Scenic Driving Tour of Glacier National Park: Lake McDonald, Apgar & West Glacier
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5–6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short, flat walks and standing for photos
Overview
Spend a half-day driving through Glacier National Park’s West Glacier corridor, with stops at Apgar, Belton Bridge, Lake McDonald and the iconic lodge. This small-group tour includes park entry, lunch, guided stops and huckleberry treats from Hungry Horse.
Scenic Driving Tour of Glacier National Park: Lake McDonald, Apgar & West Glacier
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By mid-morning the bus eases onto the two-lane shoulder of West Glacier and the forest seems to lean forward, branches reaching like hands to slow you down. The driver kills the engine at the Belton Bridge where river water pushes urgent and bright beneath the old steel trusses; beyond it, Lake McDonald opens a long, cold mirror edged with fir and granite. The tour moves at the pace of the landscape: deliberate, visual, and insistently quiet.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Temperatures can swing from chilly mornings to warm afternoons—pack a windproof jacket and a warm mid-layer.
Bring a camera with a zoom
Wide lakeshore panoramas and distant wildlife shots both benefit from a zoom lens or good optical zoom.
Hydrate and pace food intake
Lunch is provided, but carry a refillable water bottle to stay comfortable on the road and during short walks.
Arrive early for pickup
Pickup is offered in Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls—be ready 30 minutes before departure time to avoid delays.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bald eagle
- Mountain goat
History
The West Glacier corridor grew around early-20th-century rail tourism; structures like the Belton Bridge and depot are reminders of the railroad’s role in opening the park to visitors.
Conservation
Glacier faces warming-driven glacier retreat and increased visitor pressure; staying on designated roads and trails and packing out waste helps reduce impacts.
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Adventure Hotspots in Whitefish
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Layered jacket
Keeps you warm on cool mornings and is easily shed as the day warms.
spring specific
Sturdy walking shoes
Supportive shoes with good traction for lakeshore paths and gravel stops.
summer specific
Binoculars
Helps spot waterfowl, eagles and distant mountain goats without disturbing wildlife.
fall specific
Refillable water bottle
Hydration for the full half-day; reusable to reduce plastic waste.
summer specific