Great Destinations

Glacier National Park – August 2025

Glacier National Park was a busy place in 2025, and there were “timed entry” requirements for access from the West (busiest) side and the Many Glaciers area, one of the most popular, was virtually impossible to access due to ongoing construction. So, we stayed on the east side in Browning, Montana about an hour from the park. It made travel to/from the park more time consuming, but opened the opportunity to easily drive into Canada to visit the Waterton Lakes National Park. This park is basically a continuation of the Rockies that dominate Glacier into the Canadian Rockies. It is only easily accessible from the east side of the Rockies and is well worth the short trip.

Glacier is just plain magnificent with lakes, extreme mountain peaks, rivers, waterfalls, and gorgeous meadows. We barely scratched the surface in our 4 full days of exploring. There is only one major road that traverses the entire park (Going to the Sun Road) and most visitors use that road as their starting point for further exploration. Logan Pass is at the top of this road as it crosses the Continental Divide and is an incredibly busy but amazing stopping point. We spent most of our time on trails around this road but also went down to the “Two Medicine” lake area as well as spending a day at Waterton Lakes. All of it is impressive and worth taking time to see in as much depth as you can!

Pink clouds glow above a long mountain lake surrounded by layered peaks and dark wooded slopes.
Afternoon view (look for morning view here too) of Saint Mary Lake with Little Chief, Fusillade, Reynolds, and Going to the Sun peaks from left to right – Glacier NP, Montana
Rocky mountain walls tower above green meadow slopes and scattered trees under a deep blue sky.
Sheer Mount Gould and the infamous and treacherous Garden Wall to the far left, seen from the Hidden Lake trail – Glacier NP, Montana
Close view of cascading water spreading over layered stone ledges with soft motion blur.
The base of very tall Logan Creek Falls at Oberlin Bend- near Logan Pass – Glacier NP, Montana
Whitewater squeezes through a tight rocky ravine with moss, fallen branches, and shaded canyon walls.
Rushing Baring Creek passes through Sunrift Gorge which is only about 2-3 feet wide at its narrowest point – Glacier NP, Montana
A stream rushes over tilted tan and gray stone slabs beneath low green alpine vegetation.
Siyeh Creek runs down between stone layers at Siyeh Bend Trail – Glacier NP, Montana
A black-and-white landscape shows a broad lake below dark forests and mountains under heavy clouds.
Waterton Lake and surrounding mountains, seen from Waterton National Park Viewpoint – Alberta, Canada
Tiered white cascades descend over dark rock shelves with green plants tucked along the stream banks.
Some of Virginia Falls many cascades, on Virginia Creek – Glacier NP, Montana
Silky white water spills from a cliff into a shallow stream bordered by dark stone and forest.
One of my favorite shots from Galcier: Baring Falls, near the edge of McDonald Lake – Glacier NP, Montana
Pink wildflowers and clear water lead toward a sunlit mountain basin under a bright summer sky.
Wildflowers on a mountain stream flowing towards Heavy Runner Mountain on the Hidden Lakes trail – Glacier NP, Montana
Panoramic view of a deep blue mountain lake bordered by evergreens, cliffs, and distant summits.
St Mary’s Lake with Citadel Mountain at left, Going to the Sun Mountain at right and Reynolds Peak in the distant middle – Glacier NP, Montana
A calm mountain lake reflects a rocky summit and dense conifer forest beneath a clear blue sky.
Mountain reflection in Johns Lake, a tiny jewel near McDonald Lake – Glacier NP, Montana
A clear creek tumbles over colorful rocks and pools beneath layered canyon walls and forest shade.
Baring Creek downstream of Sunrift Gorge – Glacier NP, Montana
A vivid mountain lake extends into the distance with forested shores and cloud-dappled sky above.
Mgnificent Waterton Lake from the majestic Prince of Wales Hotel – Alberta, Canada
A high view looks across Waterton Lake with layered ridges, evergreens, and a dramatic cloudy sky.
