27 Best Hikes in Glacier National Park
Twenty-seven distinct Glacier hikes across Lake McDonald, Logan Pass, Many Glacier, St. Mary, the North Fork, Two Medicine, and the southern park, with maps, profiles, access notes, and live conditions.
Glacier has more than 700 miles of trail, and the most important choice is geography. These 27 hikes cover seven practical park areas rather than treating Lake McDonald, Many Glacier, the North Fork, and Two Medicine as interchangeable trailheads.
The collection keeps 19 well-reviewed four-star route families at its core and adds eight current NPS-documented hikes for district, difficulty, and experience coverage. Substantially nested variants are suppressed; Trail of the Cedars remains beside Avalanche Lake because the accessible boardwalk is a distinct visitor destination.
Every route below has a checksum-bound centerline, deterministic map and profile QA, and native visual review. Road, construction, fire, wildlife, and seasonal trail status still change, so use the live conditions panel and confirm the linked NPS pages before departure.
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What changes a hiking day here
Road corridor first, hike second
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and the North Fork have separate travel patterns. In 2026, a vehicle reservation is not required for Going-to-the-Sun Road, while Logan Pass uses timed parking and a ticketed shuttle pilot. Rules and operating dates can change by season, so confirm the current transportation page before building a day around one trailhead.
Carry bear spray where you can reach it
Glacier is home to black bears and grizzly bears. Hike in a group when possible, make noise near streams and blind corners, keep food and scented items under control, and carry bear spray on your body rather than buried in a pack. The park requires 100 yards of distance from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other wildlife.
Snow and cold water outlast warm weather
High trails may hold steep snowfields after lower valleys feel like summer. Streams and lakes remain dangerously cold. Carry a rain shell and warm layer on every mountain hike, avoid swift fords, and do not climb onto slick rocks beside waterfalls. A dry parking lot does not describe conditions at a pass.
Offline maps are part of the kit
Cell coverage is limited outside Apgar and St. Mary. Save the right area map before driving, leave a trip plan with someone, and know the last shuttle time if the route depends on one. Point-to-point hikes need a transport plan that still works if the day runs long.
| Trail | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huckleberry Lookout | 12 mi | Varies | Hard | A quieter North Fork-side lookout climb |
| Apgar Lookout | 7.2 mi | 4 hr 30 min | Hard | A long climb to a west-side fire lookout |
| Rocky Point Trail | 2 mi | 1 hr | Easy | A short Lake McDonald shoreline hike |
| Snyder Lakes | 8.6 mi | Varies | Hard | A forested lake-basin hike away from road overlooks |
| Mount Brown Lookout | 10.4 mi | Varies | Hard | A very steep fire-lookout ascent |
| Johns Lake Loop | 2.1 mi | 1 hr | Easy | A short forest-and-creek circuit |
| Upper McDonald Creek Trail | 5.6 mi | 2 hr 30 min | Easy | Creek views away from the busiest stops |
| Avalanche Lake Trail | 6.1 mi | 3 hr | Moderate | A classic forest-to-mountain lake day |
| Trail of the Cedars | 0.9 mi | 1 hr | Easy | An accessible old-growth forest loop |
| Granite Park Chalet via Highline and Granite Park Trail | 11.6 mi | 7 hr | Hard | A point-to-point Highline day with a chalet stop |
| Hidden Lake Overlook | 2.7 mi | 1 hr 30 min | Moderate | An alpine overlook from Logan Pass |
| Iceberg Lake | 9.6 mi | Varies | Hard | An iconic Many Glacier lake basin |
| Ptarmigan Tunnel | 10.7 mi | 6 hr 30 min | Hard | A strenuous Many Glacier tunnel objective |
| Swiftcurrent Nature Trail | 2.6 mi | 1 hr | Easy | An easy Many Glacier lake loop |
| Siyeh Pass Trail | 10.1 mi | 6 hr 30 min | Hard | A long point-to-point alpine crossing |
| Grinnell Glacier Trail | 11.1 mi | 6 hr | Hard | A demanding glacier-viewpoint day |
| Cracker Lake Trail | 12.6 mi | 6 hr | Hard | A remote turquoise lake beneath Mount Siyeh |
