Glacier National Park is breathtakingly beautiful. While there’s certainly some interesting wildlife to spot, it’s the scenery that takes center stage here—rugged peaks, glacial lakes, and sweeping vistas that leave you in awe.
I wasn’t particularly lucky with the weather—Going-to-the-Sun Road, the park’s crown jewel, was closed for two of my three days due to rain and lingering snow. But with a bit of flexibility, I made the most of it. I managed to drive the full length of the road on the one day it opened, and even reworked my travel plans to fit in another visit on my final transit day. Despite the closures and the rain, Glacier still offered moments of quiet wonder and beauty.
One rainy-day highlight was simply sitting in the car deep inside the park, listening to the rhythmic patter of rain on the glass roof while reading a book. For something cozier, I headed to Lake McDonald Lodge—where a massive stone fireplace welcomed soaked hikers to warm up and dry off.
When the skies finally cleared, the Trail of the Cedars and the hike to Avalanche Lake were the perfect way to stretch my legs. The trail winds through a lush, old-growth forest and follows a creek to the stunning lake surrounded by waterfalls and towering peaks. On the way, I even spotted a bear in the distance—an unforgettable moment.
There’s a reason Going-to-the-Sun Road is often called one of the most scenic drives in America. This engineering marvel, completed in 1932, offers breathtaking views at nearly every turn. Coming from the west, the road hugs the edge of Lake McDonald and follows McDonald Creek, surrounded by dense, emerald forests. As it begins to climb the mountainside, the views become more dramatic—bare rock faces on one side, sheer drop-offs on the other. It’s equal parts thrilling and spectacular.
At Logan Pass, the highest point on the road, snow and ice still cling to the landscape—even in late June. I was incredibly lucky to spot a bear emerge from the forest and wander onto a snowfield, the contrast making it easy to see and unforgettable to witness.
On my final day, I detoured back into the park before heading toward Grand Teton. It added several hours and more than a hundred miles to my journey, but it was absolutely worth it. The return drive through Montana was a scenic pleasure, while the stretch through Idaho—blanketed in night—was quieter, more meditative, and a gentle wind-down after an unforgettable visit to Glacier.