How to plan our short visit to GNP

Question

Me and my husband going to a conference in Whitefish June 13-15, conference is half day daily will be free after 11 AM/12 PM. We will fly in on 10th and stay in Lake Mcdonald lodge for 2 days then transfer to Whitefish on 12th evening.

so we have 11th and 12 th full day and 13th and 14th half day. We have GTSR pass 1-3 PM on 14th. we like wildlife, scenery, sit quiet in a beautiful area, some hiking etc. I am not sure if it is possible to achieve the many glacier area or not. If someone can help us suggesting things we can do in our limited time. Thanks in advance.

Answer

It sounds like you have a wonderful trip ahead! With the time constraints and your interest in wildlife, scenery, and hiking, there are a few great ways to make the most of your short visit to Glacier National Park (GNP). Since you'll be staying in Lake McDonald Lodge and have a GTSR (Going-to-the-Sun Road) pass from 1-3 PM on June 14th, here's a plan that balances scenic drives, wildlife sightings, and hiking without feeling rushed:

Day 1 (June 11th) – Explore Lake McDonald Area

Since you’ll be staying at Lake McDonald Lodge, start your first day by soaking in the beauty of the area around the lodge. Lake McDonald is stunning, and there are a few short trails to explore:

Lake McDonald Trail: A short, easy walk along the lake shore. It's a great way to enjoy the scenery and get acclimated to the park’s atmosphere.
Apgar Lookout Trail: If you feel like a slightly more strenuous hike, this is a moderate 5.6-mile round trip that offers panoramic views of Lake McDonald and the surrounding mountains.

In the evening, consider driving up to the Logan Pass Visitor Center for the GTSR pass that you'll use later in the week, even though you won't need it immediately. It's a good spot to stop for wildlife sightings, particularly bighorn sheep and mountain goats.

Day 2 (June 12th) – Scenic Drive & Hike

On your second full day, consider heading towards the St. Mary and Two Medicine areas. These are quieter, less crowded parts of the park where you'll be able to enjoy beautiful scenery and a chance to see wildlife:

Two Medicine: Take a short hike to the Two Medicine Lake area, where you can enjoy spectacular mountain views and spot wildlife. If you’re up for it, the Running Eagle Falls hike is easy and rewarding. Keep an eye out for moose, elk, and bears.
St. Mary: Drive the Scenic Byway to the St. Mary Falls for a short 2-mile round trip hike. It’s a beautiful, peaceful spot perfect for quiet reflection. Afterward, take a relaxing stop by the St. Mary Lake to enjoy some time by the water.

Day 3 (June 13th) – Half Day for Wildlife Viewing

Since you’ll have a half day after the conference, use this time for some wildlife viewing and photography. You can visit the Many Glacier Area if you’re up for a short drive (approximately 1.5 hours from Lake McDonald). The Many Glacier area offers some of the best opportunities for seeing wildlife, particularly grizzly bears and moose.

Wildlife Viewing at Many Glacier: Look for bears, elk, and bighorn sheep along the roads and trails. If time allows, take the short hike to Swiftcurrent Lake or consider doing a boat tour if available.

Day 4 (June 14th) – Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTSR) & Half Day Hike

For your GTSR pass from 1-3 PM, this is your chance to experience one of the most iconic drives in the world. Use this time to head towards Logan Pass:

Logan Pass: Stop at the Visitor Center for panoramic views. You can also do a short, easy hike like the Hidden Lake Overlook trail (approximately 3 miles round trip) for amazing mountain and lake views.
Wildlife Watching: The GTSR is an excellent spot for seeing mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and bears. Keep your camera ready!

If you have any extra time before heading back to Whitefish, consider stopping at McDonald Creek for a peaceful spot along the water, perfect for unwinding after your busy day.

Things to Note:

While Many Glacier is stunning, the drive from Lake McDonald is a bit long, so you may want to prioritize wildlife viewing and scenic stops if you're short on time.
If you're not able to reach Many Glacier, the Two Medicine area and St. Mary offer a quieter experience, and you'll still see plenty of natural beauty.
Be prepared for some unpredictable weather, especially on the higher elevations like Logan Pass, where it can be cold even in June.

By planning your days with a mix of scenic drives, short hikes, and wildlife viewing, you’ll be able to make the most of your time in Glacier National Park. Enjoy your trip!