: Glacier Hike Adventure

Trip Summary

Known to the Native Americans as the “Shining Mountains” and the “Backbone of the World,” Glacier National Park preserves over a million acres of old growth forests, alpine lakes, rugged mountains and sweeping wildflower meadows. Boasting more than 750 miles of maintained trails, one of the most scenic stretches of paved road in North America and a river equally as suited for rafting as it is gazing at the surrounding beauty, the Park’s unique, glacier-carved terrain is an adventurer’s paradise. Hike backcountry trails for a jaw-dropping view of history laden sedimentary cliffs and jagged ice fields reflected perfectly in the azure blue waters of Iceberg Lake. Step into the set of The River Wild as you raft the unspoiled waters of the Flathead. By day, witness the wildlife and natural beauty of the park up close and personal. By night, raise a glass to your day’s adventure before retiring to the comfort of your historic mountain resort, chalet, or lodge.

The toughest part is going home.SM Montana: Glacier Hike Adventure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Kalispell Arrival | Glacier National Park | Lake

Kalispell Arrival: Welcome to Montana! Your guides will pick you up in the morning from your pre-trip hotel. Transfer Time: 2 Hours Glacier National Park: An American gem of a park boasting some of the best views the have to offer, Glacier National Park is home to nearly 26 glaciers. Rugged peaks, stunning alpine spreads, glistening glaciers and lakes, splashes of color from wildflowers, and wildlife cropping up in the landscape views are all elements of the Glacier environment. With one million acres of wilderness, there’s plenty of places to make memories and snap a perfect picture. Two Medicine Lake Kayak: Some time out on Two Medicine Lake in kayaks or canoes will give you a chance to view the picturesque, jagged mountains on the quiet side of Glacier National Park. Take in the dominating peak that Sinopah Mountain provides the landscape as you peacefully paddle along this glacially carved lake. Accommodation: Glacier Park Lodge (L,D)

Day 2: | Iceberg Lake

Many Glacier: An area in northeastern Glacier, Many Glacier features some of the most stunning hikes in a corner of the national park deemed the “Switzerland of North America”. Immerse yourself in the incredible and epic scenery at different vantage points, like Iceberg Lake and Grinnell Lake. Iceberg Lake Hike: Explore deeper into the park to Iceberg Lake, considered by many the “Crown Jewel” of hiking trails in Glacier. This 9.6 mile out-and-back trail with 1,200 feet elevation gain guarantees magnificent panoramic views. Watch for mountain goats, bighorn sheep and of course, bears. Your reward at the end of the trail is a jaw-dropping view of giant limestone cliffs and ice fields shooting up from the pristine blue waters of the alpine lake below. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, take a dip into the iceberg-clad lake! Accommodation: Many Glacier Lodge (B,L,D)

The toughest part is going home.SM

Day 3: Grinnell Lake

Grinnell Lake Hike: Hike alongside Swiftcurrent Lake and soon after Lake Josephine for about seven miles round trip with a 250 feet elevation gain. Upon reaching Grinnell Lake, kick back and relax as you reflect on the stunning scenery around you. The lake is named after George Bird Grinnell, an early American conservationist, explorer, and founder of the Audubon Society, who was so inspired by the scenery during his first trip to the area in 1885 that he spent the next two decades working to establish it as a national park. Night on Your Own: Enjoy a night on your own this evening for dinner. Your guides will give you restaurant options to choose from in the area and will provide ideas on things to do on your own time. Alternatively, feel free to just relax tonight after a wonderful activity-filled day! Accommodation: Many Glacier Lodge (B,L)

Day 4: Going-to-the-Sun Road | Baring Falls | Lake McDonald

Going-to-the-Sun Road: A famous feature of Glacier National Park, this 51-mile road allows visitors to get a genuine view of the majestic glacial precipices soaring over the dense alpine forests and lakes. This scenic roadway adopted its name from nearby Going-to-the-Sun Mountain, after a deity called Sour Spirit came from the sun to teach hunting tactics to Blackfeet braves, according to local legend and a press release from the Department of Interior in 1933. Baring Falls Hike: Hike about five miles over rolling hills to Baring Falls along Saint Mary Lake. This pleasant waterfall drops roughly 25 feet over a rock ledge and eventually spills into Saint Mary Lake. Keep an eye out for the ever-present water ouzel, a small slate-grey colored bird that can be seen bobbing or dipping along the rocks around the waterfall in search of food. Transfer Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes Lake McDonald Boat Tour: Learn the stories of this area from an interpretive ranger on this hour-long boat ride around Lake McDonald. Marvel at the classic postcard view of Mount Brown and the magnificent colorful rocks that line the lake’s shoreline. Accommodation: Lake McDonald Lodge (B,L,D)