| Apikuni Falls | 2 mi | Varies | Moderate | A compact Many Glacier waterfall climb |
| Saint Mary and Virginia Falls | 3.1 mi | 2 hr | Moderate | Two waterfalls in one moderate outing |
| Scalplock Lookout | 9.4 mi | Varies | Hard | A steep southern fire-lookout climb |
| Baring Falls Trail | 1.3 mi | 1 hr | Easy | A short waterfall stop near St. Mary Lake |
| Twin Falls from Two Medicine | 2 mi | 1 hr | Easy | A waterfall walk with flexible lake access |
| Aster Falls | 2.6 mi | 1 hr 30 min | Easy | A shorter Two Medicine waterfall walk |
| Pitamakan–Dawson Loop | 19.2 mi | 10 hr 30 min | Hard | An all-day high-pass circuit |
| Scenic Point Trail | 7.8 mi | 5 hr 30 min | Hard | A strenuous viewpoint above Two Medicine |
| Running Eagle Falls | 0.6 mi | 1 hr | Easy | A short, accessible waterfall visit |
| Firebrand Pass | 9.6 mi | Varies | Hard | A quieter southern alpine pass |
Huckleberry Lookout
- Distance
- 12 mi
- Elevation gain
- 2,720 feet
- Time
- Varies
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed Camas Road trailhead and keep the roadside turnaround clear.
- Best time
- A cool, clear morning after snow has left the upper ridge.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Huckleberry Lookout climbs from the Camas Road corridor through dense forest to a fire lookout above the west side of the park. The long ascent delivers a broad view without relying on Logan Pass access.
Seasonal vegetation, heat, insects, and bear activity can all slow the lower trail. The route is an out-and-back, so save water and time for the full descent.
What helps on this route
- Make noise in brushy sections and keep bear spray accessible.
- Do not block the trailhead road or emergency access.
Terrain and access: Long forest climb, brushy lower slopes, steeper upper switchbacks, and an exposed lookout ridge.
Apgar Lookout
- Distance
- 7.2 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,950 feet
- Time
- 4 hr 30 min
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed Apgar Lookout trailhead parking and leave room for vehicles to turn around.
- Best time
- A cool, clear morning after the trail has melted out.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Apgar Lookout climbs steadily above the park's west entrance country to a high view over Lake McDonald and the Flathead Valley. The route is a useful alternative when the alpine road corridor is crowded, but it still asks for a sustained uphill effort.
The lower forest can feel warm while the lookout ridge is windy and exposed. Carry enough water for the full climb and treat the summit structure and any operational equipment with care.
What helps on this route
- Start early enough to finish the descent in daylight.
- Check fire, smoke, and bear notices before leaving the trailhead.
Terrain and access: Forested switchbacks, a sustained mountain climb, exposed upper slopes, and a high lookout turnaround.
Rocky Point Trail
- Distance
- 2 mi
- Elevation gain
- 370 feet
- Time
- 1 hr
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the Fish Creek Campground area and follow current signs for day-use parking.
- Best time
- Morning or evening for quieter forest and softer light across Lake McDonald.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Rocky Point is a modest west-side walk with a big payoff at Lake McDonald. The trail leaves the Fish Creek area, moves through forest affected by earlier fire, and reaches open shoreline viewpoints across the lake toward the mountains.
The route is useful on an arrival day because it avoids the drive to Logan Pass and does not require a full alpine kit. Roots and uneven ground still make it a trail rather than a lakeside promenade. Watch for campsite and spur junctions on the return.
What helps on this route
- Keep bear spray accessible even on this short trail.
- Check Fish Creek parking and campground access before driving in.
Terrain and access: Forest tread, roots, short rolling grades, and rocky shoreline near the turnaround.
Snyder Lakes
- Distance
- 8.6 mi
- Elevation gain
- 2,000 feet
- Time
- Varies
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use designated Lake McDonald Lodge-area parking and locate the signed Snyder Creek trail access.