A beautiful view of Waterton Lake and Mount Cleveland, from Cameron Lake Road – Alberta, Canada
Pale green water pours over a short ledge into a narrow canyon lined with branches and mossy rock.
One of several unnamed cascades on McDonald Creek near Red Rock Point – Glacier NP, Montana
Fast water tumbles over dark rocks beside green conifers in a shaded mountain creek scene.
The real McDonald Falls, I think, though there are many other big cascades nearby on McDonld Creek – Glacier NP, Montana
White water spills into a clear turquoise pool enclosed by steep layered stone and forest.
Saint Mary Falls, a very popular swimming hole on the Virginia Creek trail – Glacier NP, Montana
A mountain creek rushes through a narrow channel filled with driftwood, stones, and blurred whitewater.
Baring Creek downstream of Sunrift Gorge on the way to Baring Falls – Glacier NP, Montana
A calm mountain lake reflects a rocky summit and dense conifer forest beneath a clear blue sky.
Mountain reflection in Johns Lake, a tiny jewel near McDonald Lake – Glacier NP, Montana
Powerful rapids churn through a narrow canyon with rock shelves and scattered pines along the banks.
Bluegreen waters of Upper and Lower Kootenai Falls, west of Glacier National Park – Stevensville, Montana
A dirt trail curves between straight evergreen trunks with ferns and sunlit green understory beside it.
Many lower elevation trails are peaceful and lush like this one at McDonald Falls trail – Glacier NP, Montana
Delicate wildflowers and mossy branches fill the foreground of a shaded meadow near a mountain lake.
Meadow near Cameron Lake in Waterton Lakes National Park – Alberta, Canada
Fast water tumbles over dark rocks beside green conifers in a shaded mountain creek scene.
The real McDonald Falls, I think, though there are many other big cascades nearby on McDonld Creek – Glacier NP, Montana
Rugged peaks rise above a lush valley with bright meadow patches and a winding mountain road view.
Heavy Runner and Reynolds Mountains surround the Hanging Gardens, seen from Going to the Sun Road – Glacier NP, Montana
A mountain creek rushes through a narrow channel filled with driftwood, stones, and blurred whitewater.
Baring Creek downstream of Sunrift Gorge on the way to Baring Falls – Glacier NP, Montana
A glacier clings to a mountain cirque above dark forest slopes beneath a subdued overcast sky.
Jackson Glacier, one of 25 remaining glaciers in the park and the most easily viewed – Glacier NP, Montana
Bright reeds and shrubs line a quiet lake backed by a stand of slender leafless trees.
Colorful rushes and barren trees at Akamina Lake in Waterton Lakes National Park – Alberta, Canada
Chief Mountain stands alone on the horizon with green forest in front and cumulus clouds overhead.
Massive and solitary Chief Mountain has great significane to local Native Americans – Glacier NP, Montana
Close view of cascading water spreading over layered stone ledges with soft motion blur.
The base of very tall Logan Creek Falls at Oberlin Bend- near Logan Pass – Glacier NP, Montana
Tall purple wildflowers rise among grasses and charred tree trunks in a green mountain meadow.
Beautiful purple Lupens were everywhere in the alpine meadows – Alberta, Canada
A compact waterfall pours through a rocky opening into an emerald pool framed by steep canyon walls.
Running Eagle Falls appears to pour out of Rising Wolf Mountain behind it, near Two Medicine Lake – Glacier NP, Montana
White water spills into a clear turquoise pool enclosed by steep layered stone and forest.
Saint Mary Falls, a very popular swimming hole on the Virginia Creek trail – Glacier NP, Montana
Panoramic view of a deep blue mountain lake bordered by evergreens, cliffs, and distant summits.
St Mary’s Lake with Citadel Mountain at left, Going to the Sun Mountain at right and Reynolds Peak in the distant middle – Glacier NP, Montana
A high view looks across Waterton Lake with layered ridges, evergreens, and a dramatic cloudy sky.
