Best Options for Itinerary

Question

We're going to Glacier National Park on Sunday, July 20. There are 3 things on my list to see:

1. Walking bridge across Paradise Creek at Two Medicine Lake (looks like I can access this from South Shore Trailhead) and it looks like there is a parking lot there at that trailhead. This looks like it might be 2.3 miles there and then 2.3 miles back, so I'm thinking about 2 hours for this hike total.

2. Lake McDonald (was actually looking for McDonald Creek & McDonald Falls, but not sure how easy it is to see those two). Found a boat tour of Lake McDonald that I can get tickets for, and it says "Reservations for boat tours at Lake McDonald will provide access for the West Entrance of Going to the Sun Road on the day of your tour." So that might help with the 3rd item on my to-see list. They have 1:30pm, 3pm, 5:30pm, and 7pm options for this 1-hour boat tour.

3. Going to the Sun Road

So my question is what is the best way to see all of these in one day? Which should I start with, do in the middle, and then end with? We won't be arriving until about noon or 1pm.

Answer

It sounds like you have a fantastic day planned at Glacier National Park! Given that you’re starting around noon or 1pm, here's a recommended itinerary to ensure you can see all of your must-see spots while still enjoying the park at a relaxed pace:

1. Start with the Lake McDonald Area (McDonald Creek & McDonald Falls)

After you arrive at the park, head straight to Lake McDonald. This area is beautiful, and you'll get to see McDonald Creek and McDonald Falls. These spots are very accessible and can be visited in a relatively short amount of time. You can park in the Lake McDonald Lodge area and enjoy a quick stroll to the falls. Depending on how much time you want to spend here, it should take about 30 minutes to an hour to take in the views.

If you're looking to go on the boat tour, the boat dock is located here, so you can catch the tour at your preferred time. The 1:30pm and 3pm tours are ideal if you want to ensure you have plenty of time for other activities later in the day. If you choose the 1:30pm boat tour, it lasts for about 1 hour, giving you a scenic experience on the lake with views of the surrounding mountains and wildflower meadows.

If you take the 1:30pm boat tour, you will finish by around 2:30pm, which gives you plenty of time for the next hike.
If you prefer a later boat, the 3pm or 5:30pm options work well too, depending on your pace.

2. Next, Head to Two Medicine Lake for the Paradise Creek Bridge Hike

After the boat tour, drive to Two Medicine Lake for the Paradise Creek hike. This area is known for its stunning views and is less crowded than some other parts of the park. The hike to the walking bridge across Paradise Creek is around 2.3 miles one way, so it will take roughly 2 hours for the round trip. This will give you a good stretch of the legs after the boat tour and an opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area. You'll also get to experience the lush forest and the peaceful creek along the way.

If you're visiting during the summer, keep in mind that the sun sets later, so you have ample time to do this hike in the afternoon and return before it gets dark.
The parking lot at the South Shore Trailhead is easily accessible, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a spot here.

3. Finish with Going to the Sun Road

After your hike, it's time to head over to Going to the Sun Road. Since you will be passing the West Entrance on your way to the Lake McDonald boat tour, you can continue along this scenic road after your hike. If you still have time left before sunset, drive part of the road to soak in the dramatic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. You could aim to get to Logan Pass, where you can take in sweeping views of the park. The drive itself is one of the park's most famous attractions, so even a brief visit here is well worth it.

The later you visit Going to the Sun Road, the more you’ll experience the changing light over the mountains, which is an incredible sight!
If you have a late tour ticket (5:30pm or 7pm), you might want to adjust your plans slightly, but this drive is flexible in timing and can fit well into the schedule.

General Tips:

It can get crowded at popular spots like Lake McDonald and Going to the Sun Road, so try to get an early start if possible to avoid congestion.
Make sure to check road conditions as Going to the Sun Road can sometimes be closed early or late in the season due to snow or maintenance.
Bring snacks and plenty of water, especially if you plan to hike or drive to higher elevations, as the air can be thinner.

With this itinerary, you should be able to enjoy all three major attractions in Glacier National Park while keeping a relaxed pace. Just be sure to adjust based on the boat tour times and how much time you’d like to spend at each location!