Winter In Glacier National Park
Even though the Going to the Sun Road is buttoned up, there is still plenty to do in Winter in Glacier National Park and Northwest Montana.
Winter in Glacier National Park is a very different experience than the summer season. Roads are quiet, the light is softer, and the landscape feels vast and unhurried under snow. I live just outside the park and hike here throughout the winter, when access is limited but the rewards are often greater — fewer people, clearer views, and a deeper sense of wonder. If you’re willing to adjust expectations and plan carefully, winter can be one of the most memorable times to explore Glacier.
An Insider’s Tips to discovering Glacier in the Winter:
- Ranger led snow shoe walks: January through March onto weekends (weather permitting) Glacier Park offers ranger led snow shoe walks. See this link from the Park on how to sign up and where to find outfitters.
My three favorite hikes in the winter.
- John’s Lake Loop: Just past the Lake MacDonald Lodge you will see a pull out and a bridge over the creek. Park off to the left and follow the path over the bridge at MacDonald creek and head into the woods down to the right. The trail is well marked. No special equipment is required beyond snow boots or perhaps hiking poles. Walk along the river bank and enjoy the solitude of the woods. The entire loop is about 2.1 miles and les than 200 feet of elevation gain. Please leave your fur babies at home. Pets are not allowed on this hike.
2. Show-shoeing to Fish Lake: To make it all the way up to Fish Lake is often not entirely possible in the winter, but I have snowshoed up a fair distance- (see photos above). About 1 mile up there is a stunning view of Lake MacDonald. Wear layers because you will warm up quickly heading up the hill. The entire hike is 2.4 miles with a 1000 foot elevation gain. I just hike up to the view and have a little snack and head back down. Park at the Snyder Lake Trailhead sign across from the Lake MacDonald Lodge. Do not take the Mt. Brown trail. Stay left for Fish Lake. Snowshoes and trekking poles required.
More Great hikes:
3. Avalanche Lake:
If you get very lucky and the Going to the Sun Road is open to Avalanche, take the opportunity to hike up to the lake. 505 foot elevation gain and about 3 miles to the lake.
It is very doable in the snow as we have hiked it many times in late November. Take a picnic lunch and plenty of water. Deer and a few birds may greet you along the hike. Park in the Avalanche area and follow the Trail of the Cedars ( a must in the winter if open) to the gorge and then head up the stairs to the trail. Bear left. It is VERY important you stay far away from the edge of the trail and not tempt fate and fall down into the creek. Almost every year, folks trying to take a peek or a selfie slip and fall into the dangerous frigid waters. Bonus: There is a relatively new set of pit toilets just as you approach the lake. They are dark, so bring a flashlight ( not your phone as a light source). You don’t want your phone falling in.
A look at the gorge along the Trail of the Cedars (above) Avalanche trail photos in the winter below)
Exploring Apgar Village in the Winter:
Apgar village is always bustling no matter what time of year you visit. Eddie’s gift shop, but not the Cafe, stays open through the winter (weekend only) and the Montana House is also open on the weekends. With shops in West Glacier Village and restaurants in Apgar closed in the winter, taking your own provisions is strongly recommended. The ranger station is open only on the weekends. There is a water filling station near the ranger station. Pit toilets are open near the dock by the lake.
One of our favorite things to do, if temps have been sub freezing for a while, is to have a walk out on Lake Macdonald. On the weekends, you’ll see a few ice skaters, and folks walking out a few steps onto the frozen ice. Caution! Walking on frozen ice is dangerous – never go alone and take tracking poles and snow boots.
The East Side and beyond in Glacier Park during the Winter:
One of our favorite things to do in the Winter is to stop at the Loge ( formerly the Issac Walton Inn) for a bit of cross-country skiing. Groomed trails and equipment rentals makes this a fantastic place to explore in the winter. The best thing is you can pop into the restaurant and have a warm drink or lunch after back country exercises wear you out. Check out their location and available dates here.
More East Side activities-
Photography: I have to be honest. One the East side, the Going to the Sun Road is only open to Rising Sun in the Winter. There are some beautiful spots for photography and a few hikes, but there are limited vendors and shops on the east side until you get to Browning. Two Medicine is completely closed- the road is gated and locked. Driving around the park on Hwy 2 has some very icy spots and there is little cell reception. If you do travel over to the East side, be prepared with plenty of fuel, food and water and lots of warm layers. There are a few pull outs with beautiful spots to take photos.
SnowMobiling: On the East side Lone Elk Lodge, which is open year round has a wonderful selection of winter activities to enjoy including snowmobiling in Glacier Country. The Lodge is a VRBO style collection of cabins and a main lodge. It is self- caterring. Check out their website for more information.
Back Country Permits: If you are adventurous and have the right gear and avalanche training, back country camping in the park during the winter may be the perfect adventure. Contact the Park at this site to obtain a permit.
Dining near Glacier Park during the Winter:
There are a few spots in Coram, West Glacier, Hungry Horse and Columbia Falls worth a visit during the winter. These spots stay open all year to feed hungry visitors.
- Stone Fly Lounge, Coram – savory pot pies, pizzas, Friday night movies and football.
- Park Provisions, Coram Order meals to go up to 60 days in advance. Dine in or take away. Fresh and local.
- Glacier Distilling, Coram – Distillery open year round. Call ahead to see if the Speakeasy with limited menu is open. 21 and older, please.
- Packers Roost
- Paul Bunyan Bar and Saloon
- Huckleberry Patch– Hungry Horse – breakfast, everything huckleberry. 11-6 daily in Winter
- Tex and Jerry’s, Hungry Horse- incredible hearty cuisine. Closed Wednesdays
- Montana Coffee Traders, Columbia Falls – 7am-2pm open daily. Perfect stop for a hot breakfast or great coffee before heading into the park.
Staying safe in the Winter in Glacier National Park:
- Never hike alone. Repeat- never hike alone.
- Take plenty of food, water and warm layers in case of inclement weather.
- The days are very short in the winter in Glacier. Sunset is around 4:30-5:00pm. Get an early start so you do not find yourself deep in the woods in the dark. Know the signs of an avalanche – Hike smart, do not take chances on steep terrain. Read more here fromthe Flathead Avalanche Center.
- Let someone know where you are going, when you will be expected back.
- Make certain your vehicle has plenty of fuel.
- Check in with a local weather station for storm forecasts.
Winter in Glacier is so special. While the iconic Sun Road is closed, there is still so much to do within the borders of this beautiful park.