A beautiful view of Waterton Lake and Mount Cleveland, from Cameron Lake Road – Alberta, Canada
Whitewater squeezes through a tight rocky ravine with moss, fallen branches, and shaded canyon walls.
Rushing Baring Creek passes through Sunrift Gorge which is only about 2-3 feet wide at its narrowest point – Glacier NP, Montana
Rocky mountain walls tower above green meadow slopes and scattered trees under a deep blue sky.
Sheer Mount Gould and the infamous and treacherous Garden Wall to the far left, seen from the Hidden Lake trail – Glacier NP, Montana
Tall purple wildflowers rise among grasses and charred tree trunks in a green mountain meadow.
Beautiful purple Lupens were everywhere in the alpine meadows – Alberta, Canada
Chief Mountain stands alone on the horizon with green forest in front and cumulus clouds overhead.
Massive and solitary Chief Mountain has great significane to local Native Americans – Glacier NP, Montana
Pale green water pours over a short ledge into a narrow canyon lined with branches and mossy rock.
One of several unnamed cascades on McDonald Creek near Red Rock Point – Glacier NP, Montana
A clear creek tumbles over colorful rocks and pools beneath layered canyon walls and forest shade.
Baring Creek downstream of Sunrift Gorge – Glacier NP, Montana
A wide lake sits beneath moody clouds, with mountains and forested slopes receding into the distance.
Morning view of Saint Mary Lake with Little Chief, Fusillade, Reynolds, and Going to the Sun peaks from left to right – Glacier NP, Montana
Rugged peaks rise above a lush valley with bright meadow patches and a winding mountain road view.
Heavy Runner and Reynolds Mountains surround the Hanging Gardens, seen from Going to the Sun Road – Glacier NP, Montana
Clear green-blue water winds past reddish rocks and evergreen trees under bright mountain light.
The water color is a fantastic contrast to the stone colors at Red Rock Point on McDonald Creek – Glacier NP, Montana
Bright reeds and shrubs line a quiet lake backed by a stand of slender leafless trees.
Colorful rushes and barren trees at Akamina Lake in Waterton Lakes National Park – Alberta, Canada
A compact waterfall pours through a rocky opening into an emerald pool framed by steep canyon walls.
Running Eagle Falls appears to pour out of Rising Wolf Mountain behind it, near Two Medicine Lake – Glacier NP, Montana
A shadowed mountain silhouette rises beyond water as dramatic clouds and light rays fill the sky.
Mist brings out the ominous shape of Going to the Sun Mountain from Saint Mary Lake – Glacier NP, Montana
Clear green-blue water winds past reddish rocks and evergreen trees under bright mountain light.
The water color is a fantastic contrast to the stone colors at Red Rock Point on McDonald Creek – Glacier NP, Montana
A stream rushes over tilted tan and gray stone slabs beneath low green alpine vegetation.
Siyeh Creek runs down between stone layers at Siyeh Bend Trail – Glacier NP, Montana
Rolling evergreen slopes lead into a wide mountain valley beneath clouds and distant snow-streaked peaks.
Morning view into the valley at Cut Bank Creek with Bad Marriage Mountain at left, Mount James at right, and Stimson and Razoredge Mountains in the middle – Glacier NP, Montana
A bright waterfall splits over layered rock walls and drops into a greenish basin below.
Iconic Cameron Falls is easy to find near Waterton Park in Waterton Lakes National Park – Alberta, Canada
A bright waterfall splits over layered rock walls and drops into a greenish basin below.
Iconic Cameron Falls is easy to find near Waterton Park in Waterton Lakes National Park – Alberta, Canada
Silky white water spills from a cliff into a shallow stream bordered by dark stone and forest.
One of my favorite shots from Galcier: Baring Falls, near the edge of McDonald Lake – Glacier NP, Montana
A tranquil lake reflects blue sky and mountains while evergreen trees line the bright shoreline.
