Something is exciting about traveling from the busy city of Chicago to the stunning landscapes of Glacier National Park. Our trip started with hope as we headed to Missoula Montana Airport, the start of our adventure. After leaving Chicago early, we reached Missoula by late afternoon, eager to explore one of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S.
A Quick Tip: Time Entry Pass
Before diving into the adventure, one crucial piece of advice for anyone planning a trip to Glacier National Park is to secure a timed entry pass in advance. Glacier National Park now requires these passes to enter certain areas during peak hours. It’s an easy process online, but without it, you might be denied access to the park, especially during busy times. If you plan your visit carefully, however, as we did, you can avoid this requirement by entering the park later in the afternoon or evening.
Day 1: Touchdown in Missoula and the Scenic Drive to Kalispell
Our flight from Chicago to Missoula was relatively smooth, and by the time we touched down, the late afternoon sun was casting golden hues over the mountains. After picking up our rental car, we embarked on the 2-hour drive to Kalispell, where we had booked a cozy hotel for the night.
The drive itself felt like the beginning of the adventure. Rolling hills, distant mountain ranges, and endless skies greeted us as we made our way north. Each bend in the road revealed new vistas, and by the time we reached Kalispell, we were already filled with excitement for the next day’s journey into Glacier National Park.
Into Glacier National Park: Going-to-the-Sun Road
On August 31st, after settling into our hotel in Kalispell, we wasted no time and headed straight for Glacier National Park. The timing worked perfectly in our favor—we arrived after 3 PM, meaning we didn’t need the timed entry pass. This gave us the freedom to explore without any constraints, and we eagerly set out on the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of the most iconic drives in all of America.
Going-to-the-Sun Road is more than just a road; it’s a journey through the heart of Glacier National Park. As you ascend the winding mountain road, you’re met with towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and valleys that seem to stretch forever. Every twist and turn reveals something new—a glacier-carved lake, a field of wildflowers, or the sheer faces of towering mountains.
One of our first stops was the Weeping Wall, an extraordinary sight where water flows down the rocky cliffs beside the road, creating a curtain of mist. Standing there, with the cool mountain breeze in our faces and the sound of the cascading water, we felt completely immersed in nature. It’s moments like these that make you realize why Glacier National Park is often referred to as the “Crown of the Continent.”
Logan Pass: The Highest Point
As we continued on the road, our next major stop was Logan Pass, the highest point on Going-to-the-Sun Road at an elevation of 6,646 feet. This is the kind of place where the beauty is so overwhelming that you feel like you’re standing on top of the world. From here, you can see miles of rugged mountain peaks, vast alpine meadows, and deep valleys below. The landscape at Logan Pass is as raw and untouched as you can imagine, with some areas still covered in patches of snow, even in late summer.
If you’re lucky, you might spot some wildlife here—mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and even grizzly bears are known to frequent the area. We spent some time soaking in the views, snapping photos, and simply marveling at the sheer scale of the landscape around us.
The Importance of a Four-Wheel Drive
While Going-to-the-Sun Road is an incredible experience, it’s important to note that the terrain can be rugged, especially if you venture off the main path or plan to explore beyond the typical tourist stops. That’s why I highly recommend renting a four-wheel-drive vehicle for this trip. The added stability and control make navigating the steep inclines and sharp turns of the mountain roads much easier. Plus, the weather in Glacier can be unpredictable, so it’s good to be prepared in case of rain, snow, or rougher conditions.
We were fortunate to have clear weather, but even with perfect conditions, the drive is exhilarating. With its narrow lanes and dramatic drop-offs, Going-to-the-Sun Road keeps you on your toes. The views, however, are absolutely worth it, and every mile of the drive feels like an adventure in itself.
Day 2: Exploring the East Side of Glacier National Park
After an exciting first day exploring Glacier National Park, we were ready to dive deeper into its wonders on Day 2. The day began in Kalispell, where we had spent the night. With the time entry pass already secured months in advance, we were all set for another adventure along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Fueling Up for the Day
No road trip is complete without a good cup of coffee, and ours began with a quick stop at Starbucks in Kalispell to grab coffee. With caffeine in hand and excitement in the air, we made our way back into Glacier National Park, ready to explore its eastern side.
Stop 1: Saint Mary Visitor Center
Our first destination for the day was the Saint Mary Visitor Center, one of the park’s most scenic entry points. Located near the eastern entrance of the park, the visitor center is surrounded by sweeping views of the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains, creating a stunning backdrop.
We took some time here to soak in the views while waiting for our friends to join us. The fresh morning air and the sight of the mountains in the distance made this a perfect spot to begin our day. The visitor center also offered helpful information about the park, its history, and the various hiking trails in the area.
Stop 2: Scenic Boat Tour at Saint Mary Lake
After regrouping with our friends, we headed to one of the highlights of the day—a scenic boat tour on Saint Mary Lake. As we boarded the boat, we were greeted with breathtaking views of the lake’s crystal-clear waters, framed by the towering mountains that surrounded it.
