flathead County, Montana, is home to the iconic Glacier National Park, a pristine wilderness spanning over 1 million acres. Known for its rugged mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and diverse wildlife, this park attracts millions of visitors annually. Flathead County offers a range of accommodations, from luxurious lodges to rustic campgrounds, making it an ideal base for exploring the park’s natural wonders. With its extensive network of hiking trails, scenic drives, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, Glacier National Park in Flathead County provides an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
What Lodging Options Are Available Near Glacier National Park in Flathead County?
Flathead County offers a variety of lodging options for visitors to Glacier National Park, catering to different preferences and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of the available accommodations:
Hotels and Lodges
- Many Glacier Hotel
- Location: Northeastern part of Glacier National Park
- Room Types: Lakeside, deluxe, standard, and value rooms
- Amenities: Dining room, lounge, gift shop
- Activities: Boat cruises, horseback rides
- Rates: $200-$400 per night
-
Open: May 31 to September 16, 2024
-
Apgar Village Lodge and Motel
- Location: Near Lake McDonald
- Style: Motel-style rooms
- Operator: Glacier National Park Lodges
- Nearby Activities: Boat tours, hiking trails
- Rates: $150-$300 per night
Cabins
- West Glacier Cabins
- Location: Near west entrance of Glacier National Park
- Features: Spacious kitchens, fully equipped amenities
- Rates: Starting from $128 per person per night
-
Special Offer: 20% discount for stays of three nights or more before May 15, 2025
-
Flathead National Forest Cabins
- Number of Cabins: 14
- Amenities: Wood or electric stoves, one cabin with indoor plumbing
- Rates: $20-$50 per night
- Reservation: Through Recreation.gov
Campgrounds
Glacier National Park offers 13 campgrounds with approximately 1,009 sites. Popular options include:
- Apgar Campground
- Fish Creek Campground
- Many Glacier Campground
Rates range from $10 to $23 per night for basic sites, and up to $40 for sites with more amenities.
What Are the Most Popular Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park?
Glacier National Park boasts an extensive network of hiking trails, offering experiences for all skill levels. Here are some of the most popular trails:
Going-to-the-Sun Road Trails
- Hidden Lake Overlook Trail
- Distance: 2.7 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Trailhead: Logan Pass Visitor Center
- Highlights: Views of Hidden Lake, surrounding mountains
-
Wildlife: Grizzly bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep
-
Highline Trail
- Distance: 7.6 miles one way
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Duration: 4-6 hours
- Trailhead: Logan Pass Visitor Center
- Highlights: Garden Wall, spectacular park views
- Wildlife: Grizzly bears, mountain goats, marmots
Many Glacier Area Trails
- Iceberg Lake Trail
- Distance: 4.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Trailhead: Swiftcurrent Motor Inn
- Highlights: Picturesque lake, towering peaks
-
Wildlife: Grizzly bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep
-
Grinnell Glacier Trail
- Distance: 10.6 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Duration: 6-8 hours
- Trailhead: Grinnell Glacier Trailhead
- Highlights: Grinnell Glacier, mountain and lake views
- Wildlife: Grizzly bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep
What Activities Are Available at Flathead Lake?
Flathead Lake, located in Flathead County, offers a variety of activities for visitors:
Water Sports and Fishing
- Boating and Water Sports
- Activities: Boating, kayaking, paddleboarding
-
Rentals: Available at several marinas around the lake
-
Fishing
- Species: Whitefish, trout, perch
- Regulations: Available through Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks department
Public Access Points
- Wayfarers State Park
- Location: Southern end of Flathead Lake
-
Facilities: Public access, boat launches, camping
-
Bigfork
- Location: Northeast shore of Flathead Lake
- Offerings: Public access points, marinas, various amenities
Seasonal Events
- Flathead Lake Cherry Festival
- When: Annually in July
- Where: Town of Polson
-
Features: Food, music, local crafts
-
Bigfork Summer Playhouse
- When: Summer months
- Offerings: Live theater performances
How Can Visitors Best Experience Wildlife Viewing in Glacier National Park?
Glacier National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife. Here’s a guide to help visitors make the most of their wildlife viewing experience:
Best Locations and Times for Wildlife Viewing
| Location | Wildlife | Best Viewing Times |
|---|---|---|
| Logan Pass | Grizzly bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep | Early morning, late evening |
| Many Glacier | Grizzly bears, moose, elk | Dawn, dusk |
| Going-to-the-Sun Road | Black bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep | Throughout the day |
Necessary Permits and Guidelines
- No special permits required for general wildlife viewing
- Stay on designated trails
- Permits may be needed for guided hikes or backpacking trips
- Obtain permits through Glacier National Park’s website or services like Glacier Guides
Safe and Respectful Interactions
- Maintain safe distances:
- At least 100 yards for bears and wolves
-
25 yards for other animals
-
Do not feed or approach wildlife
-
Follow park regulations and stay on designated trails
By following these guidelines, visitors can enjoy the incredible wildlife of Glacier National Park while ensuring their safety and the well-being of the animals.
References:
1. Glacier Park Collection
2. USDA Forest Service
3. Glacier National Park Lodges