Glacier National Park, located in Montana, USA, is a hiker’s paradise. With over 700 miles of trails, it is full with incredible short hikes and extended backpacking opportunities. If you are planning a trip to Montana and you’re hoping to enjoy the best short hikes in Glacier National Park, you’ve come to the right spot.
There are plenty of spectacular short hikes in Glacier National Park. Maybe you’re not an avid hiker but still want to get out and enjoy the stunning scenery. Perhaps you’re short on time and you’d like an easy hike in Glacier National Park. A short hike is a great way to see the park’s natural beauty without too much effort.
We’ve been to Glacier National Park many times and absolutely love it there! In fact, we ranked Glacier National Park as our favorite US National Park! We’ve visited in the Spring, which is incredible for its own reasons, and during peak summer season. Glacier National Park has some of our favorite hikes we’ve ever done!
We’ve organized this list of the best short hikes in Glacier National Park by park area. Lake McDonald, Many Glacier, Logan’s Pass, St. Mary’s and North Fork all have stunning easy hikes. All the hikes on this list are rated easy and are 4 miles or less round trip. Now, let’s get to it! Here are the best short hikes in Glacier National Park.
But first… Things to know before you go
During peak season, you need a vehicle reservation to enter the National Park between 6AM and 3PM. If you show up without a ticket, you will be turned away at the park entrance and be out of luck.
New in 2023, a reservation is required for four areas of the park including Going-to-the-Sun Road, the North Fork, Two Medicine, and Many Glacier. Each location requires a separate reservation and has unique details. Before you go, check this website to plan your trip and this website to purchase your ticket.
Additionally, you’ll need a National Park Pass or America the Beautiful pass to enter Glacier National Park. Your pass can be purchased here.
Lastly, never go hiking in Glacier National Park without your bear spray. Glacier is grizzly country and you should be prepared for an encounter while on the trails.
Best Short Hikes in Glacier National Park
Lake McDonald Area
Lake McDonald West Shore & Rocky Point
Hike Stats:
- Lake McDonald West Shore
- 14.8 mi (you can turn around whenever you’d like)
- Elevation gain: mostly level
- Trailhead: 0.2 miles north of Fish Creek Campground
- Rocky Point
- 2.2 mi
- Elevation gain: 85 ft (26 m)
- Trailhead: 0.2 miles north of Fish Creek Campground
Now, I know what you are thinking! All the hikes on this list are suppose to be 4 miles or less so why is the first one on your list almost 15 miles?!?! The Lake McDonald West Shore is an easy hike along the Lake McDonald shoreline. It is very flat and offers views that will have you pinching yourself.
For this hike we recommend starting with Rocky Point trail. Once you finish, you can decide if you’d like to continue along the shoreline and exactly how long you’d like to go! Feel free to turn around whenever your little heart desires.
On this hike enjoy views of Lake McDonald and the surrounding snow capped mountains. Also, don’t forget to head down to the water to admire the crystal clear water and the uniquely colored pebbles that make up the bottom of the lake.
Avalanche Lake & Trail of the Cedars
Hike Stats:
- Avalanche Lake
- 4 mi
- Elevation gain: 500 ft (152 m)
- Trailhead: Avalanche Picnic Area
- Trail of the Cedars (Optional)
- 0.7 mi
- Elevation gain: flat
- Trailhead: Avalanche Picnic Area
Avalanche Lake is one of the most popular hikes in Glacier National Park and for good reason. The hike is short, easy and has an incredible reward at the end!!
The hike to Avalanche Lake begins on the Trail of the Cedars, which is a paved loop trail. If you’d like, you can do half the Trail of the Cedars on the hike to Avalanche Lake and finish the other half on the hike back from Avalanche Lake. It adds a little bit of distance but it is a very flat trail that introduces you to a lot of the trees and plants you see growing around the park.
On the trail to Avalanche Lake you will hike along Avalanche Creek. At some points the creek will be a slow and calm trickle and at other points it will be deep in a canyon with powerful rapids.