The boat tour lasted about an hour and a half, offering an unforgettable experience as we glided across the serene waters. The guide shared fascinating insights about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife, giving us a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty around us.
But the adventure didn’t end there! Halfway through the boat tour, we disembarked for a short hike to Baring Falls. This peaceful waterfall, tucked away in the forest, was a refreshing contrast to the expansive views of the lake. The short hike was easy and accessible, making it a perfect stop for anyone looking to experience the natural wonders of the park without too much exertion.
Stop 3: Jackson Glacier Overlook
After the boat tour, we got back on Going-to-the-Sun Road and made our way to Jackson Glacier Overlook, one of the best spots to view one of the park’s remaining glaciers. The overlook offered panoramic views of the glacier in the distance, a stark reminder of the fragile beauty of Glacier National Park. It’s humbling to see such massive formations of ice, knowing they are slowly disappearing over time.
Stop 4: Bird Woman Falls
As we continued our journey, we made a stop at Bird Woman Falls, a towering waterfall that cascades down from the cliffs into the valley below. The falls are named after Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who helped guide the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The view of the falls from Going-to-the-Sun Road is spectacular, and it’s well worth stopping to take in this natural wonder.
Stop 5: Logan Pass & Hidden Lake Trail
Next up was Logan Pass, the highest point on Going-to-the-Sun Road, and a gateway to some of Glacier’s best hikes. We decided to take on the Hidden Lake Trail, a moderately challenging hike with stunning alpine views along the way. The trail is famous for its wildlife, and sure enough, we encountered a herd of mountain sheep grazing in the meadows. Seeing these majestic animals in their natural habitat, surrounded by the rugged beauty of Glacier National Park, was an unforgettable moment.
The hike culminated in a stunning view of Hidden Lake, which seemed to shimmer in the afternoon light, framed by towering peaks. The experience was both invigorating and peaceful—one of those moments where you feel truly connected to the beauty of nature.
Stop 6: Apgar Visitor Center & Astrophotography
After finishing the hike, we dropped our friends back at the Saint Mary Visitor Center and continued to our final stop of the day: the Apgar Visitor Center. By now, the sun had set, and we stayed late into the night for one final adventure—astrophotography. The clear skies of Glacier National Park are perfect for stargazing, and with minimal light pollution, the Milky Way was visible in all its glory. We spent hours capturing the stars, ending our day with a serene and magical connection to the universe.
Day 3: Exploring Many Glacier and Stargazing Under the Montana Sky
Our last day in Glacier National Park began with an early start, eager to make the most of the time we had left. With excitement, we set off from our hotel and took the scenic Many Glacier Road toward the eastern reaches of the park. The drive itself was a treat, with rolling landscapes and towering mountains creating a picturesque scene that had us stopping frequently to take in the views.
Stop 1: Many Glacier Hotel
Our first stop was the iconic Many Glacier Hotel, perched on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake and surrounded by majestic peaks. This historic lodge, with its charming Swiss chalet style, felt like a slice of Europe in the Montana wilderness. We took our time exploring the hotel grounds, admiring the reflections of the mountains on Swiftcurrent Lake, which were nothing short of magical.
Stop 2: Swiftcurrent Cabin & Motel for Lunch
After our morning explorations, we headed to Swiftcurrent Cabin & Motel for a well-deserved lunch. Nestled in the heart of the park, this rustic spot offered a cozy atmosphere and the perfect opportunity to relax while savoring a delicious meal. Dining in the middle of Glacier’s pristine wilderness was a unique experience, adding a sense of tranquility to our day and allowing us to recharge before the next leg of our adventure.
Wildlife Sighting: Grizzly Bear Encounter
As we drove back from Swiftcurrent, Glacier National Park had one more surprise in store for us—a grizzly bear sighting! We caught sight of the bear just off the road, a thrilling and humbling experience that reminded us of the wild and untamed nature of this park. Watching the bear from a safe distance, we felt incredibly fortunate to witness this incredible creature in its natural habitat.
Stop 3: Wild Goose Point for Sunset
Our next stop was Wild Goose Point, where we arrived just in time to witness the sunset. The skies were painted in soft hues of orange, pink, and purple, casting a warm glow over the lake and surrounding mountains. The reflection of the sunset on the water created a breathtaking scene that felt like a perfect closing moment to our trip.
Final Stop: Logan Pass for Stargazing
As night fell, we made one final stop at Logan Pass for a stargazing session. The clear, dark skies of Glacier National Park make it an ideal spot for astrophotography, and we spent the late hours beneath a sky filled with stars. The Milky Way stretched across the night sky, its brilliance unobstructed by any light pollution. Standing there in the crisp mountain air, gazing up at the vast universe, was a moment of pure awe and a perfect ending to our three-day adventure.
As our trip came to a close, we left Glacier National Park filled with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature. This three-day journey through mountains, lakes, wildlife, and starlit skies will remain with us, a reminder of the incredible experiences waiting to be discovered.
Manoj's Photography 
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