- Best time
- A cool summer morning after the upper basin melts out.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Snyder Lakes follows the Snyder Creek drainage from the Lake McDonald corridor into a quiet mountain basin. Much of the trip stays in forest before the lakes and surrounding walls come into view.
The route shares its opening with other Snyder Creek destinations, but the lake basin is the terminal objective here. Watch junctions carefully on the descent.
What helps on this route
- Protect food during breaks; forested basins are active bear habitat.
- Confirm the lodge-area parking rules before arriving.
Terrain and access: Creekside forest, sustained climbing, roots and rock, a lake basin, and a long shaded descent.
Mount Brown Lookout
- Distance
- 10.4 mi
- Elevation gain
- 4,200 feet
- Time
- Varies
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use designated parking near the Lake McDonald Lodge and Snyder Creek trail access.
- Best time
- A cool morning with a stable forecast.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Mount Brown Lookout rises sharply from the Lake McDonald valley through forest and repeated switchbacks. The climb is direct and strenuous, with a high lookout view earned over comparatively few horizontal miles.
This route gains heat quickly on the lower slopes and can retain snow above. Do not assume the nearby lodge area makes the trail forgiving.
What helps on this route
- Carry enough water from the start; do not rely on untreated creeks.
- Use trekking poles if they help on a steep, sustained descent.
Terrain and access: Forest, relentless switchbacks, rocky upper tread, high exposure, and a steep return.
Johns Lake Loop
- Distance
- 2.1 mi
- Elevation gain
- 280 feet
- Time
- 1 hr
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Use the signed pullout for Johns Lake; do not park along Going-to-the-Sun Road outside designated spaces.
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon when the road corridor is quieter.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Johns Lake Loop links a shaded woodland pond with McDonald Creek and the cascades near Sacred Dancing Cascade. The circuit is short, but road crossings and several junctions make it more navigationally involved than its mileage suggests.
Walk the signed loop rather than improvising along the creek bank. Wet roots, slick rock, and traffic at the road crossings deserve attention even on an easy day.
What helps on this route
- Photograph the trailhead map because several connectors meet this loop.
- Keep children close at the road and beside fast water.
Terrain and access: Forest tread, roots, short road crossings, creek viewpoints, and modest rolling grades.
Upper McDonald Creek Trail
- Distance
- 5.6 mi
- Elevation gain
- 510 feet
- Time
- 2 hr 30 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Park only in a legal pullout near the signed trail access along Going-to-the-Sun Road.
- Best time
- Late spring through fall when the road and creekside trail are open and free of hazardous snow.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Upper McDonald Creek follows rushing water through cedar and hemlock forest, passing pools, boulders, and side views into the drainage. The grades stay mild, so the main question is how far to continue before retracing the route.
Creek noise can hide both wildlife and approaching hikers. Make your presence known at blind turns and stay off wet logs and rocks beside fast water. Several roadside access points can be confusing, so save the chosen start before leaving the vehicle.
What helps on this route
- Do not enter the creek when runoff is swift or water is cold.
- Use an offline map to distinguish the trail from short roadside paths.
Terrain and access: Mostly gentle forest trail with roots, rocks, damp sections, and unguarded creek edges.
Avalanche Lake Trail
- Distance
- 6.1 mi
- Elevation gain
- 840 feet
- Time
- 3 hr
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Start from Avalanche Creek parking or arrive on the seasonal road shuttle.
- Best time
- An early start on a clear day before the trail and lake shore become busy.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Avalanche Lake begins on Trail of the Cedars, then climbs beside Avalanche Creek through dense forest. The grade is steady rather than punishing. At the lake, narrow waterfalls drop from the cirque beneath Bearhat Mountain.
The first beach is often crowded, while a little extra walking along the shore can find breathing room. Keep food packed and never leave a daypack unattended. Wet roots and polished stones deserve care on the descent, especially after rain.
What helps on this route
- Add the Trail of the Cedars loop instead of rushing through it.
