SUMMER ACTIVITIES

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

Discover the awe-inspiring wonders of Glacier National Park, spanning over one million acres of pristine wilderness in Northwest Montana. Begin your adventure with a memorable day hike, such as the Logan Pass to Hidden Lake route, which showcases breathtaking vistas along a well-maintained boardwalk. Alternatively, traverse the wildflower-filled fields of the Highline Trail on the Garden Wall, or challenge yourself by climbing Siyeh Pass to savor panoramic views across the Continental Divide. With an extensive network of over 700 miles of trails, every hike in Glacier National Park promises to create cherished memories and ignite a desire to return to this remarkable "Crown of the Continent."


Take in the unparalleled beauty of Glacier from the scenic viewpoints along the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, a National Historic Landmark that gracefully ascends to the sub-alpine splendors of Logan Pass. Marvel at the engineering marvel of this road as it winds along cliffs with cascading waterfalls below. Wildlife enthusiasts will be captivated by Logan Pass, where sightings of majestic mountain goats and bighorn sheep are commonplace. Step out of your vehicle and be serenaded by the calls of Columbian ground squirrels and hoary marmots, while birds of prey soar gracefully overhead.


Immerse yourself in Glacier National Park's rich heritage by visiting its historic lodges and chalets. Be enchanted by the Sperry Chalet and Granite Park Chalet, two original backcountry chalets that have welcomed hikers and horseback riders for generations. These rustic retreats open their doors as soon as the snow melts. To fully appreciate the park's history and scenery, embark on a journey aboard the original wooden boats or the iconic red "Jammer" bus tours, guided by experts who possess extensive knowledge of Glacier Park's history, flora, and fauna.


For those seeking a backcountry adventure, look no further than Glacier Wilderness Guides. Embark on an overnight camping trip with their experienced team, venturing off the beaten track to uncover Glacier's best-kept secrets. They will ensure your safety while introducing you to the hidden gems of this remarkable park. Let Glacier National Park and its untamed beauty leave an indelible mark on your soul.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Exploration on horseback is a longstanding tradition in Glacier National Park. Many of the first visitors to Glacier Park over 100 years ago arrived via the Great Northern Railroad and spent days or weeks touring the Park on horseback, staying at tent camps and backcountry chalets that were approximately one day’s horseback ride apart.


The tradition of exploration on horseback continues today, with Swan Mountain Outfitters providing guided trail riding on our own trails at Green Valley Ranch as well as in and around Glacier National Park. As Glacier’s only horseback concessionaire, they offer a variety of horseback adventures in the Park and in West Glacier.


If you are visiting Green Valley Ranch in July, don’t miss The Event at Rebecca Farm near Kalispell, an Olympic-level equestrian Eventing competition. The largest of its kind in the U.S., this event draws over 450 competitors from around the world and over 20,000 spectators.

FLY FISHING

Glacier National Park and Montana are home to several blue ribbon fly fishing destination rivers including the Flathead river system. Since our rivers are fed by snow melt, they run clear and cold resulting in lively, medium-sized rainbow and cutthroat trout. You will also find Bull Trout (catch and release only), rumor of spawning salmon, and a healthy population of whitefish.


The three forks of the Flathead River (North, Middle and South) are deep and fast flowing, offering only some shallows for wading. The most popular way to fish our rivers above Flathead Lake is from boats. Our trusted local fishing guides at Glacier Anglers or LakeStream Fly Shop offer the choice of fishing from a drift boat or small raft with fishing frame. We recommend a fishing trip with these experienced guides whose knowledge of the rivers helps them row you to, and keep you in, the optimum fishing holes.


Fishing the Forks of the Flathead River requires a Montana fishing license; however, fishing within the boundaries of Glacier National Park does not require a license. You can reach amazing water to cast a line, either by car or by trail. See the Glacier Park website and the Fish, Wildlife and Parks website for license, catch and release and quota information.

RIVER RAFTING

Glacier National Park is bordered by two of the most pristine rivers in the lower 48 – the North and Middle Forks of the Flathead River.


The Middle Fork originates in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area, and is known for its pure headwaters and mineral rich aqua-colored water during runoff season in the spring.