Finally you’ll reach Avalanche Lake. A crystal clear glacial fed lake with an absolutely stunning mountain back drop. During most of the year, you’ll find waterfalls running down the mountain and into the lake. It truly is an incredible site, making this easily one of the best short hikes in Glacier National Park.
Howe Lake
Hike Stats:
- 3.2 miles
- Elevation gain: 240 ft (73 m)
- Trailhead: Howe Lake Trailhead on Inside North Fork Road
Howe Lake is an easy hike that is off the radar for most Glacier National Park tourist. This trail is usually very quiet and leads to a very nice fishing lake.
Did you know you can fish in Glacier without a license? And the fishing is very good if you adventure away from the popular lakes. Pick up a fishing guide at the visitor center and try your luck around the park, and maybe Howe Lake.
The hike ends with a relatively steep climb to a ridge. Once you are on top of the ridge you will be able to see Howe Lake. If you’d like you can continue your hike down to the lake! At the bottom you’ll see amazing views of the lake and surrounding peaks. On a calm day you’ll be rewarded with a stunning reflection on the lake.
Many Glacier Area
Grinnell Lake
Hike Stats:
- 2.2 mi using concession boat from Many Glacier Hotel (fees apply)
- Elevation gain: 60 ft
- Trailhead: Many Glacier Hotel
In order for this to be a short hike, under 4 miles, you must use the concession boat from Many Glacier Hotel. Of course you have the option to hike the entire thing and skip the shuttle to avoid the fee. If so, this hike becomes about 7 miles round trip.
However, if you are trying to decide which hikes to do, we HIGHLY recommend this one! It is one of the best in the entire National Park and worth the effort or small shuttle fee.
The shuttle takes you across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. From there, you’ll follow the trail through a quiet forest and pass a couple small streams. Wander over a suspension footbridge and over a few boardwalks until you finally reach the beautiful Grinnell Lake.
The lake is a gorgeous emerald color, as the lake is fed by Grinnell Glacier. It’s one of our favorite lakes in the entire park and stunning to see in person. Grinnell Lake is definitely one of the best short hikes in Glacier National Park.
Apikuni Falls
Hike Stats:
- 2.5 mi
- Elevation gain: 700 ft
- Trailhead: Apikuni parking area, 1.1 miles east of Many Glacier Hotel
Apikuni Falls waterfall is situated in a beautiful canyon, surrounded by dense forests and rocky cliffs. The canyon and waterfall are fed by the Apikuni Creek, which flows from the mountainous region of Glacier National Park.
The waterfall drops about 50 feet down a rocky cliff into a crystal-clear pool, creating a magnificent sight that is truly breathtaking. The water flows with great force and creates a thundering sound that can be heard from far away.
The hike to Apikuni Falls is rated moderate in difficulty. It is short, but does climb quite a bit of elevation in a short distance. On the trail you can expect to hike through dense forests, over streams and along steep cliffs before reaching the waterfall.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains, wildflowers, and wildlife. When you reach the waterfall plan to enjoy a beautiful picnic in the nearby meadow before making the trek back. There is no doubt Apikuni Falls is one of the best short hikes in Glacier National Park.
Redrock Falls
Hike Stats:
- 3.5 mi
- Elevation gain: 100 ft
- Trailhead: Swiftcurrent Trailhead, by motor inn parking lot
Redrock Falls waterfall is situated in a picturesque valley surrounded by towering mountains, dense forests, and alpine meadows. It is fed by the glacial waters of the Redrock Creek, which flows through the valley before plunging over the rocks to create the waterfall.
This relatively flat and easy walk through the forest offers stunning views of the picturesque mountains of Glacier National Park.
As you approach the waterfall, you’ll be treated to the sight of the water cascading down a series of steps and into a deep pool below. The sound of the water crashing against the rocks is mesmerizing and adds to the overall tranquil and peaceful atmosphere of the area.
If you are a fisher, this is a great place to try your luck. Redrock Creek is a great trout fishing stream, making this a popular spot to whip out your fly or fishing rod. Maybe you’ll catch dinner!
Logan Pass Area
Hidden Lake Overlook
Hike Stats:
- 2.8 mi
- Elevation gain: 460 ft
- Trailhead: Logan Pass Visitor Center
- * additional 1.2 miles further to Hidden Lake, dropping 780 ft from the overlook.
