Glacier National Park: 6 Things To Do And See

Pristine forests, incredible mountains, stunning lakes and spectacular hikes are just some of the many things you have to look forward to when visiting Glacier National Park.

Glacier National Park has over 700 miles of trails and is home to over 70 species of mammals and over 260 species of birds.

From majestic elk to grizzly bears, the wildlife in Glacier National Park is incredible. They are helping preserve the eco system, while also offering a diversity of habitat types; leading to the opportunity for you to see a wide range of animals.

Glacier National Park is also home to at least 1,132 species of vascular plants. According to National Park Service, "There are 20 different tree species, 93 woody shrubs or vines, 88 annual or biennial plant species, and 804 types of perennial herbs."

Explore Glacier by road, trail or stream; go on a hike, bike around the park, go fishing, boating and even take a trail ride. Make sure you experience The Going-to-the-Sun Road; it's a scenic drive that takes you through the heart of the park over Logan Pass.

Now that you're excited about visiting Glacier National Park, here are 6 things you should do and see.

 

1. Go on a Hike

Going on a hike is one of the best ways to view Glacier National Park. Hike Grinnell Glacier for outstanding views of beautiful waterfalls and wildflower meadows. Begin your hike at the Gribbell Glacier Trailhead. The trip is 7.6 miles and you will reach an elevation of 1840 feet. Also, don't forget to hike the Iceberg Lake Trail and the Highline Trail.

 

2. Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park

In 1932 Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Park, in Canada, were designated Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Take a historic motor boat ride along the beautiful lake in Glacier International Peace Park. Get away from the crowds and enjoy the quiet. Go shopping, visit the chocolate shop and walk around their small museum.

 

3. Visit the Waterfalls

Visit the beautiful waterfalls in Glacier National Park. Some of these waterfalls include the Virginia Falls, Running Eagles Falls, St. Mary Falls and the Red Rock Falls. If you don't have time to visit them all, make sure you definitely visit the spectacular Bird Woman Falls; it is a glacier with a 600-foot waterfall that flows down Mount Oberlin.

 

4. Cracker Lake

Glacier National Park has a beautiful scenic hike called Cracker Lake trail. As you walk on the trail you will encounter the Swiftcurrent Lake and catch views of the Apikuni Mountain. Once you reach the top you will see the clear waters and a view of Mount Siyeh. The trail is about 6.1 miles in length; it begins at the Glacier Hotel and ends at the Cracker Lake Campground.

 

5. Wildlife

According to the National Park Service, "Glacier National Park is home to 71 species of mammals, ranging from the tiny pygmy shrew, about the weight of a dime, to majestic species such as the grizzly bear, gray wolf, elk, lynx, wolverine, cougar, mountain goat and bighorn sheep."

 

6. Triple Divide Peak

The Triple Divide Peak is one of Glacier National Park's most unique landmarks. It is located in the Lewis Range and is part of the Rocky Mountains in North America. Take a hike around the mountain and view the spectacular scenery.

 

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