Glacier National Park Lodge-Based Hike and Explore
Price
Activity Level
Between 2-3
We rate trips on a scale from 1 (leisurely) to 5 (avid), with a range of activity levels in between.
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.
Included/Excluded
- Skilled Outdoor Leader guides
- Lodge meals, picnic lunches
- Equipment for all outdoor activities
- Park permits & fees
- Transportation to & from trip activities
- Transportation from Glacier International Airport (FCA) & local hotels in Kalispell, MT
- Double-occupancy or group rooms by gender or request
- Limited single-occupancy rooms available for extra cost
- Airfare
- Optional trip insurance
- On-your-own activities, food, and shopping
Location Map
Day 1 – Welcome to Glacier National Park.
The trip officially starts in the afternoon our lodging in West Glacier 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.
Our Approach to Accessibility
Wilderness Inquiry takes a creative and multifaceted approach to accessibility on trips and programs. Understandably, an ADA-level accessibility may not always be available in wilderness and even international settings. That is why we utilize Wilderness Inquiry’s Universal Program Participation Model (UPPM) to guide our approach to accessibility by leveraging key resources such as adaptive equipment, support personnel, itinerary and activity choices, and weighing in unique environmental factors to create experiences that can be accessible to many individuals. While our trips may not follow a one-size-fits-all approach, our team does its best to ensure a variety of travel and program options that offer differing levels of accessibility for a variety of needs and abilities. If you have questions about your ability to participate on a Wilderness Inquiry trip or program, our team is always willing to explore options and solutions that suit a traveler’s interest and ability – don’t hesitate to reach out!
What is included in the trip price?
Trip fees cover all of your needs while you are traveling with us — including equipment, food, guides, permits, etc. You are responsible for bringing personal clothing and hygiene supplies. Gear such as sleeping bags, pads, and cots can be checked out during the booking process for no additional fee.
Could the itinerary change after I sign up?
Your trip is dependent on weather, availability, and potential other unforeseen circumstances. All itineraries online are “sample” itineraries that are subject to change. Please check your confirmation packet for the most up-to-date information.
There are many different route choices available within our trip locations for hiking and paddling. The routes will be chosen by Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders based on availability and the strength of the group.
What type of food will I eat during the trip?
Typical menus for overnight camping trips include pesto pasta, burritos, stir-fry, avocado caprese wraps, brats and burgers, apple cobbler, and plenty of snacks. The exact menus vary trip-by-trip. On longer wilderness expeditions, we bring more nonperishable foods that keep well for days without refrigeration. On international trips, we tend to eat the local cuisine. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences — please note this information on your registration form.
I or a member of my family has a disability. Can I/they still participate?
We strive to put accessibility at the forefront of our programs so that individuals of all abilities, including people with disabilities, can successfully participate in our trips. If you or a member of your family has a disability, you will have an opportunity to confidentially share more during the registration process for your trip. A member of our team will connect with you further over the phone to make sure we are able to provide the appropriate support or accommodations you need to have a safe and rewarding experience on your trip.
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes! We believe the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors should be available to everyone. To keep our programs as financially accessible as possible, each year we raise funds to support need-based scholarships. Certain restrictions apply. Financial aid is available for a select number of trips and is typically not available for international trips. Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more and apply.
What is your cancellation policy?
Trip deposits are due at the time of booking and are generally non-refundable.
- Within five weeks prior to trip departure (0-34 days):
- You are responsible for 100% of trip fees. No refunds issued.
- Five to ten weeks prior to trip departure (35-70 days):
- We will refund up to 50% of your trip fee, minus your deposit.
- Ten weeks or more prior to trip departure (71+ days):
- We will issue a refund of all trip fees paid, minus your deposit.
- The deposit may be credited to a future trip.
To view our full cancellation policy, please click here.
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