Summer is one of the best times to experience Glacier National Park and the surrounding mountain towns. Long daylight hours, open roads, alpine trails, crystal-clear lakes, and warm afternoons create endless opportunities for adventure, from scenic drives and boat tours to hiking, rafting, and wildlife watching. Spend a full day exploring the park or enjoy a laid-back afternoon in Whitefish, Columbia Falls, or West Glacier
Scenic drives & sightseeing
A summer trip to Glacier would not feel complete without driving Going-to-the-Sun Road, the park’s legendary mountain highway that crosses the Continental Divide and connects some of its most iconic viewpoints. Visitors can stop at overlooks, photograph alpine peaks and waterfalls, and explore major summer highlights like Logan Pass, Lake McDonald, and St. Mary Lake along the way. For guests who prefer not to drive, historic Red Bus tours and shuttle options make it easier to take in the scenery without worrying about parking.
Hiking & trail adventures
With more than 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a summer hiking destination for everyone from first-time visitors to experienced backcountry explorers. Popular hikes include Avalanche Lake, Hidden Lake Overlook, Trail of the Cedars, and the Highline Trail, each offering a different look at the park’s forests, waterfalls, alpine meadows, and glacier-carved valleys. Summer is also the best season for wildflowers, long-distance views, and reaching higher-elevation trails that stay snow-covered much of the year.
Boating, paddling & lake days
Glacier’s lakes are a huge part of the summer experience. Visitors can take scenic boat tours on Lake McDonald, Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and Rising Sun, or rent kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and paddleboards in select areas for a quieter day on the water. Lake McDonald is especially popular for paddling, shoreline walks, and photos of its colorful rocks, while the park’s many lakes provide endless spots for picnics and relaxed afternoon views.
Rafting, fishing & guided adventures
Outside the park, the Middle Fork Flathead River adds even more summer excitement with guided whitewater rafting, scenic floats, and fishing trips near West Glacier. Glacier Country’s official travel resources also highlight guided horseback riding, climbing, and other expert-led adventures for travelers who want to cover more ground or try something new. These guided experiences are a great option for families, groups, or anyone who wants a memorable day without doing all the planning themselves.
Glacier Highline Adventure Park
Glacier Highline is West Glacier’s go-to spot for family fun, blending big-sky views with big-time adventure on a 50+ element ropes and zipline course designed for both kids and adults. From treetop zips and a 30-foot rock wall to inflatable water slides and obstacle courses for younger or height-shy adventurers, this Flathead Valley park makes it easy to laugh, play, and make Montana memories together in a single action-packed stop.
