West Glacier: Getting There and Activities
Accommodation in West Glacier
West Glacier is the western entrance to Glacier National Park. Several specific travel considerations play a role in your planning: getting to the Lake McDonald area, the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the train’s year-round stop, and activities on land, on the water, or in winter. When choosing where to stay, you can distinguish whether a road route, arrival by train, or specific recreational activities are the deciding factors in your travel plans.
Getting There and Road Access
From the west, access to the Lake McDonald area is via Highway 2 east to the town of West Glacier. West Glacier is also accessible by train: the historic Amtrak Empire Builder line stops in West Glacier (Belton) year-round. If you are planning to travel by train, check the schedule for your travel dates.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a National Historic Landmark and connects West Glacier with St. Mary. The lower sections remain open year-round. This information applies to the lower sections of the road. Check current road information before driving if you are including the route in your plans.
History and Activities
The Historic Belton Depot was built in 1910 and expanded in 1935. It houses the Conservancy’s bookstore and gift shop. The depot’s construction history and the amenities located there give it a distinct cultural and historical significance.
The Apgar Bike Path is a 1.5-mile paved path that begins in West Glacier and ends in Apgar Village. Its starting point, destination, and surface provide specific details to consider when planning a cycling route for your trip. Golfing to the Sun offers a different activity: the course has more than 18 holes, designed with Glacier trivia and playful figures. This incorporates the Glacier theme directly into the design of the holes.
Rafting, Boat Tours, and Trail Rides
Glacier Raft Company in West Glacier offers rafting on the scenic Middle Fork of the Flathead River, which borders Glacier National Park. The whitewater includes Class II and III rapids. The same company’s Scenic Float, by contrast, is a calm, leisurely ride without whitewater. The two water activities therefore differ in the kind of experience they offer. In the area around West Glacier, boat tours on Lake McDonald are also a recreational activity.
Swan Mountain Outfitters offers Saddle-Paddle adventures that combine whitewater rafting and trail rides. Rides at the West Glacier Corral range from one-hour rides to overnight trips. Along with the combination of water activities and riding, there is a choice of trail rides of varying lengths.
Winter in West Glacier
Snowshoeing is possible in West Glacier in winter. Easy skiing is possible through the forest along the lower McDonald Creek, with detours along the creek. The two activities offer different experiences: snowshoeing is mentioned for West Glacier, while skiing is associated with the lower creek sections, forest passages, and detours.
Discover more destinations: Hungry Horse, Columbia Falls, Kalispell, Whitefish, Bigfork, Marion, Essex, Kila.
See the broader travel overview: Flathead.