South shore of McDonald Lake with Stanton Mountain in the background – Glacier NP, Montana
A distant waterfall drops down a steep cliff surrounded by dense green vegetation and forested slopes.
Falls on Reynolds Creek, flowing from the Continental Divide at Logans Pass – Glacier NP, Montana
A turquoise lake lies far below rugged cliffs and sunlit mountain ridges viewed from a high trail.
Hidden Lake from the trail lookout a few mile hike up from Logan Pass – Glacier NP, Montana
Tiered white cascades descend over dark rock shelves with green plants tucked along the stream banks.
Some of Virginia Falls many cascades, on Virginia Creek – Glacier NP, Montana
Rolling evergreen slopes lead into a wide mountain valley beneath clouds and distant snow-streaked peaks.
Morning view into the valley at Cut Bank Creek with Bad Marriage Mountain at left, Mount James at right, and Stimson and Razoredge Mountains in the middle – Glacier NP, Montana
A shadowed mountain silhouette rises beyond water as dramatic clouds and light rays fill the sky.
Mist brings out the ominous shape of Going to the Sun Mountain from Saint Mary Lake – Glacier NP, Montana
A high overlook captures misty mountain ridges, a small lake basin, and dark conifer-covered slopes.
West view of Hidden Lake from the trail lookout above Logan Pass, with the Continental Divide beyond – Glacier NP, Montana
A distant waterfall drops down a steep cliff surrounded by dense green vegetation and forested slopes.
Falls on Reynolds Creek, flowing from the Continental Divide at Logans Pass – Glacier NP, Montana
A high overlook captures misty mountain ridges, a small lake basin, and dark conifer-covered slopes.
West view of Hidden Lake from the trail lookout above Logan Pass, with the Continental Divide beyond – Glacier NP, Montana
A turquoise lake lies far below rugged cliffs and sunlit mountain ridges viewed from a high trail.
Hidden Lake from the trail lookout a few mile hike up from Logan Pass – Glacier NP, Montana
Pink wildflowers and clear water lead toward a sunlit mountain basin under a bright summer sky.
Wildflowers on a mountain stream flowing towards Heavy Runner Mountain on the Hidden Lakes trail – Glacier NP, Montana
A wide lake sits beneath moody clouds, with mountains and forested slopes receding into the distance.
Morning view of Saint Mary Lake with Little Chief, Fusillade, Reynolds, and Going to the Sun peaks from left to right – Glacier NP, Montana
A tranquil lake reflects blue sky and mountains while evergreen trees line the bright shoreline.
South shore of McDonald Lake with Stanton Mountain in the background – Glacier NP, Montana
A vivid mountain lake extends into the distance with forested shores and cloud-dappled sky above.
Mgnificent Waterton Lake from the majestic Prince of Wales Hotel – Alberta, Canada
Delicate wildflowers and mossy branches fill the foreground of a shaded meadow near a mountain lake.
Meadow near Cameron Lake in Waterton Lakes National Park – Alberta, Canada
A dirt trail curves between straight evergreen trunks with ferns and sunlit green understory beside it.
Many lower elevation trails are peaceful and lush like this one at McDonald Falls trail – Glacier NP, Montana
A glacier clings to a mountain cirque above dark forest slopes beneath a subdued overcast sky.
Jackson Glacier, one of 25 remaining glaciers in the park and the most easily viewed – Glacier NP, Montana
Powerful rapids churn through a narrow canyon with rock shelves and scattered pines along the banks.
Bluegreen waters of Upper and Lower Kootenai Falls, west of Glacier National Park – Stevensville, Montana
Pink clouds glow above a long mountain lake surrounded by layered peaks and dark wooded slopes.
Afternoon view (look for morning view here too) of Saint Mary Lake with Little Chief, Fusillade, Reynolds, and Going to the Sun peaks from left to right – Glacier NP, Montana
A black-and-white landscape shows a broad lake below dark forests and mountains under heavy clouds.
Waterton Lake and surrounding mountains, seen from Waterton National Park Viewpoint – Alberta, Canada