Glacier’s East Side: 3 Insider Secrets
Glacier’s East Side: An Insider’s Guide
It’s no surprise that every square inch of Glacier National Park is gorgeous. But locals know: some of its best views are east of the divide, and they’re easy to reach along US 89. High points include:
Two Medicine Lake
A scenic campground and the historic Two Medicine Store on the lake make this area a spectacular base camp for hiking and boating. Cross the lake on the tour boat Sinopah for stunning views of the upper valley, or hike along either shore for a chance to spot moose. But carry bear spray—grizzlies and black bears often frequent the area all summer.
Insider Secret: Drive in from East Glacier but leave by going north on Highway 49—the Looking Glass Road. This route climbs to amazing views of the Two Medicine Valley and the park’s eastern ramparts before rejoining US 89. But drive carefully, the road has a rough patch or two.
The St. Mary Valley
If you only have one day in Glacier, drive the Going-To-the Sun Highway. New in 2024 this entrance does not require a vehicle reservation. Montana’s most spectacular road begins at St. Mary and climbs to the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. Start early in the day to beat traffic, stop at the many scenic pullouts, and cling ever tighter as the road winds upward on the shoulders of giant peaks.
Insider Secret: Want more of St. Mary to yourself? Go after Labor Day. Crowds disappear, aspen leaves turn gold, elk bugle, and light snows dust the peaks. Fall is stunning and secluded in the St. Mary valley.
Many Glacier
A hub of activity, this area’s anchored by the historic, timber-framed Many Glacier Hotel. This massive lodge overlooks Swiftcurrent Lake and several valleys’ worth of peaks. Trailheads here depart to such classic hikes as Iceberg Lake, Grinnell Glacier, and Cracker Lake. Horseback rides and tours aboard Glacier’s iconic red “jammer” buses start here as well. The Swiftcurrent Motor Lodge and Many Glacier campground provide additional lodging, and boat tours grant easy access to jewel-like Josephine Lake. This entrance does require a vehicle reservation, depending on when you go. Get the details on vehicle reservations before going.
Insider Secret: Many Glacier is packed. For solitude, park at the Apikuni Falls trailhead and hike 3 miles up the Poia Lake trail to Swiftcurrent Ridge Lake. Small but scenic, it’s at the end of a moderate climb with great views across the Many Glacier valley.
Eric Heidle is a creative soul, leveraging his unique style in photos, design and writing. He is a published author and his work can be found in magazines and literary anthologies, and his photos appear in Montana Outdoors, Backpacker, and elsewhere. He lives right here in Great Falls with his best gal Dagni and some cats, and when he’s not working he’s often outdoors trying to stay on top of cliffs, upright in kayaks, and ahead of the bears.
