Glacier National Park - 3-Day Highlights
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Glacier National Park - 3-Day Highlights

Photo by John Deleon on Unsplash

Route Overview

Map
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3

Park Photos

Glacier National Park photo
Photo by John Deleon on Unsplash

A 3-day Glacier plan focused on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Logan Pass, and the Many Glacier area with time for short hikes and iconic viewpoints.

Itinerary

08:00
👀

Lake McDonald Lodge

Glacier National Park
60 min

Lake McDonald Lodge sits on the shore of Lake McDonald and has been welcoming guests since 1914. Built in a Swiss style of architecture it retains a "hunting lodge" feel as guests enter the lobby surrounded by animal mounts and rustic log banisters. It remains the primary lodging facility on the west side of the park.

My Notes

Start at the lakeshore with calm morning reflections.

Tips

Great light early in the day.

#place#parkitecture#nps rustic#hotels#lodges#historic hotel#historic lodge#glacier national park#lodging#lake mcdonald lodge
View on NPS Website
09:30
🚗

Going-to-the-Sun Road scenic drive

Glacier National Park
180 min

A drive across this engineering marvel has been a quintessential part of any trip to Glacier since the 1930s.

My Notes

Drive the park's most iconic route with frequent pullouts.

Tips

Plan for slow traffic and short stops.

#scenic driving
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12:30
🏛️

Logan Pass Visitor Center

Glacier National Park
60 min

Logan Pass is the highest elevation point on the road, and the place where it crosses the continental divide. Home to the Logan Pass Visitor Center, the area offers restrooms, shuttle service to both sides of the park, and hiking opportunities to Hidden Lake Overlook and the Highline.

My Notes

High-elevation stop and trail access.

Tips

Parking fills early; arrive before noon.

#place#logan pass#glacier national park#going to the sun road#going-to-the-sun road#glacier#continental divide
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13:45
🥾

Hidden Lake Overlook Trail

Glacier National Park
120 min

The Avalanche Lake Trail begins in the same place as the Trail of the Cedars and the Avalanche Campground. The trail climbs steadily through an old growth forest to an alpine like with outstanding waterfalls. Avalanche Lake 2.3 mi (3.7 km), one way Elevation gain: 500 ft (152 m) Trailhead: Avalanche Picnic Area

My Notes

Classic alpine overlook with possible mountain goat sightings.

Tips

Stay on trails; snowfields can linger.

#place#hiking#trail#mountains#forest
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08:00
👀

Many Glacier Hotel area

60 min
My Notes

Lake views with dramatic peaks.

Tips

Early light is best on the lake.

09:30
🏔️

Grinnell Lake Trail

Glacier National Park
240 min

The Avalanche Lake Trail begins in the same place as the Trail of the Cedars and the Avalanche Campground. The trail climbs steadily through an old growth forest to an alpine like with outstanding waterfalls. Avalanche Lake 2.3 mi (3.7 km), one way Elevation gain: 500 ft (152 m) Trailhead: Avalanche Picnic Area

My Notes

Signature hike to an emerald lake.

Tips

Bring bear spray and plenty of water.

#place#hiking#trail#mountains#forest
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15:30
👀

Swiftcurrent Lake shoreline

Glacier National Park
60 min
My Notes

Relaxed lakeside stroll with peak reflections.

Tips

Great late-afternoon light.

08:00
👀

St. Mary Lake shoreline

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
60 min
My Notes

Wide lake views with classic Glacier scenery.

Tips

Look for Wild Goose Island in morning light.

10:30
🥾

Two Medicine Lake

Glacier National Park
120 min
My Notes

Quieter lake with short trails and big peaks.

Tips

Good option to avoid crowds.

13:30
🥾

Running Eagle Falls

Glacier National Park
45 min

Explore native plants and their traditional uses along this trail. People have lived in this area for centuries, long before it became a park. Understanding how to use native plants made life more enjoyable; plants served as food, fuel, and other valuable resources.

My Notes

Short walk to a unique double waterfall.

Tips

Great quick stop before leaving the park.

#place
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Creates a copy you can customize

3

Days

10

Stops

moderate

Difficulty

Best Season

July-September when Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open

Tags

#glacier#alpine#scenic-drives#wildlife