Overview
Experience Glacier National Park’s pristine forests, rugged mountains, thundering waterfalls, and spectacular lakes from the comfort of a local lodge. Our guides will help you explore some of Glacier’s most spectacular trails. Raft the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, swim in Lake McDonald from a pristine beach, and sample huckleberry flavored treats. We’ll travel along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, stopping to take in the scenic vistas. Learn more about the history, wildlife, and ecosystems of the Northern Rockies and Glacier National Park with informative, ranger-led talks. Spend the evenings relaxing in the lodge, reveling in your daily adventures over dinner and a glass of wine.
Sample Itinerary
Expand All FieldsDay 1: Welcome to Glacier National Park.
The trip officially starts in the afternoon at West Glacier Lodge just outside Glacier National Park. Settle in and get to know your guides over a tasty dinner. In the evening, share expectations for the upcoming days.
Day 2: Pass cascading waterfalls as you trek to Avalanche Lake.
After an early breakfast with great coffee, head to the Trail of Cedars and Avalanche Lake trailhead. Hike through a grove of 500-700 year old western cedars. After lunch, continue hiking to Avalanche Lake where you will be greeted with waterfalls cascading down the hillside. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.
Day 3: Spend the day at Logan Pass and enjoy numerous hiking options.
Spend the day at Logan Pass, the 6,646 foot backbone of Glacier National Park. Whether it's the short but stunning walk to Hidden Lake or a trek along the Garden Wall, hiking opportunities and beautiful vistas abound!
Day 4: Enjoy a rafting adventure on the Flathead River followed by a delicious barbeque.
Enjoy a short hike through a recent burn area, admire the vistas of Lake McDonald at lunch, then head to the Middle Fork of the Flathead for a rafting adventure. You'll enjoy the scenery and thrill of whitewater rapids like "bone crusher" and the "can opener." We're convinced these names are given to keep rafters alert and ready for the big wave. Return to the lodge for a great barbeque.
Day 5: Take in the stunning views of the eastern side of the park at St. Mary Lake.
Get an early start and head toward the open and expansive eastern part of Glacier National Park in St. Mary Valley. Hike to the St. Mary and Virginia waterfalls for a picnic lunch and then explore along the pebble shores of St. Mary Lake for exquisite views of the surrounding mountains. Watch for wildlife along your hikes - marmots, pikas, and bears all make their homes here. Travel up the Going-to-the-Sun road for a hike before returning for a final dinner at a beautiful lodge.
Day 6: Enjoy one final adventure and say farewell to your trip mates.
Enjoy a final breakfast before our departure. If time allows, participate in one last hike near Lake McDonald or stop by the Visitors Center to pick up a souvenir.
Dates & Fees
2025 Dates | Fee | Registration |
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What to Expect
TERRAIN/ROUTE CHOICES: Glacier National Park offers a wide range of hiking route options from very easy to difficult. Come prepared for easy to moderately difficult day hikes, which will involve distances between 1 and 5 miles.
Read more »Frequently Asked Questions:
Where do we meet?
Standard Meeting Places and Times
Start: Paddle Ridge at 4:30 PM (local time)
End: Paddle Ridge at 12:00 PM (local time)
Transportation
This trip begins at 3:30 PM at the West Glacier Lodge just outside Glacier National Park. The trip ends at 12:00 PM in the same location. Detailed meeting place instructions will be sent to you when you are confirmed for the trip. Booking a Flight? We recommend flying in to the Kalispell City Airport before noon on the day of your trip, and flying out no earlier than 5:00 PM on the last day of the trip.
Is this hiking trip wheelchair accessible?
Since hiking over rugged trails is a primary activity of our hiking trips, we do not recommend these trips for persons who use wheelchairs. Several of the hikes and activities are not very accessible for people who use wheelchairs.
Our canoe, kayak, and dogsled trips are generally more accessible for people who use wheelchairs. Water based travel is the great equalizer when it comes to outdoor activities. Fortunately, we have many trips to choose from.
All that said, if you use a wheelchair and are interested in going, please call to discuss the trip with us. We never want to say never!
Do you have a single supplement for Glacier National Park Lodge-Based Hike and Explore?
You can elect to guarantee a single room for the duration of the trip for $595 during the registration process.