Explore the Lakes & Rivers in Glacier National Park

SAMPLE ITINERARY
Jun 12, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Jul 4, 2025

Glacier National Park is known for its jagged peaks and alpine drama, but look a little closer and you’ll find water at the heart of it all. With over 600 miles of trails leading to hidden lakes, rushing rivers, and glacial valleys, this place is as much about reflection and flow as it is about elevation.

Sure, you can take it all in from a classic red bus or a hike up high—but some of the best moments happen on the water. Whether you're floating the Flathead, paddling a quiet lake, or casting a line into the current, Glacier has a way of slowing you down and pulling you in. The ideas here are just a few ways to experience that.

THE LOCALE: Welcome to Beautiful Whitefish, MT

Whitefish, Montana sits just outside Glacier National Park and has that rare mix of rugged and relaxed that makes you want to stay a little longer. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning on a trail and the evening lingering over dinner downtown without changing out of your hiking boots.

The main drag is lined with low-key shops, art spots, and restaurants that actually feel like local hangouts. In winter, Whitefish Mountain pulls in the skiers; in summer, it’s all about trails, bikes, and lazy lake days on Whitefish Lake. This place knows how to keep things simple—in a really good way.

STAY: Firebrand Hotel

The Firebrand Hotel brings urban sophistication and service, combined with the atmosphere and adventurous style of Northwest Montana’s rugged landscapes.

The Firebrand’s premier location in downtown Whitefish puts you steps away from world-class dining and nightlife, with easy access to golfing, Whitefish Lake, trails, and skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort. It’s also a short drive to the West Glacier entrance of Glacier National Park.

ACTIVITY: Explore the Rivers and Lakes on a Raft

The Middle Fork of the Flathead River, part of the federally designated “Wild and Scenic” system, runs clear and cold along the park’s southern edge, offering front-row views of towering cliffs, pine forests, and maybe even the occasional bald eagle overhead.

Scenic float trips here are mellow enough for nearly all ages and abilities—think more serenity than splash, with friendly guides who know the landscape and the lore. But if you’re craving something with a little more adrenaline, there are options. Rafting and kayaking routes across the region range from gentle glides to pulse-pounding Class III rapids, so you can pick your pace. Whether you're drifting under a pink Montana sky or paddling through whitewater, Glacier’s rivers offer a fresh way to move through the wild.

ACTIVITY: Fish the Wild & Scenic Rivers

Fishing in Glacier is special. The Middle Fork and North Fork of the Flathead River—both protected under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act—trace the park’s southwestern edge, winding through untouched forest and glacier-carved valleys. These waters are home to native Westslope Cutthroat, along with Rainbow and Brook trout, making them a solid spot for casting, drifting, and soaking up the scenery.

You'll be fly fishing from a classic dory, just you, one other person, and your guide. No experience? No problem. The guides here KNOW these rivers—and they’re happy to teach you the ropes. Half-day trips usually run 3 to 4 hours, with the season kicking off in late June and stretching comfortably into fall. Bring your own setup or borrow theirs. Either way, it’s less about the catch and more about the rhythm of the river.

ACTIVITY: Take a Guided Hike

If you’re ready for dry land once again, a hike in Glacier NP is the way to go. The views from the trail are beyond breathtaking. If you'd rather hike without the crowds, a private, custom-guided day hike might be just the thing. Let us know when and where you want to go—or if you're not sure, we’ll help you figure it out.

Your guide can meet you at your hotel or campground if you’re staying in Glacier National Park. Most hikes cover 6 to 10 miles, but everything’s tailored to match your group’s pace, interests, and energy level.