8-Day Glacier Itinerary | June 2025

Question

Hey everyone,

My partner and I are planning a last-ish-minute trip to the Glacier area and I wanted to gut-check my itinerary with you helpful folks that are familiar with the park and area. It will be my second time in the park and his first.

Re timing: We need to go the first week of June, which I know means that portions of GTTSR will likely be closed – but we won't need a car reservation at this point, so that's good.

Notes:

- I was able to grab some rare availabilities at the park lodges for that week and those are booked (tho can be cancelled)

- We can save significant $$ by flying into Missoula vs. Kalispell (rental cars are also way cheaper) so we will probably do that.

We enjoy day-hiking, cycling, and I’d like to do one half-day fly fishing excursion. I also have been wanting to see Polebridge (and try the bear claw, of course), so I’d like that to be part of the itinerary. We are probably not Red Bus Tour people. I'd give a kidney to see a moose and a grizzly bear.

Here's what I'm thinking:

Day 1: Fly to Missoula, stay in Missoula (flights arrive very late)

Day 2: Stay at Polebridge

- Drive to Polebridge (3.5 hrs)

- Visit Bowman Lake (paddleboard or kayak)

- Eat bear claws (repeat)

Day 3 – 4: Stay at Village Inn Apgar (confirmed)

- Drive to Apgar (1 hr)

- ½ day fly-fishing trip

- GTTSR cycling

- Day hikes

Day 5-6: Stay either at Belton Chalet or Two Medicine area

- Drive to Two Medicine area (as necessary)

- Day hikes/excursions TBD in Two Medicine area

Day 7-8: Stay at Many Glacier Lodge (confirmed)

- Drive to Many Glacier area

- Day hikes/excursions TBD in Many Glacier area

Day 9: Depart

Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions.

Answer

It sounds like you're planning a fantastic trip to Glacier National Park, and your itinerary looks well thought-out! There are just a few things to keep in mind for your visit in June, as some areas of the park may still be inaccessible due to snow, especially on the Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTTSR). However, it sounds like you've already considered that, so let's dive into your plan and see if there are any suggestions I can offer.

Day 1: Missoula

Arriving late in Missoula sounds like a good plan, especially since you’ll want to rest up for your drive the next day. It’s a small town with some charming spots if you have the energy to explore a bit on the evening of your arrival. The next morning, you can grab some breakfast at one of the local cafes before heading out.

Day 2: Polebridge

It’s a great idea to visit Polebridge, and the 3.5-hour drive should be scenic. Bowman Lake is a hidden gem in the park, perfect for a peaceful paddle or some light hiking. The bakery in Polebridge is iconic for its bear claws, so you’ll definitely want to indulge! Just be sure to check the conditions, as the road to Polebridge may still be muddy or rough in early June due to snowmelt.

Day 3 – 4: Apgar and GTTSR

Staying at the Village Inn in Apgar is a good base, and it’s a great location for exploring the western side of Glacier. The fly-fishing trip will be a great experience, especially on the Flathead River or in Lake McDonald. GTTSR cycling is a bit tricky in early June, as parts of the road might be closed, but you could potentially cycle up to the point where it’s open and then enjoy the trails near the Apgar Village area. For day hikes, I recommend checking out the Avalanche Lake Trail, which is one of the more accessible hikes that can offer stunning views with minimal elevation gain.

Day 5-6: Two Medicine

Two Medicine is an incredible area and much quieter than the more tourist-heavy spots like Many Glacier or the West Entrance. If you enjoy solitude and wilderness, this is the place to be. The hikes here are absolutely breathtaking, with options like the Scenic Point Trail for amazing panoramic views of the area, or the Twin Falls Trail, which is relatively short and easy. Since you're planning to stay in Belton Chalet or the Two Medicine area, make sure to ask the locals or the hotel staff for any insider recommendations on lesser-known hikes.

Day 7-8: Many Glacier

Many Glacier Lodge is another iconic spot in Glacier, and you're doing it right by staying there for the final part of your trip. There are fantastic hikes in this area like Grinnell Glacier, which is a must-do if you're up for a longer and more strenuous hike. The area also has excellent chances of seeing wildlife like moose, elk, and potentially even bears. If you want to avoid the crowds a bit, try the Swiftcurrent Pass or Iceberg Lake trails, which offer excellent views without being too packed with visitors.

Day 9: Depart

Since you’re flying out on Day 9, I’d suggest using your last morning to explore any spots near your hotel or revisit your favorite hike before heading to the airport. It’s also a good idea to leave some buffer time in case of any delays or unexpected closures due to weather conditions, as June can be unpredictable in Glacier.

Additional Suggestions:
Consider adding a visit to the Lake McDonald Lodge area if you have extra time; it’s a beautiful place with easy access to trails, including the short but rewarding Trail of the Cedars.
If you’re keen on seeing wildlife, consider doing a morning hike in Many Glacier, as this is the prime time for wildlife sightings, especially grizzly bears.
For a scenic drive, take the alternative route through the Blackfeet Reservation to get to Two Medicine if the GTTSR is still closed beyond a certain point.

Overall, your itinerary looks well-balanced with a good mix of adventure and relaxation, and the timing should work well. Just be sure to check road conditions and weather updates regularly during your trip, especially for higher elevations. Enjoy your adventure in Glacier National Park!