The toughest part is going home.SM Day 5: Flathead River | Whitefish

Flathead River Raft: Shuttle to the Flathead River for rafting on perhaps not the wildest of rivers, but definitely one of the prettiest. You’ll be guaranteed some splashes and splendid views for this scenic three-hour paddle along the river. Whitefish, Montana: Located in the northwestern region of Montana and home to about 8,000 people, Whitefish is known for its modern western vibes. The town is framed by the Rocky Mountains and serves as a gateway to Glacier National Park. Downtown shops and businesses are decorated with old western false fronts and rustic wooden features. Accommodation: Grouse Mountain Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 6: Whitefish Mountain| Kalispell Departure

Whitefish Mountain Hike: Ride the gondola up the mountain, taking in picturesque views along the way. Once at the top, hike around the mountaintop covered in wildflowers and wild huckleberries. Kalispell Departure: Your guides will shuttle you back to Kalispell to get ready for your departure home. Accommodation: (B)

*Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.

The toughest part is going home.SM Montana: Glacier Hike Adventure

Distinctive Accommodation

Glacier Park Lodge - 1 night(s) Built almost a century ago by the Great Northern Railway, Glacier Park Lodge is nestled in East Glacier at the foot of Dancing Lady Mountain. Situated on the Blackfeet Reservation, the hotel site was purchased from the Piegan, a tribe of the Blackfeet Nation. When the present railway depot was built in 1912, the area was renamed Glacier Park Station and then became known as East Glacier Park in 1950. With an outdoor swimming pool, day spa, lounge and fine dining restaurant, this property is an exception to the common “basic needs only” national park properties.

Many Glacier Lodge - 2 night(s) Many Glacier Hotel, located in the northeastern part of Glacier National Park on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake, boasts a true Swiss atmosphere from the alpine beauty that surrounds the building to the themed architecture and decor of the striking atrium lobby. The hotel was declared a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 29, 1976. In keeping with the era in which the hotel was built, the rooms offer guests modest amenities and old-world style accommodations resulting in a one-of-a kind, National Park lodging experience.

Lake McDonald Lodge - 1 night(s) Lake McDonald Lodge opened its doors on June 14, 1914 and is a three-and-a-half-story structure built on the eastern shore of glaciated, picturesque Lake McDonald. In keeping with the era in which all of the rooms were built, they offer guests modest amenities and old-world style accommodations resulting in a one- of-a kind national park lodging experience. The floors of the lobby have incised messages in Kootenai (a local Native American dialect) that translates into phrases such as “welcome”, “new life to those who drink here”, “looking toward the mountain”, and “big feast”. The main lodge was declared a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

The toughest part is going home.SM Grouse Mountain Lodge - 1 night(s) Grouse Mountain Lodge welcomes you to upscale comfort and an authentic Whitefish, Montana lodging experience. The fantastic location leads you to exciting year-round adventure. With 143 beautifully appointed guest rooms, fresh and exciting cuisine in Logan's Bar and Grill, an indoor pool, outdoor hot tubs, day spa, and a substantial list of services and amenities, Grouse Mountain Lodge is one of Montana’s finest lodge resorts. Guest rooms combine warmth and appeal with design and spaciousness to provide that pampered feeling.

The toughest part is going home.SM Montana: Glacier Hike Adventure

Activities Featured on This Trip

Hiking: Most hikes on this adventure are considered easy to moderate (2 to 4 miles with up to 400 feet of elevation gain). Oftentimes, we’ll do several shorter hikes over the course of one day. If a more difficult hike is listed on this itinerary, its mileage and elevation gain will be listed in the day’s activity description within the detailed itinerary. Whitewater Rafting: Rafting trips are led by a professional rafting guide trained in swiftwater rescue. Most of our raft trips feature paddle rafts, which are small rubber rafts in which everyone paddles and is expected to help propel and steer the raft. You’ll encounter class II-III rapids on most rivers we raft. Gear like personal flotation devices and helmets are provided and required. Wetsuits are available for use when the water or air temperature is low. Instruction provided and no experience is necessary. Kayaking: Our goal while kayaking is to stick to the flatwater sections of the body of water we’re paddling in. Your group will stick together as your guide navigates the best path to keep the group safe. Gear and paddling instruction provided.

The toughest part is going home.SM What's Included?

Included in Trip Price:

• Double occupancy rooms with private baths • All meals as listed in itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) • Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners • Any necessary equipment - all safe and well-maintained • Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip • Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service • Access to a guest portal with trip planner materials • Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities, and national park entrance and permit fees

Not Included in Trip Price:

• Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides • Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities • One dinner during the trip • Pre- and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses • Air and land transportation to/from host cities • All types of travel insurance • Personal expenses

The toughest part is going home.SM