WEST GLACIER HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Lodge-Based Days and High-Mountain Moments in Glacier’s West
A 6-day, lodge-based itinerary from West Glacier Lodge that pairs daily hikes with rafting, lakeside swims, ranger talks and scenic drives through Glacier National Park.
Lodge-Based Days and High-Mountain Moments in Glacier’s West.
Explore Glacier National Park’s pristine forests, rugged mountains, thundering waterfalls and spectacular lakes while returning each night to a comfortable lodge; this guided, lodge-based program combines short to moderate day hikes with a rafting trip, beach swims and guided interpretation so you can move deliberately through the park’s best-accessible places.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Whitewater on the Middle Fork of the Flathead
A full-day rafting excursion on the Middle Fork of the Flathead brings scenic river travel and named rapids such as “bone crusher” and the “can opener,” capped with a riverside barbeque back at the lodge.
Swims, Beaches and Lodge Evenings
Spend lunchtime and free moments swimming from a pristine Lake McDonald beach, then return to single- or double-occupancy lodge rooms to swap stories over dinner and a glass of wine.
Going-to-the-Sun Road and Ranger-Led Talks
Travel the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road for expansive vistas and attend informative, ranger-led talks that illuminate Glacier’s natural and human history.
What the day feels like
What the week feels like
Days move between guided hikes through old-growth cedar groves, high-alpine passes like Logan Pass, river rafting and beach swims; evenings are spent relaxing at a nearby lodge where guides debrief the day and guests gather for dinner. Activities are pitched to a range of abilities with route choices from very easy to moderately difficult day hikes.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring appropriate layers for rapidly changing mountain temperatures; list all medications on your registration form and consider bringing two sets (one with you and one kept by trip leaders). You may bring cell phones and cameras but service can be inconsistent.
Expect easy to moderately difficult day hikes typically between 1 and 5 miles on varied terrain; no previous experience is required to participate.
Prepare for mountain conditions: summer temperatures can fluctuate roughly from 35° F to 95° F and can change quickly at higher elevations.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How do I contact the trip leaders in an emergency?
If you need to contact a participant due to an emergency, call Wilderness Inquiry’s main phone line at (612) 676-9400; staff will work to reach trip leaders as soon as possible.
What is the program’s COVID policy?
Wilderness Inquiry strongly encourages everyone to be fully up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations, asks participants to self-screen for illness before departure, and will follow current guidance and requirements of locations visited.
What should I do about medications?
List all medications on your registration form and consider bringing two sets—one to keep with you and another held by trip leaders; explain on the registration form if you need assistance taking medications.
Can I bring a cell phone or camera?
Yes—cell phones and cameras are welcome but are your responsibility; expect inconsistent cell service and consider unplugging to enjoy the trip.
Are Wilderness Inquiry guides trained for medical emergencies?
All Wilderness Inquiry guides are trained in First Aid, CPR and Water Safety, carry fully stocked first aid kits and GPS communication devices and are trained to respond to emergencies on trail.