15 Best Views in Glacier National Park

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Are you looking for the best places to view Glacier National Park? I’ve got you covered.

Visiting Glacier National Park was an experience I will never forget. I spent two weeks in 2022 hiking through the best areas of the park and taking in some of the most awe-inspiring views in all of North America.

For wilderness enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and nature lovers alike, there is no better place to witness the beauty of nature than Glacier National Park. I could have spent an entire summer here and never gotten bored.

Luckily, I don’t think there are any bad views in Glacier National Park, but if you only have limited time then there are certain spots you definitely shouldn’t miss.

From getting up early to watch the sunrise over Lake McDonald and hiking 12 miles to crystal blue lakes, to driving the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road – I have seen some of the best views Glacier National Park has to offer.

Here are fifteen of my favorites that you won’t want to miss on your trip. Prepare to have your socks knocked off!

Best Glacier National Park Views

Established in 1910, Glacier National Park is home to some of the best views in the country. With 175 mountains and 131 named lakes, there’s something special that awaits every visitor.

1. Cracker Lake

Cracker Lake was my favorite hike during my two weeks in Glacier. Located in the Many Glacier region of the park, Cracker Lake is a 12-mile out-and-back hike that is well worth it.

From the moment I set foot on the trail, I knew this would be a memorable hike. The trail runs through vibrant forests and meadows, offering breathtaking views along the way.

After a few hours of hiking, my friends and I reached the top of the hill before the lake and our jaws dropped. I couldn’t believe this place actually exists!

Picture crystal clear blue waters surrounded by towering mountains. So, basically perfection. I was truly speechless!

Thankfully, we packed our lunches with us and were able to spend most of the afternoon at the lake before hiking back. I highly recommend doing this to get the most out of this stunning paradise.

If you’re feeling adventurous and the weather is nice, you could take a page out of our book and pack your swimsuit for a dip in the cold water! It was incredibly refreshing and we had the chance to watch a moose on the other side while we were swimming.

2. Grinnell Glacier Trail

The Grinnell Glacier Trail is a classic 11.2-mile hike located in the Many Glacier region of the park. This trail takes hikers past Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine before starting a steady climb up to Grinnell Glacier.

The views throughout this hike are epic, but the best view is at the end of the trail where you can get a picture-perfect view of the glacier.

Lake Josephine does have a boat that will take hikers across the lake. We weren’t able to secure tickets for this, but if you do you can shave about 3 miles off of the total trip length.

The trail is also known for its abundance of wildlife, including bears, which often leads to the trail being closed when bear activity increases.

Glacier National Park has a great text system that will notify you of trail closures. You can text GNPTRAILS to 333111 to be notified of any trail closures. You can also text GNPCGS to 333111 to be notified of campground status.

Despite its cold temperatures, hikers are also able to take a dip into Grinnell Lake at the end of their trek. Make sure to be smart about this and assess your ability to withstand very cold water.

I chose not to swim in this lake, but my friend did and she said it was the coldest water she’s ever been in.

3. Grinnell Glacier Overlook

Do you want to experience one of the best views in Glacier National Park? Then head to Grinnell Glacier Overlook.

Located just off the Going-to-the-Sun Road, this overlook offers an incredible view of Grinnell Glacier and its surrounding mountains. This is a great spot for photographers who are looking for that perfect shot or anyone who wants to take in the beauty of this majestic glacier from above.

Unlike the Grinnell Glacier hike, the overlook hike begins from the Going to the Sun Road and is more accessible if you’re staying on the West side of Glacier.

You can chose to start this hike from The Loop trailhead or Logan Pass. We chose the loop as the general trail is slightly shorter and you don’t have to contend with the Logan Pass visitor center chaos.

The 11.4-mile roundtrip trail starts with a steady incline until you reach Granite Park Chalet, but don’t be fooled–the last mile is very steep! Although the trail is exposed to the sun, it’s worth it for the 360-degree views at the top.

Make sure to bring some cash if you plan on having lunch at Granite Park Chalet.

Also, pack plenty of water as there are no water sources along this trail – especially important when hiking during hot weather! I packed a full 3-liter water bladder and ended up sharing it with my friends toward the end because they ran out of their water.

The trail is very exposed and gets steamy during mid day. The moral of the story, pack more water than you think you’ll need.

4. Iceberg Trail

Iceberg trail is a 9.3-mile out-and-back hike located in Glacier National Park. This is one of the most popular trails in all of Glacier

The trail often closes due to frequent bear activity, so it’s best to be prepared before embarking on this adventure. Sign up for the text alerts I mentioned earlier so you don’t arrive at a closed trail.

I, unfortunately, did not get to hike this one. We were planning on tackling this trail, but the bears were out and about in this area so the trail was closed down.

