The Outdoor Lover’s Guide to West Glacier + FAQs

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Looking to explore West Glacier when you are in the Glacier National Park area?

When I was a kid, my family always used to stop in West Glacier for some ice cream or just to walk around this charming town. Located only a minute or two away from the park entrance (if there are no lines waiting to get in), West Glacier has grown from a sleeping gateway to a bustling town where you can shop for souvenirs and grab some lunch.

It’s also a pretty good spot to base yourself for your Glacier National Park itinerary if you want to have easy access to the park. However, since there are limited accommodation options and restaurants, it can be tough to figure out how to plan your trip around your time here.

This guide will cover the basics of staying at or enjoying your time in this charming little village, as well as provide some directions on how to get there and answer some commonly-asked questions about the area so you go into your trip prepared.

In summary: This article provides information on West Glacier, including where to stay, eat, what to do, and more.

Quick tip: I always like to check out work from local artists in the gift shops–I’ve found some really unique stuff that I like to gift family and friends!

How to get to West Glacier

The easiest way to reach this gateway town is by flying into Glacier International Airport in Kalispell, which is about 30 minutes away. From there, take Highway 2 east and follow the signs. Of course, Google Maps can also take you right there, as well.

Alternatively, if you’re driving from Missoula, take Highway 93 north to Kalispell, then connect to Highway 2. The drive is gorgeous, especially as you wind along the Flathead River.

The best time to visit West Glacier

Growing up near Glacier, I learned that timing is everything when visiting West Glacier. July and August are definitely the most popular months. The weather is warm, all the services are open, and Going-to-the-Sun Road is usually fully accessible. However, these are also the busiest months, and the small town can get pretty crowded.

My favorite time to visit is actually early September. The summer crowds have thinned out, but the weather is still beautiful (usually!), and you might catch the start of the fall colors. June can be lovely too, though be prepared for some services to still be limited and Going-to-the-Sun Road might not be fully open yet to cars.

If you’re hoping to avoid crowds completely, consider visiting in May or October. Just keep in mind that many businesses operate seasonally, and the weather can be unpredictable–I remember plenty of May snowstorms from my childhood! Winter visits are possible too, though most businesses close for the season, except for a few local favorites.

Where to stay

Since West Glacier is a small town, there aren’t a ton of options when it comes to accommodations. However, the ones that do exist in the area tend to be very nice, and you can can’t beat the proximity to the park.

I recommend the Belton Chalet and the Great Northern Resort as my top choices for clients looking for a short drive to the west entrance. Keep in mind that these can be a little more expensive than what you will find in nearby towns like Whitefish or Kalispell.

Where to eat

Like accommodation options, there aren’t many restaurants in the West Glacier area. For lunch, I usually pop over to Freda’s for a quick burger or wrap before heading into the park. It’s not the best food, but it does the trick when you’re looking for something quick and easy before your next adventure.

For dinner, the Belton Chalet serves some amazing, higher-end food. I highly recommend making a reservation here if you can after a long day of exploring. Just know that you will be paying quite a bit to eat here. If you’re on a budget, it might be worth it to make the short drive to Columbia Falls for a meal.

Where to camp

There are a few spots where you can pitch a tent in or near West Glacier. The West Glacier KOA is incredibly nice, though camping sites do tend to book up fast in the summer months. This spot comes with all the amenities–a restaurant, pool, and dog park.

If you are looking for something a bit more affordable, Flathead National Forest is only a short drive from the park and offers free, dispersed camping. You’ll be off the grid, but you can’t beat free!

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Top outdoorsy things to do in West Glacier

Here are some of the top things I recommend doing when you are in West Glacier–especially if you have some time to kill after exploring the park itself.

1. White water rafting

Growing up in the Flathead Valley, rafting the Flathead River is always a highlight! Several companies operate out of West Glacier, offering trips ranging from scenic floats to thrilling whitewater adventures. Daniel and I love going with Glacier Raft Company–they’re super knowledgeable about the area’s history and wildlife.

2. Flathead National Forest

When the park gets crowded, Daniel, Gravy and I often head to the Flathead National Forest instead. It borders Glacier National Park and offers amazing hiking and camping opportunities with way fewer people. Plus, unlike the national park, dogs are allowed on the trails here! The Columbia Mountain trail is one of our favorites–the views of the valley are spectacular, and you can often have the trail completely to yourself, even in summer.

West Glacier FAQs

Here are some frequently-asked questions I often get from clients looking to spend time in West Glacier.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a good place to base yourself for your Glacier National Park trip or you have some extra time to explore outside the park, West Glacier is a great place to do so. While you won’t find a metropolis, you will find a bunch of outdoor activities perfect for getting out on the trail and hitting the river. Make sure you take the time to grab some huckleberry ice cream at Freda’s too!

Have any questions about visiting West Glacier? Let me know in the comments!