3-Day Itinerary

DAY 1 | DAY 2 | DAY 3

In three days, you can see some of West Glacier's true highlights: the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Logan's Pass, Glacier's Hidden Lake, and more. Plus, you'll get a taste of the good life we live in Polebridge.

GOING-TO-THE-SUN

NPS/Jacob W. Frank

DAY 1

DAY 2

DAY 3

Glacier national park

Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Wake up early! That way, you can arrive before the crowds do. (The parking lot at the top fills up quickly.)
1. Drive one of the most stunning roads in America up to Logan's Pass.
2. If you don't want to drive, take Glacier's free shuttle.
Hike to Hidden Lake
- 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.
- Need hiking instructions? Find them here. You can also find an official Glacier trail map for the area here.
- Getting hungry? Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy once you reach the lake.
- Take your time! Enjoy the view!
Visit Lake McDonald
- We recommend accessing Lake McDonald from the town of Apgar or from Lake McDonald Lodge.
- Take a short hike, rent a boat, or just relax on the shore.
- 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.)
Eat Dinner at Lake McDonald Lodge
- Try the local fare at Russell’s Fireside Dining Room.
- If you can, get a table by a window.
Return to the Cabins at Hay Creek
- 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.

glacier, continued

Half- or full-day whitewater rafting adventure
- Have the adventure of a lifetime with the Glacier Raft Company.
- Scenic floats are also available for those who would prefer to relax as they soak in the river's beauty.
Trail of the Cedars & Avalanche Lake
- If you chose to do a half-day of rafting, you'll have time for one (or possibly both) of these stunning hikes.
- Located just a few miles northeast of Lake McDonald lodge, both hikes leave from the same trailhead.
- 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.
Dinner in Apgar
- On your way back to the Cabins at Hay Creek, stop in Apgar.
- Have a tasty, casual dinner on the shore of Lake McDonald.
- Options include the West Glacier Café or Eddie's Cafe and Mercantile.

day 2

day 3

polebridge

Breakfast at the historic Polebridge Mercantile
- Drive, walk, or bike one mile up the road to "The Merc" for coffee and what should be their world-famous pastries.
Visit Bowman Lake
- It's a lovely 8-mile drive or ride from the Cabins at Hay Creek to Bowman Lake.
- Bring a picnic lunch.
- Hang out on the lakeshore, take pictures of wildlife, and soak in the views.
- Fishermen, canoers, and kayakers could spend a whole day on the water.
Hike the lakeshore or climb Numa Peak
- 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.
- If you'd rather summit Numa Peak, follow the 11.6-mile (round trip) Numa Ridge Lookout Trail. Stunning views await.
Dinner at the Northern Lights Saloon
- Taste some truly local fare: elk, bison, trout.
- If you're lucky, local musicians may be playing. Jam sessions happen frequently outside the Northern Lights. (Or, check the schedule!)

3-DAY ITINERARY