Hidden Lake Overlook is a very popular hike and one of the best short hikes in Glacier National Park. It offers a breathtaking viewpoint with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the snow-capped mountains and the beautiful Hidden Lake.
The hike begins at Logan Pass, which is located at an elevation of over 6,000 feet. Therefore this trail is only able to be hiked during the summer season when Going-to-the-Sun road is completely open. The lake has ice on it most of the year and the surrounding mountains will likely be covered in snow. Expect to hike through some snow to see Hidden Lake.
As hikers ascend the trail, they are treated to stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the glacially-fed streams that flow through the valley. The trail also winds through rocky outcroppings and alpine tundra, providing a unique glimpse into the park’s diverse ecosystem.
At the top, hikers are rewarded with a stunning view of Hidden Lake. The crystal-clear lake is nestled in a glacially-carved basin and is surrounded by towering mountains, including the iconic Bearhat Mountain. The view is simply breathtaking and is one of the most beautiful and iconic views in the Glacier National Park.
Stop at Hidden Lake Overlook and enjoy the view from above before returning to Logan’s Pass. Or continue down the trail to Hidden Lake. This adds a little over a mile in distance. It is a hike down to the lake, so you should be prepared for a hike back up to the overlook to complete this hike.
North Fork Area
Bowman Lake Head
Hike Stats:
- 7.3 mi (you can go as far as you’d like)
- Elevation Gain: Rolling Hills
- Trailhead: Bowman Lake Ranger Station
Bowman Lake Head is 7.3 miles round trip, however you do not need to do the entire hike to see the beauty this trail has to offer. It is rather flat as the trail follows the shoreline of the lake.
Being in the North Fork area of Glacier National Park is incredibly peaceful and serene. This area of the park is usually missed by many travelers, therefore it is a much quieter and much less crowded than the other areas.
As you make your way along the trail, enjoy the peaceful beauty of the lake and the surrounding forest, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and bears. The trail also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges, including the iconic peaks of the Continental Divide.
St. Mary Area
St. Mary Falls
Hike Stats:
- 1.2 mi
- Elevation loss: 260 ft
- Trailhead: St. Mary Falls Trailhead
St. Mary Falls is a stunning waterfall in the National Park. It is an easy hike and one of the best short hikes in Glacier National Park. The falls are situated on the St. Mary River and offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the park.
On the trail, you will pass through a beautiful forest filled with wildflowers. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife too, as this area of the park is known for its sightings. The trail crosses several bridges and provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
After hiking approximately half a mile, you will reach the first viewpoint of St. Mary Falls. The falls cascade over a series of rocks, creating a picturesque scene that is perfect for photography.
Continue another quarter of a mile on the trail to reach the base of St. Mary Falls. The falls plunge 35 feet into a crystal-clear pool, creating a stunning display of natural beauty. It is a gorgeous site to see!
Sun Point Nature Trail
Hike Stats:
- 1.6 mi
- Elevation loss: 250 ft (76 m)
- Trailhead: Sunrift Gorge Pullout
The Sun Point Nature Trail is an easy and very short hike in Glacier National Park. Park at Sunrift Gorge Pullout and hike along St. Mary Lake to Sun Point Nature Trail.
After hiking approximately a quarter of a mile, you’ll reach the first viewpoint of St. Mary Lake. The lake stretches out in front of you, creating a stunning panorama of crystal-clear water and rugged mountains.
As you continue along the trail, you’ll pass through a series of switchbacks that lead to the top of a rocky outcropping. This view is stunning and really underrated! This short hike has the best view in St. Mary area in our opinion!
Enjoy your Short Hikes!
It’s time to get hiking! We hope you found a few of the best short hikes in Glacier National Park that you’d like to do on your trip.
Glacier National Park is a beautiful place! In fact, it is our favorite national park and we absolutely love visiting! Every time we go, there is another hike we fall in love with.
Enjoy your trip! If you enjoyed this blog, please use the below images to pin it to Pinterest and save it for later!
