Itinerary Day 2

Question

Goat lick overlook

Running Eagle Falls Trail

Aster Falls/Paradise Point-South Shore Trailhead

Lunch:Kipps BeerGarden or Rising Sun Pizza

St Mary’s Falls Trailhead

Going to the Sun Road

Sun Point Nature Trail

& Baring Falls (sunrift gorge lot)

Dinner: Freda’s

Going to the Sun Mini Golf

We will be coming from Columbia Falls and GTTSR just on the way back (young kids along)

Answer

It looks like you have a great itinerary planned for Day 2 in Glacier National Park! With young kids along, it’s important to balance the hiking and sightseeing with opportunities for breaks and some fun activities. Here’s a detailed breakdown of your day:

Goat Lick Overlook:

The Goat Lick Overlook is a fantastic start to the day, as it's an easy stop and a great place to see mountain goats and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It’s not a long stop, but it’s one of the best places to see wildlife, particularly goats, in the park. Perfect for a quick photo op!

Running Eagle Falls Trail:

This short 0.6-mile trail is perfect for kids. The path is mostly paved and accessible, making it an easy hike for families. The highlight is the beautiful Running Eagle Falls, which is a two-tiered waterfall. It’s a great spot to stop, stretch your legs, and take in the beauty of Glacier National Park without too much exertion.

Aster Falls/Paradise Point-South Shore Trailhead:

Heading to Aster Falls is a wonderful choice. The Aster Falls Trail is a relatively short and easy hike (around 1 mile), offering scenic views and a beautiful waterfall. If you continue from there, the South Shore Trailhead provides access to a longer route along the shore of Lake McDonald. If you're traveling with young kids, you might prefer to stick to the shorter section to keep everyone happy and energized!

Lunch: Kipps Beer Garden or Rising Sun Pizza:

Kipps Beer Garden: Kipps is known for its laid-back atmosphere and family-friendly vibe, with delicious food and a good selection of drinks. It’s a great place to relax and refuel after a morning of hiking.
Rising Sun Pizza: If you're in the mood for a quick and tasty meal, Rising Sun Pizza is a solid choice. It offers delicious pizza with a variety of toppings, and it’s a good spot to grab a casual bite.

St. Mary’s Falls Trailhead:

If you’re up for another short hike, St. Mary’s Falls is a fantastic option. The 0.9-mile trail is relatively easy and leads to one of Glacier’s most beautiful and well-known waterfalls. The trail is often less crowded than some of the other popular spots, so it’s a great opportunity for a more peaceful hike. This is also a great option for kids to experience a classic Glacier waterfall without a lot of strenuous hiking.

OR – Going to the Sun Road & Sun Point Nature Trail:

If you choose to drive on the iconic Going to the Sun Road, which is a must-do in Glacier National Park, you’ll be treated to amazing views along the way. You can stop at Sun Point and take the short Sun Point Nature Trail (0.6 miles), which provides great views of St. Mary Lake and some gorgeous scenery. It’s a kid-friendly trail and won’t take too long, so it fits well into your itinerary.

Baring Falls (Sunrift Gorge Lot):

If you’re still up for some adventure after Sun Point, Baring Falls is another great stop along Going to the Sun Road. The hike to Baring Falls is a short 0.6-mile walk, and it’s an easy family-friendly option to enjoy Glacier’s natural beauty. It’s a quick and rewarding stop with less effort required, which is ideal with young children.

Dinner: Freda’s:

Freda’s is a good spot to enjoy a family-friendly meal. The restaurant is known for its relaxed atmosphere and classic American fare. After a busy day of sightseeing, it’ll be a great place to unwind and enjoy a hearty dinner.

Going to the Sun Mini Golf:

If you’re looking to cap off the day with a fun family activity, Going to the Sun Mini Golf is a perfect choice. It’s a fun and easygoing activity that’s perfect for kids, and it offers a chance to relax and enjoy some playful competition after a day of hiking and sightseeing.

Overall Thoughts:

Your itinerary looks like a great mix of easy hikes, beautiful views, and some fun family activities. With kids along, it’s good to keep the hikes relatively short, and your plan does a great job balancing outdoor exploration with rest breaks and enjoyable meals. Just be mindful of the time spent on each activity to avoid overwhelming the little ones, and you’ll have a fantastic day exploring Glacier National Park!