Iceberg Lake Glacier National Park- the family friendly 10-mile hike

With so many day-hikes to choose from you might think Montanans never hike the same trail in Glacier twice.  However, some hikes in Glacier are worth repeating and Iceberg Lake is definitely one of them.  About 2 weeks ago, I hiked up to Iceberg Lake for the 3rd time and yet again I was blown away by the captivating rugged amphitheater that holds this classic glacial lake.

The trail takes you up a sweeping glacial valley, offering views of several rugged mountains.  The slopes above the trail stay green most of the summer and you can often see bighorn sheep and mountain goats grazing or bedding down during the heat of the day.  A little past mid-way you will cross a small babbling falls with several large flat rocks which are perfect for a lunch or snack stop (don't worry, there is a bridge over the falls).  Right before the lake, there are a few snow fields that remain until late July (depending on the year) but they are very navigable and do not have steep pitches.

It is possibly the easiest 10-mile hike in Glacier which gives it unique appeal to many families whose kids are ready for longer days but would tire with a steep incline.  The gradual down-hill slope makes it manageable for those with bad joints as well.   I have seen eight-year-olds make it to the lake as well as people in their seventies.  It is not a short hike, but it is doable for many people and worthwhile fore everyone.

You can reach the trail by going to the Swift Current trailhead/store area.  There is plenty of parking.  If you can, park so your car is shaded during the heat of the day.  Also, keep in mind, the store offers great refreshments but is not open until mid-June, so don't bank on getting Gatorade there like we did if you're hiking before the 16th of June.

Written by Matt Harrington- Marketing Specialist at the BestWestern Plus Flathead Lake Inn and Suites

Many Glacier, Goat Lick and Other Wildlife Viewing Areas in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is known for its scenic views and Yellowstone National Park for its wildlife, but Glacier probably should be known for both.

Black Bear near Lake McDonald

This last week, four of us traveled to the Many Glacier entrance on the northeast side of Glacier.  Over the course of two days of hiking and one night of camping we saw five moose, ten bighorn sheep, two mountain goats and one elk!  Some were spotted through binoculars, but three of the moose were visible across the river from our campsite in the Swift Current campground!  All that to say, Glacier has plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities!

Best Viewing Areas
Many Glacier is the best entrance for general wildlife viewing.  Every animal you can see in Glacier can be seen here and sometimes from the Many Glacier Lodge itself.
Goat Lick is the most reliable option for seeing Mountain Goats.  It is a marked pull-off along Highway 2 on the south end of Glacier.  The minerals on the hillside are just what the goats are craving and they almost never leave during the summer.

Bighorn Sheep in Logan Pass parking lot

Logan Pass is a great place for viewing Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goats.  You can often see both without getting out of your car!



Tips for Viewing
Grizzly Bears are often higher up during June and then slowly make their way down in elevation as the berries ripen in July.  Scan high meadows and snow fields in June and lower ones in July, August and September.  Be very careful in thick brush, especially in August and September!

Moose on Cut Bank Creek

Moose are all about the low meadows and ponds.  If you can get up high, scan areas that have lots of water and brush around them.  Be careful though, moose are statistically more dangerous than bears.
Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goats both love to hang out up high.  You can scan for them from below and they are often easiest to pick out when they are running across snow fields.
General Tips- if you can, get a pair of binoculars before you go into Glacier, its well be worth it.  Whether you're driving or hiking, get to an area where you can see lots of open hillsides, meadows and snowfields with brush in between each section.  If you can get there in early morning or late evening.  You will see more wildlife at those times.  Scan the meadows, hillsides and snowfields with your naked eye, or with binoculars until you see movement.  The more area you have to scan the better your odds.  Once you see something you can zero in with your binoculars.  Patience is key.  Something is almost certainly out there, you just have to be willing to wait until it comes to a place you can see it.

Hiking in the Two Medicine Glacier National Park

You've looked forward to your Montana vacation for months.  You're finally at the entrance to Glacier National Park and to your dismay you find out you can't actually access Logan Pass and all the hikes in the central part of Glacier!?!  What are you supposed to do now?  Twiddle your thumbs in your Kalispell hotel room?

Rest assured, you're not the first person to be disappointed by the late opening of Going-to-the-Sun Road.  But this blog is not about problems, its about solutions.  Its time for an off-the-beaten-path approach!

Twin Falls

The Two Medicine trailhead is just over 2 hours from Kalispell.  It is the least traveled paved-entrance to Glacier National Park, but not for lack of great scenic hikes.  Here are three hikes and brief descriptions of them (all mileages include round-trip).

Running Eagle Falls- .6 miles.  Stunning waterfall.  Trail head is just after the main entrance.  A hike/walk everyone can do!

Upper Two Medicine Lake

Upper Two Medicine Lake- 2.3 miles if you use ferry or 9.6 without ferry.  Main trail is relatively flat and travels around the north side of Middle Two Medicine Lake.  Stunning views on both sides and wildlife sightings on the north side of the trail.  At the end of the lake the trail merges with the trail from the boat dock (where you'd come from if you take the ferry).  It climbs a little on the way to Upper Two Medicine Lake, but the grade is fairly shallow.  You can also do a 100 yard side trip to Twin Falls, my personal favorite waterfall in Glacier!  The whole time you'll be able to see the sweeping glacial valleys and the gorgeous red/purple rock in the upper strata.  This hike is great as it gives you options for the whole family (short or long hike with the help of the ferry).

Bighorn Sheep near Scenic Point

Scenic Point- 7.9 Miles. This hike climbs 2300 ft but the views are worth it.  Switchbacks along a shale-like slope for most of the hike.  A short section that is pretty steep and then a flat walk across the top to where the views are best.  It is a great place for 360 views of the plains and Glacier at the same time.  Bighorn Sheep are frequently on the trail or up higher.  This hike can also be done as a loop back to East Glacier.

Other Worthwhile Hikes

There are several other hikes that are more difficult (longer and steeper) but equally rewarding in or near the Two Medicine entrance including: Dawson Pass, Firebrand Pass and Pitamakan/Dawson.  See hike734.com for more details!

More than Hiking

In addition to the hiking, you can drive over Looking Glass Pass just north of East Glacier for spectacular views (probably the least traveled scenic drive in Glacier Country).  The Two Medicine campground is picturesque with pick-nick spots along the river.  Serranos serves some of the best Mexican food in Glacier Country and is located in East Glacier.  If it is raining or you just need a relaxing afternoon, try the "Big Tree" Lodge in East Glacier for a relaxing afternoon of listening to live music near the fireplace.  

All these options and it will take you  less time to get there than if you went to Logan Pass?! Yes!  Two Medicine is where its at if Logan Pass is still closed!

Written by Matt Harrington- Marketing Specialist at the BestWestern Plus Flathead Lake Inn and Suites