Springtime in
Glacier National Park

Biking

Bicyclists are drawn to the park's famous Going-to-the-Sun Road in the springtime as they've got early access before it opens to cars. If you're going to put a bike ride on your bucket list, this is it. Rent an e-bike from Glacier Guides for a little extra boost. Also check out Camas Road, or if you've got small children in tow, pedal the Apgar Bike Path.

Hiking

You can also hike the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and many other places in the park. Trails at lower elevations and around the edges of the park are usually clear of snowpack by the end of April. Check out the National Park Service's Trail Status Reports or check with a visitor center, ranger station or park headquarters for the most current information. Popular spring hikes include Apgar Lookout, Lake McDonald's West Shore, Fish Creek Trail, Trail of the Cedars, Johns Lake Loop, McDonald Creek, Beaver Pond Loop from the historic ranger station, St. Mary-Virginia Falls and the Red Eagle Trail. Hikers eager to get into the backcountry for a longer trek should also stick to lower elevations this time of year, like the Belly River Valley. Backcountry camping permits are required, and we recommend going with a guide. Spring hiking tip: Trails can still be snow-covered and muddy this time of year! Plan accordingly.

Rafting

Runoff is raging in the springtime, and outfitters are readying for whitewater adventures! The Middle Fork of the Flathead River is a popular springtime destination. Book a trip with one of our expert rafting guides. Please note that Montana's waters are extremely cold in spring and water levels can be dangerously high—always prioritize safety and go with a professional guide.

Camping

You can camp in the park year-round at Apgar and St. Mary campgrounds. Apgar Campground is on the west side of the park and St. Mary Campground is just inside the park's east boundary in St. Mary. Know before you go: Most campgrounds require reservations. First-come, first-served campgrounds fill early, are located in more remote areas of the park and offer fewer amenities. St. Mary campground's primitive season is mid-April through mid-May; reservations are required. Apgar campground's primitive season ends April 19, and then the regular season begins; reservations are required. Other campgrounds begin opening in mid-May. Plan ahead. Did you know? Glacier National Park is a Dark Skies Park, and you're more likely to see the northern lights this time of year. Add stargazing to your itinerary.

Wildlife, Waterfalls and Wildflowers

Spring means wildlife is out, waterfalls are rushing and wildflowers are beginning to emerge at lower elevations. Hiking or biking the park allows you to take advantage of all three of these springtime wonders.

Gateway Communities

There's much to explore beyond the park in the vibrant small towns that make up the Glacier National Park Surrounding Area. For comfortable lodging, noteworthy eateries and western events, consider making one of these towns your home base for springtime exploration in Glacier National Park.

West Side

The west side of Glacier National Park offers early-season access and a mix of amenities, making it a great home base for spring exploration. West Glacier serves as the park's western gateway, especially convenient for biking and rafting. Nearby Apgar Village provides year-round camping and early-season hiking around Lake McDonald. Just down the road, Columbia Falls offers lodging, local flavors, craft beer and bike rentals. Cedar Creek Lodge and Wonderstone are both great options. In Coram, Glacier Distilling Company offers small-batch alpine whiskeys and spirits, plus you'll find lodging options, such as canvas tents, cabins and lodges. Nearby Hungry Horse is home to quaint mom-and-pop shops with plenty of huckleberry treats.

East Side

On the park's east side, the communities within the Blackfeet Indian Reservation offer a chance to immerse yourself in the heritage of the Blackfeet Nation. In Browning, explore American Indian history and culture at the Museum of the Plains Indian. After a day of park play, try your luck at Glacier Peaks Casino, home to good food, good cocktails and good fun. At the east entrance to the park and the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the community of St. Mary is a prime starting point for exploring the east side of the park. One of the largest lakes in the park, St. Mary Lake offers incredible views of stunning mountain peaks. In early spring, visitors will need to stay in Browning or at the St. Mary Campground. Come late May, East Glacier Park becomes a perfect home base for spring adventure with an idyllic stay at Glacier Park Lodge.

The North Fork

The tiny community of Polebridge is a 27-mile drive from West Glacier on a primarily dirt road, and it's less than a mile from the northwest entrance to Glacier National Park—from which you can access Bowman and Kintla lakes. This little spot on the map makes for a uniquely awesome springtime getaway. Don't miss the world-famous Polebridge Mercantile, serving up fresh baked goods seasonally beginning in April. Know before you go: Check road conditions before heading out in the early springtime. Also note that there is no access to the Going-to-the-Sun Road from this area.

Springtime Travel Tips

Self-sufficiency is key when you're visiting the park in the springtime, especially in early spring. Though the park is open all year long, very few services are open in the park before mid to late May. When visiting the park this time of year, it's best to make one of the communities just outside the park your home base for park exploration. Bonus: Shoulder season lodging prices are in effect this time of year! Remember to plan ahead, travel and recreate responsibly and leave no trace. Check the National Park Service for more information about visiting Glacier National Park in the spring.

Vehicle Reservations: In addition to a park pass, a timed-entry vehicle reservation is required for some Glacier National Park entrances beginning June 13.

PLEASE NOTE: While we always encourage responsible recreation, this year, visitors are being asked to step up their efforts and be even more mindful of their presence and impact while enjoying the outdoors.