East or West accommodations?

Question

Hello

For a future 7 day 6 night trip (dates undetermined) I’m looking for recommendations on how to split the accommodation nights between the east and west side of the park.

Likely flying into Kalispell. How should I distribute the 6 nights between east and west side?

First time visitors so we want to see the typical highlights.

I’ll fill in the daily itinerary later but wanted to work on securing accommodations first.

Answer

For a first-time visit to Glacier National Park, splitting your stay between the east and west sides of the park is a great way to maximize your time and enjoy the diversity of what the park has to offer. Since you're flying into Kalispell, you'll be arriving on the west side of the park, so it's a good idea to spend a few nights on this side to explore the highlights before heading to the east side. Here's a suggested distribution of your 6 nights based on your interests and the major attractions on each side.

Suggested Distribution of Nights: 3 nights on the west side, 3 nights on the east side This will allow you to experience both the iconic scenery on each side of the park while minimizing long daily drives, as the west and east sides are separated by about 2 to 3 hours of driving via the Going-to-the-Sun Road (which opens late June to mid-July depending on snow conditions). It also ensures that you'll get to see the key highlights of each side of the park.

West Side (3 nights): The west side of Glacier National Park offers some of the park's most iconic scenery, including lush forests, lakes, and proximity to the park's main entrance. Some of the most famous highlights of this side include Lake McDonald, Apgar Village, The Going-to-the-Sun Road (which starts on the west side), and Many Glacier (which, though technically closer to the east side, is more easily accessed from the west). The west side is also home to more accommodations and services, making it an ideal base for the first part of your trip.

Lake McDonald: A beautiful lake with breathtaking views, located near Apgar Village. You can enjoy activities like boat rentals, fishing, and hiking, as well as easy access to the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Logan Pass (via Going-to-the-Sun Road): This is the highest point on the Going-to-the-Sun Road and provides access to some of the best hikes, like the Hidden Lake Trail.
Many Glacier: Although on the east side, Many Glacier is best accessed from the west side via a scenic drive and offers spectacular views and hiking opportunities like the Grinnell Glacier and Iceberg Lake hikes.
Accommodation Options on the West Side:
- Lake McDonald Lodge – A historic lodge right on the lake, providing easy access to the park and its amenities.
- Apgar Village Lodge – Located near the lake with cabins and rooms, a great option for families.
- Glacier Campground – If you're looking for a more rustic experience, Apgar has a great campground with access to all the nearby attractions.

East Side (3 nights): The east side of Glacier National Park is quieter and less developed, with more remote, rugged landscapes. However, it offers some of the park’s most scenic and dramatic vistas, including the Two Medicine area, St. Mary, and Babb. The east side is also home to Many Glacier (though a bit more of a drive from the west side) and some of the park’s most famous hiking trails like Grinnell Glacier and Highline Trail. The east side is also where you’ll find the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road as it descends toward St. Mary, offering some of the best panoramic views in the park.

St. Mary: This is the primary town on the east side and offers several accommodation options, along with proximity to the St. Mary Lake and access to the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Many Glacier: Known for its rugged beauty and fantastic hiking options. Many Glacier is home to the famous Grinnell Glacier hike and offers unparalleled views of glaciers, waterfalls, and mountains.
Two Medicine: A quieter and less visited area of the park, offering great hiking and breathtaking scenery.
Accommodation Options on the East Side:
- Swiftcurrent Motor Inn – Located near Many Glacier, this is a great option for those looking to hike the Many Glacier area. It’s more rustic but very close to hiking trailheads.
- Rising Sun Motor Inn – Located near St. Mary, it’s a convenient place to stay for easy access to the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
- Apgar Campground – Located on the west side, it’s still a good base before venturing east, offering a more rugged experience if you’re into camping.

General Tips for Your Itinerary:
- Logan Pass & Going-to-the-Sun Road: Be sure to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road if it’s open during your visit. It’s one of the most scenic drives in the world, connecting the east and west sides of the park. Make sure to plan your day around when the road is open. You may want to do this drive from the west side on the day you transition to the east side, as it’s an incredible experience.
- Accommodations: Staying on both sides will give you access to different hiking areas and better views. Be sure to book your accommodations as early as possible, especially for popular spots like Lake McDonald Lodge or Many Glacier, as they fill up quickly during peak season (July to September).
- Hiking: For first-time visitors, I recommend a mix of shorter, easy hikes (like Hidden Lake Trail and Avalanche Lake Trail) and longer, more strenuous ones (like Grinnell Glacier or Highline Trail). You can do these hikes from both the west and east sides of the park, making the split well worth it.

In conclusion, a balanced 3 nights on the west side and 3 nights on the east side is ideal for a first-time visit. It will allow you to experience the full range of Glacier’s stunning beauty, from its iconic lakes and valleys to its remote mountain peaks. Enjoy your trip to this incredible park!

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