Hiking

Our favorites include Avalanche Lake (6 miles, family-friendly), and Hidden Lake Trail, a boardwalk to the overlook (2.7 miles, family-friendly) with the option to hike down to Hidden Lake (5.3 miles).

Parking can get congested later in the day, so your best bet is to get to the park as early as possible to get a parking spot (Logan Pass is the most popular lot).

Reservations

In October, you do NOT need a vehicle reservation to access Going-To-The-Sun Road and is typically a less-trafficked time of year. However, if you plan to come the weekend before the wedding, new in 2025 Glacier National Park is implementing a pilot vehicle reservation program that includes beyond the Apgar Village area between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. from June 13-September 28, 2025. Please visit this page to learn how to book a timed-entry reservation if you are planning to visit Sept. 28 or earlier: Visiting Montana’s Glacier National Park in 2025? Here’s What You Need to Know | Kalispell

You will also need to purchase a Standard Entrance Pass (1 per car, $20.00–$35.00) that is good for 7 days.

If you don't want to take your rental car into the park, we suggest booking a Red Bus Tour, with west-side departure points at Apgar Visitor Center, Village Inn at Apgar and Lake McDonald Lodge (all inside the park), plus a couple spots near the west entrance to the park.

The park sometimes has to close down Going-To-The-Sun Road unexpectedly for inclement weather, so double check conditions on GNP's website prior to heading out for the day.

Lodging:

If you want to stay in downtown Kalispell, the west entrance is a 30-minute drive.

If you want to stay in downtown Whitefish, the west entrance is a 45-minute drive.

You can also stay in lodges inside Glacier National Park.

Learn more here: GLACIER NATIONAL PARK: The Crown of the Continent

Registry