Glacier national park
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Going-to-the-Sun Road
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​Wake up early! That way, you can arrive before the crowds do. (The parking lot at the top fills up quickly.)
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Drive one of the most stunning roads in America up to Logan's Pass.
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If you don't want to drive, take Glacier's free shuttle.
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Hike to Hidden Lake
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​From the Logan Pass parking lot at the top of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, you will find a trail leading through beautiful alpine meadows all the way to Hidden Lake.
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Need hiking instructions? Find them here. You can also find an official Glacier trail map for the area here.
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Getting hungry? Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy once you reach the lake.
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Take your time! Enjoy the view!
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Visit Lake McDonald
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​We recommend accessing Lake McDonald ​from the town of Apgar or from Lake McDonald Lodge.
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Take a short hike, rent a boat, or just relax on the shore.
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If time allows, climb aboard the historic DeSmet, a wooden vessel plying the crystal waters. (For more information, please visit the Glacier Park Boat Company.)
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Eat Dinner at Lake McDonald Lodge
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Try the local fare at Russell’s Fireside Dining Room​.
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If you can, get a table by a window.
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Return to the Cabins at Hay Creek
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It's been a long day. We get it. You're tired. Come on back, relax by the fire, and rest your head. Tomorrow, more adventures await.
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glacier, continued
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Half- or full-day whitewater rafting adventure
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Have the adventure of a lifetime with the Glacier Raft Company.
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Scenic floats are also available for those who would prefer to relax as they soak in the river's beauty.
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Trail of the Cedars & Avalanche Lake
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If you chose to do a half-day of rafting, you'll have time for one (or possibly both) of these stunning hikes.
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Located just a few miles northeast of Lake McDonald lodge, both hikes leave from the same trailhead.
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The Trail of the Cedars is just over 1 mile roundtrip; Avalanche Lake is 4.5 miles roundtrip. Both are among Glacier's best short hikes.
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Dinner in Apgar
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On your way back to the Cabins at Hay Creek, stop in Apgar.
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Have a tasty, casual dinner on the shore of Lake McDonald.
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Options include the West Glacier Café or Eddie's Cafe and Mercantile.
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day 2
day 3
polebridge
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Breakfast at the historic Polebridge Mercantile
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Drive, walk, or bike one mile up the road to "The Merc" for coffee and what should be their world-famous pastries.
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Visit Bowman Lake
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​It's a lovely 8-mile drive or ride from the Cabins at Hay Creek to Bowman Lake.
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Bring a picnic lunch.
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Hang out on the lakeshore, take pictures of wildlife, and soak in the views.
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Fishermen, canoers, and kayakers could spend a whole day on the water.
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​Hike the lakeshore or climb Numa Peak
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​For great views and a totally flat forested trail of remarkable beauty, walk the first 7 miles of the Bowman Lake trail. Then turn around and come on back.
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If you'd rather summit Numa Peak, follow the 11.6-mile (round trip) Numa Ridge Lookout Trail. Stunning views await.
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Dinner at the Northern Lights Saloon​​
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Taste some truly local fare: elk, bison, trout. ​
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If you're lucky, local musicians may be playing. Jam sessions happen frequently outside the Northern Lights. (Or, check the schedule!)​
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