That being said, I have heard incredible things about it and feel confident about including it on this list.

This popular trail can get crowded quickly, so try to start early as the parking lot will fill up fast! We parked at the same parking lot for a different hike and it was PACKED.

Remember to bring plenty of snacks and water as there are no water sources until you reach Iceberg Lake at the end. Get ready for an extraordinary experience with some of the best views Glacier National Park has to offer!

5. Hidden Lake Overlook

Hidden Lake Overlook is an incredibly popular hike located in Glacier National Park. The 2.7-mile roundtrip trail takes you to the the view above Hidden Lake, as well as incredible views from the Logan Pass visitor center of the surrounding mountains.

The trail is at the highest point of the Going-To-The-Sun Road so you get a beautiful drive before you start your hike.

The hike is relatively easy unless you chose to hike past the overlook to the lake, then it becomes steeper with many switchbacks. If you chose to go down to the lake you’ll also add on an additional 2.5 miles.

We did the hike down and enjoyed it, but I wouldn’t go down unless you’re looking to swim since the views are the best from up top.

Logan Pass Visitor Center is also the starting point for the popular Highline Trail so make sure to get there early to secure a parking spot. If you’re coming from the West side, this means getting a start by 6:30 am at the latest.

Despite its popularity, it’s worth getting up early. Not only is it incredibly scenic, but you also have the best chance of spotting some wildlife.

With some luck, you might see one of the mountain goats that have made their home underneath the boardwalk! Be alert though since the mountain goats also mean that bears are nearby.

In fact, the first time we tried to hike this trail it was closed because bears were actively hunting a goat in the area. After speaking to a ranger, we learned that the goats love the shelter that the boardwalk provides, but because of this, the trail closes frequently since the bears have become aware of this.

Hidden Lake is also a big site for salmon spawning so during spawning season the trail closes to allow the bears to fish at the lake in peace.

6. Reynold’s Mountain

Located on the same trail as Hidden Lake, Reynold’s Mountain is a 5.2-mile out-and-back trail that offers incredible panoramic views of some of the park’s best landscapes. Although it shares a partial trail with Hidden Lake, it’s not nearly as crowded.

I highly recommend adding this to your Hidden Lake hike to get a different view of Hidden Lake with a lot less people.

The trail starts off relatively easily with a steady incline after it splits from the Hidden Lake trail. We chose to go to the Hidden Lake Overlook first and then backtrack afterward.

I’m glad we chose this order because we beat most of the crowds going to the overlook and passed them on our way to tackle Reynold’s Mountain.

Since this trail shares the beginning with Hidden Lake, keep your eyes peeled and you may even spot some of the park’s resident mountain goats! We saw one in the distance scaling the mountain.

I’ve seen a handful in my time hiking and it honestly never stops being impressive.

Based on the geography, there are no water sources after the split to Reynold’s Mountain. Make sure you have enough water for the additional few miles.

Also, the wind up at the top can be quite intense since it’s rather exposed so be prepared for some wind swept hair.

7. Avalanche Lake

Avalanche Lake is a stunning 5.9-mile out-and-back trail located on the west side of Glacier National Park. This popular trail offers incredible lake views and is extremely family-friendly.

The terrain varies from easy to moderate with a few steep switchbacks after you split off from the Trail of Cedars loop. With beautiful scenery, wildlife sightings, and plenty of photo opportunities, this hike will make it onto your list of favorite hikes in no time!

Prepare to be blown away by the color of this lake. The lakeshore that you first arrive at is by far the busiest.

For the whole experience and more solitude, I recommend going around the lake to the far shore. Here you can relax on the beach, take a dip, and enjoy the views.

There are a few water sources on this hike including the lake so if you bring a way to treat the water you should be fine! Like all the other trails on this list, BEARS are active here.

Are you sensing a theme? We actually saw one on our way back from the lake.

If you’re not certain what the proper etiquette is for interacting with bears, check out this awesome article that details how to respond to a bear sighting.

Black bears react to humans differently than grizzlies so it’s important to know the difference. Especially since both types are present in the park!

In this instance, people were standing way too close to the grizzly (and her cubs!) just snapping pictures. As for most wildlife, you should keep a healthy distance and continue on your way.

8. Lake McDonald

Lake McDonald is one of the best spots to visit in Glacier National Park. Located on the western side of the park, this 10-mile-long lake offers stunning views at both sunrise and sunset.

The best viewing spot is right near Apgar Village, where you can soak up the beauty without having to do any strenuous hiking. In addition to its breathtaking scenery, Lake McDonald also makes for a great picnic or photo spot – making it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages and abilities!

In addition to its epic views, Lake McDonald is also one of the only places in the park where dogs are allowed. We saw pooches of all breeds and sizes enjoying the beach and soaking up the attention of visitors.