- Keep food secured at the lake even while taking photographs.
Terrain and access: Steady forest climb with roots, rocks, bridges, and a broad lake shore at the turnaround.
Trail of the Cedars
- Distance
- 0.9 mi
- Elevation gain
- 45 feet
- Time
- 1 hr
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Use Avalanche Creek parking or the seasonal Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttle stop.
- Best time
- Early morning or by shuttle after the parking area fills.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Trail of the Cedars loops through a moist old-growth forest at Avalanche Creek. Boardwalk and paved sections pass western red cedar, black cottonwood, and interpretive signs before crossing the creek gorge.
This is one of the park's most accessible walks and also the approach to Avalanche Lake. Crowds cluster near the bridge and trail junction. Complete the loop in either direction, and allow longer than the mileage suggests if the group wants to read every sign.
What helps on this route
- Use the shuttle when the Avalanche area is full.
- Stay on the boardwalk around sensitive wet forest.
Terrain and access: Boardwalk and paved trail with gentle grades; accessible conditions can vary with construction or weather.
Granite Park Chalet via Highline and Granite Park Trail
- Distance
- 11.6 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,380 feet
- Time
- 7 hr
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- point-to-point
- Parking
- Begin at Logan Pass and arrange a legal pickup, shuttle, or second vehicle at The Loop before hiking.
- Best time
- An early, settled-weather start after the Highline corridor opens.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
This point-to-point itinerary follows the Highline corridor to Granite Park Chalet, then descends the Granite Park Trail to The Loop. It trades an out-and-back for a long traverse with changing views and a practical transportation problem at the finish.
Exposed tread, limited shade, wildlife closures, and shuttle capacity can all change the plan. Do not start without confirming both trail status and a lawful way to leave The Loop.
What helps on this route
- Carry water beyond what you expect to need; the chalet is not a guaranteed resupply.
- Give bears and bighorn sheep a wide corridor and never crowd wildlife on narrow tread.
Terrain and access: Narrow alpine traverse, exposed slopes, rocky tread, a chalet junction, and a long forested descent.
Iceberg Lake
- Distance
- 9.6 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,280 feet
- Time
- Varies
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use designated Many Glacier parking and follow current trailhead-access or shuttle instructions.
- Best time
- An early summer morning after the upper trail is open.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Iceberg Lake climbs from the Many Glacier valley to a cold amphitheater beneath steep rock walls. The open middle trail and high basin make the scenery feel alpine well before the final approach.
Snow, wildlife closures, and construction can affect this corridor. The lake edge is cold and fragile; remain on durable ground and keep a wide distance from animals.
What helps on this route
- Start early to reduce parking pressure and afternoon-storm exposure.
- Carry layers for a basin that can be much colder than the trailhead.
Terrain and access: Forest, open slopes, steady climbing, avalanche paths, lingering snow, and a high lake basin.
Ptarmigan Tunnel
- Distance
- 10.7 mi
- Elevation gain
- 2,370 feet
- Time
- 6 hr 30 min
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use designated Many Glacier trailhead parking and follow current construction or shuttle directions.
- Best time
- A clear midsummer morning after the tunnel and upper trail are open.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Ptarmigan Tunnel climbs from the Many Glacier valley past forest and lake country to a passage cut through the Ptarmigan Wall. The destination changes the view abruptly from one side of the ridge to the other.
The tunnel is seasonal and the upper approach can hold snow. This is a long, exposed route where a closure at the tunnel or bear activity can erase the intended payoff, so check status before committing.
What helps on this route
- Do not enter a closed tunnel or cross a closure barrier.
- Carry warm layers even when the valley starts hot.
Terrain and access: Forest approach, lake basin, sustained climbing, exposed alpine switchbacks, and a seasonal tunnel.
Swiftcurrent Nature Trail
- Distance
- 2.6 mi
- Elevation gain
- 10 feet
- Time
- 1 hr
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Use designated Many Glacier parking near the Swiftcurrent Lake area.
