Best things to do in West Glacier

At Glacier National Park, you can experience unspoiled forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and stunning lakes. With over 700 mi (1,100 km) of trails, the place remains a hiker's paradise, providing plenty of pristine wilderness and solitude. While there, you can also relive the historic days of early settlers through various chalets, lodges, and the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Together with Waterton Lake National Park in Canada, this park forms Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A challenging hike will allow you to see Grinnell Glacier, probably the most famous and certainly the most photographed glacier within the park. You'll be able to see the glacier best if you take the trailhead that is just over 5 mi (8 km) long, with 1,600 ft (480 m) of elevation gain. Most of the hike will take place along watery areas, where mosquitos thrive in warm weather. Dress appropriately and be sure to bring plenty of bug repellent.

Cutting through the Rocky Mountains inside Glacier National Park Logan Pass sits along the Continental Divide at an elevation of 2,026 m (6,646 ft). The pass, the highest point in the park accessible by car, is home to grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep as well as wildflowers, glacier lilies, and alpine plants. Two popular hiking trails connect at the pass, so you can continue your ascent on foot if you like. Check at the visitor center at the top of the pass for information on hiking trails and possible wildlife activity. Bring snacks, as there is nowhere to buy food. Be prepared for heavy crowds during the peak summer season; you can board a free shuttle bus to avoid trying to find a parking spot at the top.

Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Swiftcurrent Falls or make use of picnic spots and well-maintained nature trails that ring its shoreline. Surrounded by towering mountain peaks, this picturesque glacial lake lies at 1,487 m (4,878 ft) above sea level. The hotel on the east shore provides spectacular views, and serves as a nucleus for many hiking trails that head up into the mountains. If you cast a fishing rod from the lakeshore, you can hope to catch a decent-sized brook trout.

If you want to cross Glacier National Park (not to mention the Continental Divide at Logan Pass), hop in your car for a ride along the 83 km (52 mi) Going-to-the-Sun Road. Along the way, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of valleys, glacial lakes, waterfalls, tundra, and wildlife. The Jackson Glacier overlook features some of the best views of all. Campgrounds, picnic areas, and lodging are all available along the route--but gas isn't, so fill your tank before heading out. Be aware that some parts of the road may not be accessible, depending on the weather conditions.

Swiftcurrent Mountain (8,440 feet (2,573 m)) is located in the Lewis Range, Glacier National Park in the U.S. state of Montana. Swiftcurrent Mountain is situated along the Continental Divide. The historic Swiftcurrent Fire Lookout is at the top of the mountain.