The North Fork flows from Alberta, Canada, offering 84 miles of calmer water and sweeping vistas of the craggy peaks of the northwestern section of Glacier Park.


Early season flows result in exhilarating class II and III rapids on these wild and scenic rivers. We recommend a guided half day, full day or overnight trip with trusted outfitters, Glacier Raft Company or Great Northern Raft Company, both located in West Glacier.


When the mountain spring runoff subsides, our rivers become crystal clear and are quite popular to float, kayak, fish, picnic and recreate on our warm Montana summer days.


The North and Middle Forks converge at Blankenship Bridge to form the beginning of the Flathead River and is joined 8 miles downstream by the South Fork of the Flathead, flowing out of the Hungry Horse Reservoir. The river then becomes wide and flat, meandering and braiding its way to Flathead Lake in the Flathead Valley.


CYCLING

Cycling up Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass is an unforgettable experience that VeloNews called one of the MUST DO RIDES on their North American “Bucket List” and came in 3rd in Bicycling Magazine’s article, "The 30 Most Epic National Parks With Bike Trails.”


Please note that from June 15th through Labor Day, bicycles are not allowed on select stretches of the road between 11am and 4pm, so plan to start early. It can take up to four hours to reach Logan Pass from the the Lake McDonald Lodge parking lot, but it is well worth the effort.


If you're more interested in renting an eBike for your journey up Going-to-the-Sun Road, reach out to Montana E-Bikes which is located in the Mountain Mall in Whitefish.

 MOUNTAIN BIKING

Mountain biking is not permitted in Glacier Park, with the exception of one trail that crosses McDonald Creek on the historic Quarter Circle Bridge and ends on a high bluff overlooking the convergence of the Middle and North Forks of the Flathead River.


There are many trails at Green Valley Ranch that make for great mountain biking as well as some nearby routes. Check with our property management team for more local rides based on your abilities.


Whitefish Mountain Resort is also a summer mountain biking destination, with ski lifts in operation to take you to the top of the runs.


Daily or extended equipment rentals can be arranged through Glacier Cyclery in Whitefish. They also have an extensive list of trails and rides on their website. We can assist you in lining up rentals ahead of your arrival, or if you prefer to ship your own equipment, we can make sure your bikes are tuned and ready to go when you arrive.

GOLF

Relax on the links of two Glacier National Park golf courses: Glacier View Golf Club in West Glacier offers 18 holes and the Glacier Park Lodge Golf Course in East Glacier offers 9 holes for your enjoyment. Several other courses nearby make Glacier Country a golfer’s destination vacation.

ZIP LINING

Soar high above ski slopes, over ravines and through the trees at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Montana’s longest zip line tour. Experience more than a mile of flying on six separate lines stretching as long as 1,900 ft. across and up to 300 ft. above the forest floor. If the exhilaration doesn’t take your breath away, the views will. Tours are led by two guides who ensure that each flyer is soundly secured for each flight and who facilitate fun from start to finish. It involves a moderate amount of hiking and is about 2.5 hours long.


Looking for a day filled with adventure from start to finish? Book a 6-Zip Tour Activity Package. The package is available for anyone ages 7 and older who is between 60 and 230 lbs and includes a 6-Zip Tour, round-trip Scenic Lift ticket, plus 3 rides on our Alpine Slide and/or Summer Tubing (pro-tip: try both).

KAYAKING

Embark on a remarkable kayaking journey along the captivating Flathead River in Montana. Our partnership with Montana Kayak Academy ensures that our guests enjoy the expertise of their seasoned guides, who will lead you through the pristine waters and reveal the hidden gems of this magnificent landscape. Traverse the tranquil currents, surrounded by majestic mountains and verdant forests, while encountering a rich diversity of wildlife along the way. Whether you crave a serene paddle or an exhilarating ride through rapids, our collaboration with Montana Kayak Academy guarantees a safe and thrilling experience. Immerse yourself in the serenity of the Flathead River and forge unforgettable memories. Book your extraordinary kayaking adventure today at Green Valley Ranch, the ultimate destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

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