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Stop 5: West Glacier / Apgar, MT
The west side of Glacier NP. Apgar Village on Lake McDonald is stunning — the clearest, most colorful lake you've ever seen. Going-to-the-Sun Road launches from here. Less dramatic than Many Glacier but more accessible and family-friendly.
Where to Stay
🏨 Hotels
Village Inn at Apgar (Glacier Park Collection)
★★★
$200–$320/night
Inside Glacier NP, right on Lake McDonald. Some of the most spectacular views in any lodge in America. No pool but the lake is your pool. Only 36 rooms — book far in advance.
🔴 Only 36 Rooms — Book Early
Lake McDonald Lodge (Glacier Park Collection)
★★★★
$220–$380/night
Historic 1913 lodge, on Lake McDonald. Historic atmosphere, guided tours, boat rentals on the lake. Dining room, camp store, horseback riding nearby.
⭐ Most Historic Experience
Glacier Guides Lodge (West Glacier town)
★★★
$160–$240/night
Clean, comfortable, close to park entrance. Rafting packages available through Glacier Raft Company.
🚐 RV Parks
Moose Creek RV Resort (West Glacier)
From $38/night
2.5 miles from West Glacier park entrance. Full hookups, hot tub, sauna, playground, basketball, volleyball. Shuffleboard, camp store, dog park. Best amenity-rich private RV park near Glacier.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best Amenities Near Glacier
Fish Creek Campground (NPS)
$30/night
Inside Glacier NP, near Lake McDonald. 4.4 stars, 1,064 reviews. Beautiful forest setting, some lake access. Reserve on recreation.gov.
Apgar Campground (NPS)
$30/night
Inside Glacier NP, on Lake McDonald. 4.3 stars, 823 reviews. Bike to Apgar Village, kayak rentals nearby. Reserve on recreation.gov.
Must-Do Activities
Going-to-the-Sun Road
America's most spectacular mountain road. Drive it before 9am to avoid vehicle reservations. 50 miles from Apgar to St. Mary. Stops: Avalanche Creek, Logan Pass (6,646 ft), Hidden Lake Overlook.
Lake McDonald Kayaking
Kayak rentals from Apgar. 10-mile-long lake with famous multicolored rocks visible through the crystal-clear water. One of the most beautiful lakes in North America.
Hidden Lake Overlook (Logan Pass)
1.5 mile walk from Logan Pass — mountain goats literally walk on the pavement. One of the most wildlife-rich short hikes in any US national park. Wildflowers are incredible.
Apgar Village
Boat tours, gift shops, ice cream, visitor center. The charming hub of the west side. Great for a lazy morning stroll before heading to the trails.
Glacier Raft Company
Middle Fork Flathead River — family-friendly class II-III sections for kids 6+. $55–$90/person. One of the best rafting experiences in Montana. Book ahead.
Lake McDonald Boat Tour
90-minute scenic tour from Lake McDonald Lodge. Great way to see the lake from the water without paddling. Kid-friendly and comfortable.
Family Hikes
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Trail of the Cedars 🟢 Easy
1 mile loop · Wheelchair accessible · Ancient red cedars · Ages 4+ · 5 stars
Wheelchair accessible boardwalk loop through ancient red cedar forest with Avalanche Gorge. The most accessible and impressive easy hike in Glacier. ALL ages including the 6-year-old.
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Hidden Lake Overlook from Logan Pass 🟢 Easy
2.6 miles RT · Mountain goats · Stunning views · Ages 8+
Drive up Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass, then hike 1.3 miles to the overlook. Mountain goats literally block the trail. Wildflowers in August are peak. Start early — Logan Pass parking fills by 7am.
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Avalanche Lake Trail 🟢 Easy
4.5 miles RT · Minimal elevation · Through red cedar forest · Kids 6+ love it
One of the best family hikes in Montana. Starts in the Trail of the Cedars area, follows Avalanche Creek to a stunning lake with waterfalls cascading in from all sides. Don't miss this one.
Restaurants
- Apgar Village Lodge RestaurantCasual dining right on the lake — best location for lunch
- Glacier Highland Motel RestaurantLocal favorite for hearty Montana meals after a long hike
- Pizza of Glacier (West Glacier)Surprisingly excellent pizza — great for a casual family dinner
Location