After a wonderful stay in and around Calgary, we headed south into Montana, ready for a week of adventure at the East Glacier KOA. It felt great to be back in Glacier National Park, especially since we hadn’t visited the east side of the park since COVID. There’s something magical about this part of the park, and we couldn’t wait to experience it again.
Our first morning greeted us with dense clouds and fog—definitely not the ideal conditions we were hoping for. We were uncertain whether our planned visit to Many Glacier and the Grinnell Lake hike would be worth it. But we decided to press on, and we were rewarded with clear skies and sunshine. The fog had lifted, and not a hint of wind disturbed the stillness.
Many Glacier is often considered one of the most scenic parts of Glacier National Park. Its main attraction, Many Glacier Hotel, is perched on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake and was built in 1915 by the Great Northern Railway. Modeled after Swiss alpine lodges, it offers a rustic charm with panoramic mountain views. Though the lodge was closed for the season during our visit, Swiftcurrent Lake was as smooth as glass, reflecting the towering mountains in a way that was nothing short of spectacular. We set off along the lakeshore, marveling at how the views seemed to shift and change with every step—a true photographer’s dream.
At the far end of the lake, we crossed over Cataract Creek and began the short hike to Lake Josephine. Upon reaching the lake, we were met with a stunning sight. A light mist hovered over the water, and the reflections of Mount Grinnell were absolutely mesmerizing. It felt like we had stepped into a postcard. We continued along the west shore of Lake Josephine, completely captivated by the ever-changing perspectives of the surrounding mountains.
The hike through the woods that followed was peaceful, and before long, we arrived at Grinnell Lake. We were not disappointed. The lake’s pristine blue-green waters stretched out before us, framed by the towering peaks of Mount Grinnell. The vastness of the view made us pause and take it all in—this was Glacier National Park at its finest. We found a perfect spot to sit and enjoy our lunch, basking in the panoramic beauty of the landscape.
After lunch, we reluctantly packed up and began our descent from Grinnell Lake. It was hard to leave such an idyllic setting, but nature had one more surprise in store for us. Just as we were about to head down, we spotted a large moose making its way along the shoreline. Watching this majestic creature navigate the edge of the lake was mesmerizing—a true highlight of the day.
Feeling energized, we decided to take a quick side trip to Hidden Falls. True to its name, the falls remained mostly hidden from view, but the quiet beauty of the area made the detour worthwhile.
As we returned to the main trail, we had an incredible wildlife encounter—just off the path, a massive bull moose and three cow moose were grazing in the woods. Although they stayed mostly hidden among the trees, we could still see their massive forms moving slowly through the forest. Being so close to these magnificent animals was exhilarating, a reminder of how wild and untamed Glacier National Park truly is.
We continued retracing our steps back to the trailhead, our spirits lifted by the day’s events. From the stunning views of Grinnell Lake to the unexpected wildlife sightings, it had been an unforgettable day. As we made our way back, we couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the park’s beauty and the experiences it provided. It was the perfect start to our week in Glacier. Click on thumbnail to view image
Another favorite of ours in Glacier National Park is the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, and with decent weather in the forecast, we knew it would be the perfect day for the drive. We started our journey at Saint Mary Lake, heading for Logan Pass and then onward to Lake McDonald.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is not just a scenic route—it’s an engineering marvel. Completed in 1933, the 50-mile road was designed to traverse some of the most rugged terrain in the park, providing visitors with breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, glacial valleys, and crystal-clear lakes. The road itself crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, the highest point on the road, at 6,646 feet.
As we set out along Saint Mary Lake, the strong breeze kicked up whitecaps on the water, adding a dramatic touch to the already beautiful landscape. Along the way, we passed through the remnants of the 2015 Reynolds Creek Fire, which burned nearly 4,000 acres of forest. The sight of the ghostly white trees against the recovering greenery was a sobering reminder of nature’s cycles of destruction and renewal. Though the fire scarred the land, it was heartening to see the early stages of recovery as new life slowly reclaims the area.
We arrived at Logan Pass, where we stopped to take in the views. It was cold and windy, a sharp contrast to the warmth we’d felt at lower elevations. Logan Pass is a popular spot for hiking and wildlife viewing, offering incredible vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It’s also the highest point on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and standing there, you truly feel on top of the world.
From Logan Pass, we continued down to Lake McDonald, one of the largest lakes in Glacier National Park. We stopped at the historic Lake McDonald Lodge for a lovely lunch, where I indulged in a Huckleberry Elk burger—a delicious and unique taste of Montana. Built in 1913, Lake McDonald Lodge is a charming Swiss-chalet-style lodge that feels like a step back in time. Its rustic elegance and spectacular views of the lake have made it a favorite among visitors for over a century.
After lunch, we took a pleasant walk down to the lake, where the calm waters reflected the surrounding mountains and trees in perfect detail. It was a magical moment, the kind that Glacier National Park seems to provide at every turn.
With the afternoon slipping away, it was time to head back to East Glacier. The drive in the other direction was just as stunning, with the late-afternoon light casting a golden hue over the mountains. This drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road is truly one of the most scenic journeys we’ve ever taken, and no matter how many times we experience it, it never gets old. Click on thumbnail to view image
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On our last full day at Glacier National Park, we decided to explore more of the east side, eventually making our way to the historic East Glacier Lodge. Built in 1913 by the Great Northern Railway, the lodge is a masterpiece of “parkitecture,” blending beautifully into its rugged mountain surroundings. Its towering timbers and grand lobby exude a rustic elegance that transports visitors back to the golden age of railway travel. The lodge was designed to be a luxurious gateway for tourists traveling to the park by train, and its grandeur still shines through today.
We stopped for a pleasant lunch at the lodge, enjoying the ambiance of the great room as we looked out at the dramatic weather rolling through the mountains. As we sat there, the changing skies provided ever-shifting views, adding a sense of mystery and beauty to our final day.
Our plan was to hike around Two Medicine Lake, a favorite spot on the east side of the park known for its tranquil waters and stunning mountain backdrop. Unfortunately, heavy storm clouds hung over the lake, and with the weather worsening, hiking wasn’t in the cards. Despite the disappointment, we still appreciated the dramatic atmosphere that the storm lent to the scenery. There’s something uniquely beautiful about the wild, untamed feel of Glacier National Park, even in less-than-ideal weather.
Although we couldn’t hit the trails as we’d hoped, we thoroughly enjoyed our last day in the park. The beauty of Glacier is undeniable, no matter the weather. As we left, we found ourselves already planning our next visit, eager to explore more of this stunning landscape. Glacier never disappoints, and we know we’ll be back again soon. Click on thumbnail to view image