We visited this lake not once, not twice, but three times. I particularly enjoyed our sunset visit fully equipped with a beach dinner and ice cream from the local shop afterward.

Talk about a good time! I can’t think of a better way to enjoy the sun going down.

Lastly, if you’re looking to enjoy water activities, Lake McDonald is the place to do it. You can kayak, canoe, boat, and swim on this lake.

All watercraft and equipment brought into the park do have to get cleaned prior to going onto the water to prevent invasive species from getting into the lake.

Best Views of Waterfalls In Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is known for its awe-inspiring views and majestic waterfalls. The park is home to over 200 waterfalls, ranging from small cascades to towering giants that spill hundreds of feet into the valleys below.

One of the best places in the park to view these natural wonders is along Going-to-the-Sun Road, where you can take in the best views of a number of different falls.

8. St Mary’s Falls

Located on the east side of Glacier National Park, St Mary’s Falls is a popular trail for hikers and nature lovers alike. This 2.9-mile out-and-back trail offers some of the best views in the park with its stunning cascading waterfall and lush forest scenery.

With multiple places to start your hike and plenty of swimming opportunities, this trail is an absolute must for visitors to Glacier National Park!

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife on this hike, as the area is incredibly popular with both people and bears. If you do happen to come across a bear (or any other animal) during your hike, remember to give them plenty of space and follow all safety precautions.

We crossed paths with a yearling on this trail and it scampered away. Due to the plethora of berry bushes in this area, this is not an uncommon occurrence.

For swimming, we actually chose to stop between St. Mary’s Falls and Virginia Falls. It was the absolute best decision.

A swimming hole was calling our names and the water was so refreshing! On the way back, we also jumped off an old dock into St. Mary Lake. When in Rome!

9. Trail of the Cedars

The Trail of the Cedars is one of the easiest hikes in Glacier National Park. This short .9 mile loop is highly accessible and great for families, with a beautiful waterfall at the end on Avalanche Creek.

As you make your way along the boardwalk path, take in the forest scents and greenery. You’ll pass several cedar trees that are hundreds of years old – some up to 100 feet tall! Enjoying these ancient giants is a truly incredible experience.

I was pleasantly surprised by this hiking trail. You can do this with Avalanche Lake since the two are connected.

At about the halfway point you’ll get a breathtaking view of lower Avalanche Creek Gorge. The water here is absolutely wild.

Parking for this can be competitive in the summer months because it is so close to West Glacier where many people chose to stay. To secure a spot, arrive before 8:30 am. Luckily, this trail is shorter and the turnover is rather quick.

We packed a picnic lunch and enjoyed it at the Avalanche Creek Picnic Area afterward. I highly recommend doing this, but throw away ALL of your trash in the bear-proof garbage cans afterward.

10. Red Rock Falls

Hiking to Red Rock Falls is an absolute must if you’re in Many Glacier! This 3.6-mile out-and-back trail offers stunning multi-tiered waterfalls, wildlife viewing opportunities, and even a chance to extend your hike with Bullhead Lake.

Whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to relax by a beautiful waterfall, Red Rock Falls has something for everyone!

The great thing about Red Rock Falls is that it’s easily accessible and great for all skill levels. It’s best to start your hike early in the morning as this trail can get busy during the peak summer months.

My favorite part of this trail was seeing a moose swimming in Red Rock Lake.

Did you know that moose can dive up to 20 ft. deep and hold their breath for up to a minute?? Yeah, I didn’t either until we were watching one live doing just that! Truly a once in a lifetime experience and something I’ll never forget.

Don’t forget though, moose are relatively aggressive. Avoid getting too close to them (I took this photo on a high zoom lens)!

11. McDonald Falls/Sacred Dancing Cascade

If you want to see some of the best waterfall views in Glacier National Park, then you need to go to McDonald Falls and Sacred Dancing Cascades. This combo deal, located just off the Going-to-the-Sun Road, will give you a chance to see two amazing waterfalls that are sure to take your breath away!

While McDonald Falls may be harder to see from the road, I highly recommend taking a short hike down the trail so you can experience both cascades up close. You don’t need to go far to get the best angles.

Take an easy stroll along the river via John’s Lake Trail and enjoy the scenery like we did!

There’s no need to actually see John’s Lake though. It’s nothing to write home about! Just enjoy the section of the trail that runs along the river.

12. Aster Falls

Located in the Two Medicine Lake region of East Glacier, this family-friendly trail offers stunning vistas and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. Be sure to bring bear spray as this is a high bear activity area.

We weren’t originally planning on doing Aster Falls, but decided that since we had some extra time, it was worth checking out – and it turned out to be an amazing decision!

