Glacier National Park sits in northwest Montana like a crown jewel of the American wilderness, offering some of the most spectacular mountain scenery you’ll find anywhere. With over a million acres of pristine forests, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes, it’s no wonder this park draws adventurers from around the world. While Glacier is famous for its challenging backcountry routes, you don’t need to be a seasoned mountaineer to experience its magic.
The park offers plenty of gentle trails that let families, casual hikers, and anyone looking for a more relaxed outdoor experience soak in those famous mountain views without the grunt work. Here’s a list of 15 easy hikes that showcase the best of Glacier National Park without leaving you gasping for air.
Trail of the Cedars
This wheelchair-accessible boardwalk loop makes Glacier’s ancient forest accessible to everyone. The 0.7-mile trail winds through a grove of massive western red cedars and hemlocks, some over 500 years old. You’ll cross Avalanche Creek on a wooden bridge and get a close-up look at the carved gorge below.
The whole experience feels like stepping into a fairy tale, with filtered sunlight streaming through the canopy and the gentle sound of flowing water accompanying your walk.
Avalanche Lake
Starting where Trail of the Cedars ends, this 4.5-mile round-trip hike follows Avalanche Creek through a lush valley. The trail gains only about 500 feet in elevation, making it manageable for most fitness levels. You’ll walk alongside cascading waterfalls and through dense forest before reaching the stunning alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks.
The lake sits in a natural amphitheater with waterfalls tumbling down the cliff faces—it’s like nature’s own theater production.
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Hidden Lake Overlook
This 3-mile round-trip hike from Logan Pass offers some of the park’s most iconic views with relatively little effort. The paved trail and boardwalk sections help you navigate through alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers in summer.
Mountain goats frequently graze along this route, often posing for photos like they know they’re the stars of the show. The overlook provides sweeping views of Hidden Lake nestled between dramatic peaks, making it one of those ‘pinch me, is this real?’ moments.
Running Eagle Falls
Also known as Trick Falls, this 0.6-mile easy walk leads to one of Glacier’s most unique waterfalls. During high water in spring and early summer, water cascades over the entire rock face, but as water levels drop, the falls seem to disappear into the rock and emerge from a cave-like opening lower down.
It’s like watching nature perform a magic trick right before your eyes. The short distance makes this perfect for families with young kids or anyone wanting a quick nature fix.
Lake McDonald
The shores of Glacier’s largest lake offer several easy walking opportunities along its 10-mile length. You can stroll along the rocky beach, skipping stones and soaking in views of the surrounding peaks reflected in the calm water.
The lake’s famous colored rocks, smoothed by centuries of glacial action, create a natural mosaic beneath the clear water. Early morning and evening provide the best lighting for photography, when the mountains mirror perfectly in the still surface.
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Johns Lake Loop
This 2.4-mile loop trail starts near Lake McDonald Lodge and meanders through mixed forest to a peaceful mountain lake. The trail is relatively flat with only minor elevation changes, making it ideal for a leisurely afternoon walk.
Johns Lake itself is small and serene, surrounded by dense forest and offering a quiet spot for reflection away from the busier areas of the park. You might spot loons or other waterfowl gliding across the surface, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
Swiftcurrent Lake
Located in the Many Glacier area, this 2.4-mile loop around Swiftcurrent Lake provides stunning mountain reflections with minimal effort. The flat, well-maintained trail circles the lake, offering constantly changing perspectives of the surrounding peaks.
Mount Wilbur dominates the skyline, its pyramid shape perfectly framed by the lake’s calm waters. The area around the historic Many Glacier Hotel adds a touch of rustic elegance to the wilderness experience.
Redrock Falls
This 3.4-mile round-trip hike follows Swiftcurrent Creek through a beautiful valley to a series of red rock cascades. The trail is relatively gentle with only about 300 feet of elevation gain spread over the entire distance.
The falls get their name from the distinctive red argillite rock formations that create natural slides and pools. It’s a great spot for a picnic lunch, with the sound of rushing water providing a perfect soundtrack to your meal.
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Apgar Lookout
Starting from the Apgar area, this 5.8-mile round-trip hike climbs steadily but gently to a historic fire lookout. The trail gains about 1,800 feet over its length, but the grade is consistent and manageable for most hikers.
From the top, you’ll get panoramic views of Lake McDonald, the Apgar Valley, and the surrounding mountain ranges. The lookout tower itself is a piece of park history, representing the early days of fire prevention in the wilderness.
Rocky Point
This easy 1.8-mile round-trip walk along the shore of Lake McDonald leads to a rocky promontory with excellent views across the water. The trail is mostly flat, following the lakeshore through mixed forest with occasional openings that frame the surrounding mountains. Rocky Point provides a perfect spot for watching sunsets paint the peaks in alpenglow.
The gentle lapping of waves against the shore creates a meditative atmosphere that’s hard to find in our busy world.
Bowman Lake
The drive to Bowman Lake on a dirt road is an adventure in itself, but the 7.4-mile out-and-back hike along the lake’s shore is surprisingly easy. The trail stays relatively flat as it follows the shoreline through dense forest with occasional glimpses of the deep blue water.
This remote lake sees fewer visitors than the more accessible areas, offering a true wilderness experience without technical challenges. Rainbow Peak and other surrounding summits reflect beautifully in the calm water, especially during early morning hours.
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Sun Point Nature Trail
This short 1.3-mile loop near Saint Mary provides big mountain views with minimal effort. The trail follows the shore of Saint Mary Lake, offering constantly changing perspectives of the surrounding peaks and the historic Going-to-the-Sun Road carved into the mountainside.
Interpretive signs along the way explain the area’s geology and natural history, making it both scenic and educational. The views across the lake to the Continental Divide are simply breathtaking, especially when morning light hits the peaks.
Baring Falls
Starting from the Sun Point parking area, this 1.3-mile round-trip hike follows the Saint Mary River to a beautiful waterfall. The mostly flat trail passes through dense forest before opening up to reveal the falls cascading over dark rock formations. Baring Falls creates several deep pools perfect for reflecting the surrounding forest, and the mist from the falling water creates a cool microclimate even on hot summer days.
It’s an ideal destination for families looking for a short adventure with a rewarding payoff.
Beaver Pond Loop
This 3.4-mile loop trail near Saint Mary offers diverse scenery from wetlands to aspen groves. The trail is relatively flat with only minor elevation changes, making it accessible to hikers of all ages and abilities.
You’ll pass several beaver ponds where you might spot the industrious rodents at work, especially during early morning or evening hours. The trail also provides excellent opportunities for bird watching, with over 260 species recorded in the park.
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Saint Mary Falls
Following the Saint Mary River upstream, this 1.5-mile round-trip hike leads to a stunning 35-foot waterfall. The trail is well-maintained and relatively flat, passing through dense forest before opening up to reveal the falls plunging into a deep pool. The surrounding rock formations create a natural amphitheater that amplifies the sound of falling water.
During peak runoff in late spring and early summer, the falls are at their most impressive, sending spray high into the air and creating perfect conditions for rainbow sightings.
Where Wilderness Meets Wanderlust
These gentle trails prove that Glacier National Park’s magic isn’t reserved for extreme athletes or hardcore backpackers. Each path offers its own window into the park’s incredible diversity, from ancient cedar forests to crystal-clear alpine lakes. The beauty of these easier routes lies not just in their accessibility but in how they let you slow down and truly absorb the surrounding landscape.
Whether you’re introducing kids to the wilderness or simply want to enjoy nature without the challenge of steep climbs, these trails deliver the full Glacier experience with a smile instead of a struggle.
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