- Best time
- Early morning for calm water, with extra awareness for bears in low light.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Swiftcurrent Nature Trail circles the lake below the Many Glacier Hotel, mixing forest shade with open views of Grinnell Point and the surrounding peaks. Its gentle grade makes it a good Many Glacier introduction.
Dense vegetation and berry patches make bear awareness necessary despite the developed setting. Make noise, keep children close, and do not run if wildlife appears. Shoreline sections can be muddy after rain or high water.
What helps on this route
- Carry bear spray; hotel views do not remove bear habitat.
- Walk the lake in the direction that gives the group the best light and wind.
Terrain and access: Mostly gentle lakeshore and forest tread with roots, mud, and a few open developed sections.
Siyeh Pass Trail
- Distance
- 10.1 mi
- Elevation gain
- 2,360 feet
- Time
- 6 hr 30 min
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- point-to-point
- Parking
- Use the Piegan Pass and Sunrift Gorge shuttle stops or arrange a legal point-to-point pickup.
- Best time
- A clear summer day after the pass is free of hazardous snow and before afternoon storms.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Siyeh Pass crosses from forest into Preston Park, climbs beneath Mount Siyeh, and drops through a stark high basin toward Sunrift Gorge. The point-to-point layout keeps the scenery changing and makes transport part of the route.
The high traverse is exposed to wind, lightning, sun, and lingering snow. Confirm both trail and shuttle status before committing. Missing the final ride can turn a hard day into a transport problem, so start with a generous margin.
What helps on this route
- Record the final shuttle time and carry a backup transport plan.
- Turn around before lightning reaches the open pass.
Terrain and access: Long forest approach, alpine meadow, sustained pass climb, exposed traverse, and a lengthy descent.
Grinnell Glacier Trail
- Distance
- 11.1 mi
- Elevation gain
- 2,060 feet
- Time
- 6 hr
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use designated Many Glacier parking and follow current access, construction, and shuttle instructions.
- Best time
- A very early start on a clear summer day after the upper trail opens.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Grinnell Glacier Trail rises above a chain of lakes and continues into an open basin beneath the Garden Wall. The full trail is a sustained mountain day, not simply a longer version of the lower lakeshore walks.
Snow, steep drop-offs, spray near the upper falls, and frequent wildlife activity can change the route. Boat service may shorten some approaches, but it should not be assumed when planning the distance shown here.
What helps on this route
- Carry traction only when current trail reports justify it; turn around at unsafe snow.
- Keep food secured during every stop, including at crowded viewpoints.
Terrain and access: Lakeside forest, open cliffs, waterfall spray, rocky alpine tread, and a high glacier viewpoint.
Cracker Lake Trail
- Distance
- 12.6 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,700 feet
- Time
- 6 hr
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Start from the signed Cracker Lake trailhead in Many Glacier and follow current parking directions.
- Best time
- A long summer day with stable weather and an early departure.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Cracker Lake is a long out-and-back to a pale blue lake beneath a high wall of Mount Siyeh. The route begins in the Many Glacier valley, passes horse traffic and forest, then opens into the upper basin.
Mud, dust, and horse use can slow the lower trail. The lake basin has little shelter from wind and weather. Carry layers even when the valley is warm, and leave enough time for the full return rather than treating the lake as the halfway point on the clock.
What helps on this route
- Step off on a durable edge when yielding to horses and follow the rider's instructions.
- Pack a warm layer for the exposed lake basin.
Terrain and access: Long mixed-use trail with forest, mud or dust, open basin travel, and sustained mileage.
Apikuni Falls
- Distance
- 2 mi
- Elevation gain
- 630 feet
- Time
- Varies
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed pullout or designated trailhead parking and keep the road edge clear.
- Best time
- A cool morning before the exposed climb heats up.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Apikuni Falls climbs quickly from the Many Glacier road corridor to a tall cascade dropping from a hanging valley. The route is short but gains elevation efficiently and spends time on open slope.
Loose rock and the steep basin below the falls require restraint. Stop at the established viewing area rather than scrambling toward wet cliffs.