The trail is only about 3 miles round trip. I used the Aster Park trail map on Alltrails since there wasn’t an official trail just for the falls. The water here is so cold and my mom really enjoyed soaking her feet after a long day of hiking.

On the way back we saw a baby moose hanging out by Paradise Point.

Moose are super cool but can be aggressive so leave PLENTY of space and don’t startle them. We watched quietly from a distance before making our way back to the Two Medicine Lake parking lot.

13. Twin Falls

Hiking to Twin Falls in Glacier National Park is an experience like no other. The thing that makes this ‘hike’ so unique is the boat ride across Two Medicine Lake.

The round-trip ride across costs $17 per person and you can choose to stay on or get off to hike Twin Falls.

From the boat dock, it’s just 2 miles round trip. It’s worth it to add this hike to the boat ride, but I wouldn’t do it just by itself since it’s quite a long-distance hike without getting shuttled across the lake. Plus, the boat ride is such an unforgettable experience.

If you chose to do this one, take note of the pickup times and plan your hiking accordingly. The boat is first come first served on the way back so leave enough time to get in line for pick up.

This was our very first hike in the park and I instantly fell in love. Two Medicine Lake is so beautiful and we saw our very first grizzly bear on the way back cooling off in the water.

Best Scenic Drives In Glacier National Park

With a number of scenic drives available in Glacier National Park, you can experience some of the best views of the park right from your car!

14. Going-To-The-Sun-Road

Are you ready for an amazing driving experience? Then look no further than Going-To-The-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.

This renowned 50-mile stretch offers incredible panoramic views that will leave you speechless. It’s best experienced early morning or late afternoon when there aren’t too many other cars around, but even during peak times it only takes about 2 hours from start to finish – making it a great addition to any itinerary.

As soon as you get on the road, prepare yourself for a magical ride filled with sweeping curves and cliffhanger turns that offer stunning vistas throughout your entire journey.

Make sure not to miss out on Paradise Meadow located just a few miles before Logan Pass Visitor Center. We stopped here to take photos of the pink flowers, but they are very itchy so buyer beware!

My dad did not like this drive and was white-knuckling the steering wheel the entire time. The road does have guard rails and most people are driving relatively slow, but if you don’t do well driving on difficult roads I would have someone else take the wheel.

On the flip side, I had my head out the window and was taking videos the entire time. We had two very different experiences, but after the fact, he did admit that it was worth it.

15. Many Glacier Road

Many Glacier Road is another great scenic drive in Glacier National Park. This scenic road runs along Lake Sherburne and has some incredible views.

The entire drive takes less than 30 minutes, but it’s well worth your time if you’re looking for breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains and lake! If you’re planning on doing any of the Many Glacier hikes, you’ll have to do this drive anyway!

Plus, don’t forget to stop at Swiftcurrent Falls; it’s especially beautiful when watching the sunrise or sunset. We drove in early for our hike to Cracker Lake and had the opportunity to sit and watch the sun come up here.

Nothing can ever beat a beautiful golden hour in the mountains for me.

Visiting Glacier National Park: FAQs

To get the most out of your Glacier National Park trip, there are a few key things you should take note of below.

What is the most scenic area of Glacier National Park?

If you take a look at the list above you’ll notice an emerging theme. A lot of the best views in Glacier National Park are in the Many Glacier region. Grinnell Glacier, Cracker Lake, Iceberg Lake, and Red Rock Falls are just some of the many hikes in this scenic spot.

What should you not miss at Glacier National Park?

If you can’t possibly fit in all the hikes and activities listed in this post, there are a few that you should absolutely NOT miss. Grinnell Glacier and Cracker Lake are by far the most beautiful hikes. For waterfalls, make sure you see St. Mary’s Falls and Red Rock Falls.

Which side of Glacier National Park is better?

Contrary to what you’ll read from many online sources, I think it’s best to stay on the East side of Glacier. The West side is more built up, but the East has way more to offer in terms of hikes and things to do. The East side has Many Glacier, St. Mary’s Lake, and Two Medicine Lake.

Do you need a permit to visit Glacier National Park?

To enter Glacier National Park you need a National Parks Pass. In 2021, the park also implemented vehicle reservations for multiple roads in the park. See the information for this here.

If you enter the park prior to 6 am you can avoid the need for a Going-to-the-Sun-Road permit. Regardless, I recommend trying to secure one for at least some of your days there so you don’t have to wake up super early every day.

Conclusion: The Best Glacier National Park Views

To be completely honest, Glacier National Park doesn’t really have any bad views. Whether you chose to stay on the East or West side of Glacier, you’ll have a fabulous time.

Don’t forget to include at least one Many Glacier hike and do the Going to the Sun Road. Above all, enjoy your time in the park and remember to always be bear aware!