Itinerary for Glacier National Park August 5-12 2025

Question

Flying into and out of Missoula. Have booked at Lake McDonald (8/ 5 & 6), Rising Sun (8/7) Manny Glacier (8/9) . Near Missoula airport 8/11. Have also booked boat rides for 8/6 (Lake McD), 8/7 St. Mary Lake, 8/8 Two Medicine, & 8/9 Manny Glacier. Plan to add a Red Bus tour on the 6th, when those reservations open. Trying to decide if we should spend 8/9 & 10 at St. Mary's & go to Waterton Lakes National Park or just spend one night and explore more things outside the parks on the way back to Missoula. We hope to do short hikes 2 miles or so, including the guided hike at Two Medicine. We are both in our late 70s and while I could do some longer hikes, my husband doesn't...still would like to see and appreciate as much of the area as possible. Will purchase the Guide Along app as well. Wishing we had done more of the NPs when we were younger but life seemed to get in the way of travel.

Answer

Your Glacier National Park itinerary for August 5-12, 2025, is well thought out, with lodging booked near key areas and boat rides planned. Given your interests in shorter hikes (around 2 miles) and your desire to appreciate the park without overexertion, here’s a detailed guide and some considerations to maximize your experience.

August 5-6: Lake McDonald

Arriving at Lake McDonald, you have a great base to explore the western side of the park. Your boat ride on Lake McDonald on the 6th is a beautiful, low-effort way to see the scenery. Adding a Red Bus tour is an excellent idea, as it allows you to see more of the Going-to-the-Sun Road and viewpoints without the strain of driving and hiking.

Short hike option: Trail of the Cedars (0.8 miles loop, flat, accessible).
Scenic viewpoints accessible from the road: Avalanche Gorge, Lake McDonald Lodge area.
Red Bus tour can cover Logan Pass and other highlights along Going-to-the-Sun Road efficiently.

August 7: Rising Sun and St. Mary Lake

Rising Sun provides access to St. Mary Lake and eastern parts of the park. Your boat ride on St. Mary Lake is a relaxing way to see wildflowers, mountains, and waterfalls. For hiking:

Short hike: Sun Point Nature Trail (0.6 miles, gentle, great views of St. Mary Lake).
Optional: Farm to Sky hike, shorter segments if you prefer gentle walking.

August 8: Two Medicine

Your guided hike at Two Medicine is ideal for a short, informative, and scenic experience. Two Medicine is less crowded than other areas, and your hike will give you a sense of the park’s wilderness.

Boat ride on Two Medicine Lake provides a low-effort way to see hidden coves and waterfalls.
Other short hikes: Running Eagle Falls Trail (0.5 miles round-trip, very easy).

August 9: Many Glacier

Many Glacier is stunning, with dramatic peaks and glacier-fed lakes. Since you have a boat ride planned, you can enjoy scenic views without extensive walking. For short hikes:

Swiftcurrent Lake Nature Trail (1.5 miles loop, easy, panoramic views).
Grinnell Lake trail to overlook (approx. 2 miles one-way to the viewpoint, adjust based on stamina).

August 9-10: St. Mary Lake vs. Waterton Lakes

Deciding between spending 1 night at St. Mary and exploring outside the park versus adding Waterton Lakes:

Spending 2 nights in St. Mary allows a relaxed pace, shorter drives, and time for gentle hikes, boat rides, and photography.
Adding Waterton Lakes National Park (Canada) offers stunning scenery and a different perspective of the Glacier-Waterton ecosystem. However, this involves border crossing, extra driving, and may be tiring given your late 70s ages. If you’re comfortable with driving 2–3 hours one way, it’s doable.
Alternative: Spend one night at St. Mary, then slowly explore scenic spots like Many Glacier or Camas Road on the way back toward Missoula, staying in smaller towns along the route to break up driving.

August 11: Return to Missoula area

Plan to stay near the airport for convenience. Along the way from Glacier NP to Missoula (approx. 3–4 hours from St. Mary), you can consider stopping at:

Flathead Lake viewpoints for a relaxing lunch and scenic stops.
Wildlife viewing along US-2 and Highway 83, especially for moose, deer, and eagles.

Tips for your trip:

Use the Guide Along app to maximize your understanding of each site without long hikes.
Start hikes early to avoid crowds and allow time for rests.
Carry snacks, water, and layers; weather in August can vary significantly, especially at higher elevations.
Boat rides are an excellent way to see the park with minimal exertion, and you’ve scheduled them well.

Overall, for a relaxed and enjoyable experience, focusing on Lake McDonald, St. Mary, Two Medicine, and Many Glacier as planned is excellent. If you prefer a gentler pace, one night at St. Mary and exploring areas en route back to Missoula may be preferable to crossing into Waterton, though Waterton is spectacular if you want an international addition and don’t mind the extra driving.