NorahIf you know me, then you know I love to hike. Hiking is probably my favorite, most empowering activity simply because it is so simple. It gets me outside. It requires a low cost of entry, and it fills my cup. HOWEVER, I completely understand if hiking is not your thing. Glacier National Park in Montana is a fabulous destination for hikers, but also an amazing spot for everyone, regardless of hiking level or enjoyment. Here are five things to do in Glacier that have nothing to do with hiking, but can still give you the sense of adventure this wonderful area deserves.
I also have a complete Glacier guide if you are planning your visit!
Go White Water Rafting
This was the one big non-hiking activity that my dad and I did while in Glacier, and it was an absolute blast. There are a bunch of different companies you can go with, and for the most part the rapids are pretty mild. Our guide shared so much interesting knowledge about the park and surrounding area, so the adventure felt almost like a history lesson and tour as well.
We used Wild River Adventures and had an awesome time!
Visit Polebridge
Located in a remote section of the park, Poleridge is a very quirky town that I just adored. With one singular stop sign and a general store filled to the brim with huckleberry goodness, the town felt like a fun excursion within the North Fork community. I would recommend getting a meal, checking out the general store, and walking around the small area.
Go in the Water!
This is a very broad category, but there are so many fun river and lake activities that it is very easy to spend several days just on the water. The starting point of all your water adventures should be Lake McDonald, one of the most famous lakes in the U.S. and the biggest lake in the park. The lake has several different options for kayak or canoe rentals, a larger boat that runs tours across the lake, and plenty of sandy beaches for swimming. Lake McDonald also has the famous colorful rocks, and a large spectator presence for sunrise and sunset. The lake is also very accessible, having several points of entry and a connection to the Apgar campground.
Listen to a Ranger Talk
As a lifelong learner, I firmly believe that the ranger talks at national parks are hidden gems in our country. At a large park like Glacier, every single night of the week there are various talks and discussions about different things going on in the park. I have been blessed enough to listen in on many different ranger talks in several different national parks, and the Glacier ones are top notch. While at the park I heard talks on grizzly bears, the history of the park, and how fire has shaped the landscape. With a park like Glacier, there is a lot of fascinating history that is worth a listen, and the ranger talks are a free way to pass an evening.
Go Camping
We stayed at the Apgar campground (the biggest in the park) for ten nights, and lots of people had camping as their main activity of the day. Sitting around the fire, cooking out, reading by a stream in the morning, hammocking, and playing card games were all frequent sightings when my dad and I would get back to the campground after a hike. While that slow level of travel might not appeal to all, a day spent truly enjoying being outside is never wasted.
Bonus activity: winter sports! I was not in Glacier during the winter, so I cannot speak too much to the winter activities. However, Glacier is a year round destination, and I am sure the winter sports are top notch in the region.
Yes, the main thing to do at Glacier is hike. However, hopefully this list inspired you to think about ways you can incorporate a variety of different activities into your trip!
