Montana | Glacier National Park | Family Vacation

Our Glacier National Park family adventure vacation begins in the hip western town of Whitefish. After an introductory welcome meeting in town, we begin our two-hour drive towards East Glacier and head over to a lakeside picnic lunch. This afternoon, we boat and hike around Two Medicine Lake, flanked by steep mountains that serve as the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of adventure. A brief transfer brings us to our lodge in East Glacier. Dinner is a short walk away at our favorite Mexican restaurant, Serrano’s.

About Glacier Park Lodge

Built almost a century ago by the Great Northern Railway, Glacier Park Lodge is nestled in East Glacier at the foot of Dancing Lady Mountain. Situated on the Blackfeet Reservation, the hotel site was purchased from the Piegan, a tribe of the Blackfeet Nation. When the present railway depot was built in 1912, the area was renamed Glacier Park Station and then became known as East Glacier Park in 1950. With an outdoor swimming pool, day spa, lounge, and fine dining restaurant, this property is an exception to the common “basic needs only” national park properties.

Early morning wake up and shuttle north, deeper into the park, to the trailhead of Iceberg Lake, considered by many the “Crown Jewel” of hiking trails in the park. Iceberg Lake Trail offers one of the most scenic hikes on the planet. 4.5-miles in will seem a short distance as you enjoy panoramic views, watch for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and of course, bears. Your reward at the end of the trail? A jaw-dropping view of giant limestone cliffs and ice fields shooting up from the pristine blue waters of the alpine lake below. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a dip into the iceberg-dotted lake! After lunch at the lake, we’ll hike back to our shuttle and continue on to our home for the next two nights, Many Glacier Hotel.

About Many Glacier Hotel

Many Glacier Hotel, located in the northeastern part of Glacier National Park on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake, boasts a true Swiss atmosphere from the alpine beauty that surrounds the building to the themed architecture and decor of the striking atrium lobby. The hotel was declared a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 29, 1976. In keeping with the era in which the hotel was built, the rooms offer guests modest amenities and old-world style accommodations resulting in a one-of-a-kind, National Park lodging experience.

Today we trek to one of the many backcountry lakes of the park. After awakening in the Many Glacier Valley, we hike alongside Swiftcurrent Lake and soon after, Lake Josephine. Upon reaching Grinnell Lake, kick back and relax as you reflect on the stunning scenery around you. The lake is named after George Bird Grinnell, an early American conservationist, explorer, and founder of the Audubon Society, who was so inspired by the scenery during his first trip to the area in 1885 that he spent the next two decades working to establish it as a national park. Take your time heading back to the trailhead, and this evening enjoy a night on your own in Many Glacier.

Today’s the Big Day…the day we explore the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. As the sun lights up the peaks, we watch for grizzly bears, deer and bighorn sheep. The adventure continues as we hike under glacially carved mountains leading to a scenic waterfall. Enjoy lunch with panoramic views of Glacier’s mountain beauty from the perfect picnic spot. As we continue our journey to the other side of Logan Pass, we’ll stop to appreciate the stunning view of the western valleys. Upon arrival to Lake McDonald, head out on a short boat tour taking in the majesty of the Continental Divide and the tranquility of the emerald-hued lake. Dinner tonight is at the Belton Chalet.

About Lake McDonald Lodge

Lake McDonald Lodge opened its doors on June 14, 1914, and is a three-and-one-half-story structure built on the eastern shore of glaciated, picturesque Lake McDonald. In keeping in the era in which all of the rooms were built, they offer guests modest amenities and old-world style accommodations resulting in a one-of-a-kind, National Park lodging experience. The floors of the lobby have incised messages in Kootenai (a local Native American dialect) that translate into phrases such as “welcome”, “new life to those who drink here”, “looking toward the mountain” and “big feast”. The main lodge was declared a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

This morning, we shuttle to the Flathead River for a morning of rafting on perhaps not the wildest of rivers, but definitely one of the prettiest. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch prepared by your guides. This afternoon, we drive to Whitefish through the Flathead Valley amid the Swan, Mission, Salish, and Whitefish mountain ranges of northwest Montana. Be sure to keep your eyes open while cruising through these breathtaking landscapes. Dinner tonight is at Tupelo Grill.

About Grouse Mountain Lodge

Grouse Mountain Lodge’s front doors welcome you to upscale comfort and an authentic Whitefish, Montana lodging experience. The fantastic location leads you to an exciting year-round adventure.

With 143 beautifully appointed guest rooms, fresh and exciting cuisine in Logan’s Bar and Grill, an indoor pool, outdoor hot tubs, a day spa, and a substantial list of services and amenities, Grouse Mountain Lodge is one of Montana’s finest lodge resorts. Guest rooms combine warmth and appeal with design and spaciousness to provide that pampered feeling.

For our final adventure, we have time for one last hike in the Whitefish area. Ride the gondola up the mountain taking in picturesque views along the way. Once at the top, hike around the mountaintop covered in wildflowers and wild huckleberries. We ride back down the mountain before saying our final goodbyes. Transfer to either your Whitefish hotel or the Kalispell airport for your departure home.

** Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather, and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.