What helps on this route
- Carry bear spray where it can be reached quickly.
- Avoid the exposed slope during lightning or intense midday heat.
Terrain and access: Open lower slope, steep forested tread, loose rock, and a waterfall viewpoint below cliffs.
Saint Mary and Virginia Falls
- Distance
- 3.1 mi
- Elevation gain
- 570 feet
- Time
- 2 hr
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use a designated St. Mary Falls trailhead space or the operating shuttle; roadside parking may be restricted.
- Best time
- Morning before the falls corridor becomes busy.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
The route descends toward Saint Mary River, reaches Saint Mary Falls, and continues through recovering forest to Virginia Falls. Keeping both waterfalls in one itinerary avoids counting the shorter nested variants as separate hikes.
The return climbs back to the road, and summer heat can be sharper in the burned sections than the modest mileage suggests. Stay behind barriers and off wet rock at both falls.
What helps on this route
- Confirm the exact trailhead and shuttle stop you will use before boarding.
- Carry sun protection and more water than the shaded opening implies.
Terrain and access: Forest and burn-area tread, river crossing, waterfall spray, rolling grades, and a climbing return.
Scalplock Lookout
- Distance
- 9.4 mi
- Elevation gain
- 2,860 feet
- Time
- Varies
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed Walton-area trailhead and keep railroad or maintenance access clear.
- Best time
- A dry, clear morning after the upper trail is snow-free.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Scalplock Lookout climbs the park's southern forest to an operational fire-lookout site above the Middle Fork corridor. The sustained switchbacks lead to a perspective distinct from the central road and Many Glacier districts.
The trail is steep, the start is less developed, and services are distant. Treat the lookout and any equipment as working infrastructure.
What helps on this route
- Confirm the legal trailhead entrance before leaving the highway corridor.
- Carry water and save energy for the long descent.
Terrain and access: Dense forest, steep switchbacks, rocky upper tread, a high lookout, and limited trailhead services.
Baring Falls Trail
- Distance
- 1.3 mi
- Elevation gain
- 120 feet
- Time
- 1 hr
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the Sunrift Gorge area or the nearest operating Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttle stop.
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon when the short trail is quieter and road access is straightforward.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Baring Falls drops over a dark rock ledge near the shore of St. Mary Lake. The short approach fits beside a road day, yet it still leaves the pavement for forest, creek, and lake views.
The rocks near the falls stay slick and the water is cold. Use the maintained viewing area rather than climbing beside the cascade. This outing can also be linked with longer shoreline paths when trail status and transport allow.
What helps on this route
- Keep children off wet rocks at the base of the falls.
- Check the shuttle stop and road-crossing arrangement before leaving the trailhead.
Terrain and access: Short forest trail with stairs, roots, creekside rocks, and wet surfaces near the falls.
Twin Falls from Two Medicine
- Distance
- 2 mi
- Elevation gain
- 110 feet
- Time
- 1 hr
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Start at the Two Medicine trailhead or use operating boat service only with a confirmed ticket and current dock access.
- Best time
- A calm morning while the Two Medicine trails and any planned boat connection are operating.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Twin Falls sits in the west end of the Two Medicine trail network. The preserved route follows the shoreline corridor rather than assuming a boat shortcut, so the map and profile remain useful when boat schedules change.
Construction, dock access, and seasonal reroutes can affect this area. Follow the signed trail and current NPS instructions instead of using an old shoreline shortcut.
What helps on this route
- Treat a boat ride as an optional logistics choice, not a guaranteed part of the hike.
- Check whether any signed ford or detour changes the normal approach.
Terrain and access: Lakeshore forest, junctions near the west end, waterfall terrain, and seasonally changing access.
Aster Falls
- Distance
- 2.6 mi
- Elevation gain
- 250 feet
- Time
- 1 hr 30 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use designated Two Medicine day-use parking and follow current campground-construction signs.
- Best time
- A quiet morning when the south-shore corridor is open.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Aster Falls follows the south side of Two Medicine Lake through forest to a shaded cascade. It works as a compact destination when the longer pass and lake routes do not fit the day.
