Glacier National Park, USA

One of the nation's most spectacular treasures, Glacier National Park provides visitors with wondrous sites and a window into prehistoric times. Glacier National Park currently has 27 official glaciers and 1 million acres of forests, meadows, lakes, and glaciated landscapes. Deep valleys, ancient forests, and alpine scenery are only part of what makes Montana’s Glacier National Park so utterly incredible. Home to over 130 pristine named lakes, five National Historic Landmarks, and over 1 million acres that boast parts of two mountain ranges, over 1,000 species of plants, and hundreds of species of animals, Glacier National Park is a true explorer's paradise. After arriving to the park by rail, begin your explorations with a boat cruise of Two Medicine Valley, followed by a breathtaking ride along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Cap off the day with a hike, a leisurely swim, or even a round of golf. You’ll leave feeling rejuvenated and inspired after discovering this natural gem.

Glacier National Park goes big in Montana - the park itself covers 1,583 square miles (1,012,837 million acres) and includes 762 lakes (131 named and 631 unnamed, the largest of which is Lake McDonald at 9.4 miles long and 1.5 miles wide), more than 700 miles of hiking trails, 563 streams (totaling 2,865 miles, the longest of which is Upper McDonald Creek at 25.8 miles), 175 mountains (the highest of which is Mt. Cleveland at 10,448 feet), and 25 glaciers (the largest of which is 0.7 square miles). The park was established in May 1910, and in its first year welcomed about 4,000 guests; last year, the park welcomed 2.4 million guests through its gates.

Top Attractions

Chief Mountain

The unique appearance of this mountain is due to the lack of sloping as a result of the way it formed. The mountain rises 5,000 feet into the air giving the appearance of a rectangular formation from a distance. The sheer faces make this one of the most difficult mountaineering locations in the area.

Cracker Lake

The clear blue waters of Cracker Lake are set off by the towering Mount Siyeh that rises up majestically in the background. The view is simply stunning. Rock flour silt, combined with the constant low temperatures of the lake, make it a crystal clear aqua blue.

Endangered Wildlife

Glacier National Park is filled with many different species of wildlife. Due to the lack of development, it is a haven for rare and endangered species. Visitors may catch a rare glimpse of the majestic bald eagles that soar near the mountains. The two endangered species that are rarely sighted are grizzly bears and Canadian lynx. This park holds the largest populations of these animals outside of Alaska.

Grinnell Glacier

The six-mile hike that leads to Grinnell Glacier begins at Swiftcurrent Lake. The hike provides a beautiful view of the glacier carved land. The hiking path is well maintained and winds through wildflower meadows and past waterfalls. Wildlife sightings are very common for hikers on this trail. Mountain goats, bighorn sheep and grizzly bears occupy this part of the park.

Rogers Pass

Directly in the center of Glacier National Park, Rogers Pass was the first area of the park open to the public. Consequently, it contains some of the most developed areas. A scenic train ride allows visitors to see the pass from the comfort of a rail car. The more adventurous visitors will love the amazing ski trails in the pass.

Triple Divide Peak

This 8,000-foot peak is a unique landmark in Glacier National Park because of its status as a hydrological apex. This means that water shed from the peak of the mountain eventually drains into the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans. Hikes around this mountain are multiday affairs but well worth the amazing scenery.

Nakimu Caves

A spectacular reward awaits any adventurous caver who makes the four hour advanced hike to the Nakimu Caves. There are nearly four miles of underground caverns and tunnels to explore. The cave walls are covered with soft calcium deposits called moon milk, and there are many breathtaking examples of crystal clear tubular stalactites.

Bird Woman Falls

Water flowing from a glacier remnant creates this nearly 600-foot waterfall that flows down Mount Oberlin. The large falls can be seen from nearly two miles away. Most visitors view the falls from a nearby highway, but some choose to climb Mount Oberlin. It is ranked as the second easiest peak to climb in the entire park.

Two Medicine Lake

The deep blue waters of Two Medicine Lake perfectly captures the beauty of the far northwest. Stunning snow capped mountains provide a backdrop to the rippling lake. Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes or rowboats or take a guided boat tour and witness the natural beauties from the center of the lake.

Illecillewaet Glacier

The fast melting Illecillewaet Glacier is a good example of the type of glacier that carved the geography of Glacier National Park. The glacier is surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. Several trails allow short day long hikes from the nearby campgrounds.