Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is currently our favorite national park and was one of the first national parks we visited. We visited the park on two long weekend trips while we were living in Montana for the summer for Mr. Vork’s job (this was before we started working remotely). On the west side we stayed at the Islander Inn and the Kalispell Grand Hotel, and on the east side we stayed at the East Glacier Motel and Cabins. I think we stayed one other place, but I cannot remember and unfortunately do not have mementos from that stay.

The beauty at Glacier National Park is truly remarkable, and we had some amazing experiences in the park. Lake McDonald is very pretty with beautiful colored rocks.

We did a ranger led hike to Avalanche Lake which was wonderful. The lake is gorgeous and the ranger provided great information. The hike was amazing and not difficult.

The Going to the Sun Road was breathtaking. There is so much beauty to see on this drive, and there are many opportunities to stop and take in the views. The waterfalls flow down the mountainside onto the road. It is really cool.

We tried to hike to Hidden Lake, but we were not prepared for a snow hike in July. There was so much snow! At the trailhead next to the parking lot the sidewalk was dug out with well over 6 feet of snow on either side. If there is snow when you go, you will need poles and/or snow spikes/crampons. We were only able to hike part of this trail without these necessary pieces of equipment. Even without making it to the lake, it was a fun and memorable hike.

One morning we saw the sun rise at the Wild Goose Island Lookout. On our way there, we came close to hitting a herd of wild horses so be careful driving before (or after) daylight in the area.

The Two Medicine area is worth a stop. Two Medicine Lake and Running Eagle Falls were highlights in this area.

Our very favorite area of Glacier National Park was the Many Glacier area. We did the Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine boat rides which cuts down on the hiking required to get to Grinnell Lake and is fun to do. The whole area is so beautiful and awe inspiring. Grinnell Lake had the prettiest blue water of all of the glacial lakes we were lucky enough to experience. 

Outside the park, we went whitewater rafting with Glacier Raft Company. It was so much fun! Both of our trips also included time at Flathead Lake which is so clear and beautiful. Read more on Flathead Lake and National Parks