The approach is part of a larger trail network, so stay with the signed waterfall route and respect any temporary construction detour. Wet rock near the cascade is not a viewing platform.
What helps on this route
- Continue beyond the falls only if you intentionally planned Aster Park.
- Carry bear spray even for this short forest route.
Terrain and access: Lakeside forest, gentle rolling tread, creek crossings, a shaded waterfall, and active trail junctions.
Pitamakan–Dawson Loop
- Distance
- 19.2 mi
- Elevation gain
- 3,920 feet
- Time
- 10 hr 30 min
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Use designated Two Medicine trailhead parking and confirm the complete loop is open before starting.
- Best time
- A predawn or first-light start in stable midsummer weather.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
The Pitamakan–Dawson Loop connects two high passes in one of Glacier's longest established day circuits. Long forest approaches give way to an exposed traverse with broad views over the Two Medicine country.
This is a committing route with little shelter on the high section. Snow, wind, lightning, construction, or a closure on either side can make the loop inappropriate even when the valley trailhead is open.
What helps on this route
- Carry a paper or offline map and know the bailout choices before climbing above treeline.
- Turn around rather than entering the exposed traverse when storms are building.
Terrain and access: Long forest approaches, two alpine passes, exposed ridge travel, rocky tread, and major cumulative climbing.
Scenic Point Trail
- Distance
- 7.8 mi
- Elevation gain
- 2,330 feet
- Time
- 5 hr 30 min
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed Scenic Point trailhead in the Two Medicine district.
- Best time
- A cool, clear morning after snow has left the exposed traverse.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Scenic Point climbs quickly from the Two Medicine valley to open slopes with wide views over the lakes and plains. The route spends far less time in forest than most hikes of similar length in Glacier.
Sun, wind, and lightning are the main concerns once the trail clears the trees. Snow can linger across steep ground, and the descent pounds tired legs. Carry water from the start because the upper trail offers little shade and no dependable refill.
What helps on this route
- Turn around before a storm reaches the exposed slope.
- Use sun protection even on a cool, windy day.
Terrain and access: Sustained climb, exposed sidehill trail, rocky switchbacks, possible snow, and a long descent.
Running Eagle Falls
- Distance
- 0.6 mi
- Elevation gain
- 15 feet
- Time
- 1 hr
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Use the signed Running Eagle Falls parking area in the Two Medicine district.
- Best time
- Morning or evening for softer light and a quieter accessible path.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Running Eagle Falls is a compact developed trail to a waterfall with cultural importance to the Blackfeet Nation. Its easy surface makes it a practical shared outing for mixed-ability groups.
Water volume changes the appearance of the falls, but the creek remains hazardous. Stay on the designated path and viewing area rather than approaching through the channel.
What helps on this route
- Read the on-site interpretation and treat the place with respect.
- Check the current accessibility notice if surface conditions matter to your group.
Terrain and access: Developed accessible path, a short forest edge, creek views, and a designated waterfall overlook.
Firebrand Pass
- Distance
- 9.6 mi
- Elevation gain
- 2,080 feet
- Time
- Varies
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed Lubec trailhead area and do not park on private or railroad access.
- Best time
- A clear, low-wind morning after pass snow recedes.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Firebrand Pass climbs from the park's southeastern edge through forest and meadow to an exposed notch on the Continental Divide. It offers an alpine pass day away from the busiest central trailheads.
Wind and storms arrive quickly on the open upper route. The lower access is easy to drive past, so confirm the legal trailhead before setting out.
What helps on this route
- Turn around below the pass if wind or lightning makes the exposed slope unsafe.
- Carry an offline map because the trailhead and early junctions are less developed.
Terrain and access: Forest, meadow, long climbing traverse, exposed scree, and a windy high pass.
Official planning sources
Trail access and safety details were checked against these National Park Service pages. The maps and profiles follow the corresponding route geometry.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Trail geometry and planning details include National Park Service public information.