Montana

The Best of Glacier National Park

Program No. 21016RJ
Discover Glacier National Park as you raft Flathead River, explore alpine trails, visit pristine lakes and learn how glaciers carved this stunning landscape eons ago.

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6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5B 4L 4D
View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

From our lodging inside Glacier National Park, explore different areas of the park daily and return to relax on cool summer evenings on spectacular Lake McDonald. Experience the grandeur of Glacier National Park — so named because its dramatic landscape was carved by glaciers eons ago. Encounter the wonder and splendor within this “Crown of the Continent” during daily field trips to the Lake McDonald Valley, Logan Pass and along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Field trips are enhanced by instructors, naturalists and other experts detailing the variety of life, mammoth lakes and serrated peaks in one of nature’s greatest works of art.
Activity Level
Outdoor: No Sweat
Hiking two miles daily over varied terrain. Possible optional hikes up to five miles some days. Some stairs; getting in/out of vans, bus, and water raft. Elevations of 3,153-7,200 feet.

What You'll Learn

  • Travel the historic Going-to-the-Sun Road for spectacular views of rugged peaks, vast valleys and idyllic waterfalls.
  • Float down the scenic Middle Fork of the Flathead River.
  • Touch the Continental Divide.

General Notes

Participants split into smaller groups of about 10 for daily field trips and hikes.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Lynda Saul
Lynda Saul recently retired from a 30-year career protecting Montana wetlands and rivers. During graduate school in forest hydrology, she lived on a llama ranch taking care of 50 llamas, resulting in leading llama pack trips in Yellowstone National Park. She loves exploring Montana’s wild places and sharing her enthusiasm for the wild, magical beauty of nature. She recently moved to the Flathead valley and is now a citizen scientist monitoring water quality, recording bird observations, and learning about her new habitat.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Lynda Saul
Lynda Saul View biography
Lynda Saul recently retired from a 30-year career protecting Montana wetlands and rivers. During graduate school in forest hydrology, she lived on a llama ranch taking care of 50 llamas, resulting in leading llama pack trips in Yellowstone National Park. She loves exploring Montana’s wild places and sharing her enthusiasm for the wild, magical beauty of nature. She recently moved to the Flathead valley and is now a citizen scientist monitoring water quality, recording bird observations, and learning about her new habitat.
Profile Image of Rob Quist
Rob Quist View biography
Rob Quist is an award-winning American singer, songwriter, and published poet. He has toured nationally and internationally for more than five decades. As a Boy Scout, he participated in countless hikes and campouts in Glacier Park that included trail work and campground maintenance. His love of Montana's wild lands is reflected in his original poems and songs, including a song and video written and performed with Jack Gladstone titled “America...Pass It On” that won a finalist award at the National Geographic Wildlife Film Festival.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Meals
13 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
4 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Jul 08, 2024 - Jul 13, 2024
  • Jul 08, 2024 - Jul 13, 2024
  • Jul 08, 2024 - Jul 13, 2024
  • Jul 15, 2024 - Jul 20, 2024
  • Jul 22, 2024 - Jul 27, 2024
  • Jul 29, 2024 - Aug 03, 2024
  • Aug 05, 2024 - Aug 10, 2024
  • Aug 12, 2024 - Aug 17, 2024
  • Aug 19, 2024 - Aug 24, 2024
  • Aug 26, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024
  • Sep 02, 2024 - Sep 07, 2024
  • Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025
  • Jul 14, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025
  • Jul 21, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025
  • Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025
  • Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025
  • Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025
  • Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025
  • Aug 25, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025
  • Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025
5 nights
West Glacier
Located 10 miles inside Glacier National Park, guests at Motel Lake McDonald is a convenient launching point for adventures throughout the park. The 1950s style motel consists of two, 2-story buildings. The motel is located about 300 yards from Lake McDonald Lodge, restaurants, and access to scenic Lake McDonald.
5 nights
West Glacier
Located 10 miles inside Glacier National Park, guests at Motel Lake McDonald is a convenient launching point for adventures throughout the park. The 1950s style motel consists of two, 2-story buildings. The motel is located about 300 yards from Lake McDonald Lodge, restaurants, and access to scenic Lake McDonald.
5 nights
West Glacier
Located 10 miles inside Glacier National Park, guests at Motel Lake McDonald is a convenient launching point for adventures throughout the park. The 1950s style motel consists of two, 2-story buildings. The motel is located about 300 yards from Lake McDonald Lodge, restaurants, and access to scenic Lake McDonald.
5 nights
West Glacier
Located 10 miles inside Glacier National Park, guests at Motel Lake McDonald is a convenient launching point for adventures throughout the park. The 1950s style motel consists of two, 2-story buildings. The motel is located about 300 yards from Lake McDonald Lodge, restaurants, and access to scenic Lake McDonald.
5 nights
West Glacier
Located 10 miles inside Glacier National Park, guests at Motel Lake McDonald is a convenient launching point for adventures throughout the park. The 1950s style motel consists of two, 2-story buildings. The motel is located about 300 yards from Lake McDonald Lodge, restaurants, and access to scenic Lake McDonald.
5 nights
West Glacier
Located 10 miles inside Glacier National Park, guests at Motel Lake McDonald is a convenient launching point for adventures throughout the park. The 1950s style motel consists of two, 2-story buildings. The motel is located about 300 yards from Lake McDonald Lodge, restaurants, and access to scenic Lake McDonald.
5 nights
West Glacier
Located 10 miles inside Glacier National Park, guests at Motel Lake McDonald is a convenient launching point for adventures throughout the park. The 1950s style motel consists of two, 2-story buildings. The motel is located about 300 yards from Lake McDonald Lodge, restaurants, and access to scenic Lake McDonald.
5 nights
West Glacier
Located 10 miles inside Glacier National Park, guests at Motel Lake McDonald is a convenient launching point for adventures throughout the park. The 1950s style motel consists of two, 2-story buildings. The motel is located about 300 yards from Lake McDonald Lodge, restaurants, and access to scenic Lake McDonald.
5 nights
West Glacier
Located 10 miles inside Glacier National Park, guests at Motel Lake McDonald is a convenient launching point for adventures throughout the park. The 1950s style motel consists of two, 2-story buildings. The motel is located about 300 yards from Lake McDonald Lodge, restaurants, and access to scenic Lake McDonald.
5 nights
West Glacier
Located 10 miles inside Glacier National Park, guests at Motel Lake McDonald is a convenient launching point for adventures throughout the park. The 1950s style motel consists of two, 2-story buildings. The motel is located about 300 yards from Lake McDonald Lodge, restaurants, and access to scenic Lake McDonald.
5 nights
West Glacier
Located 10 miles inside Glacier National Park, guests at Motel Lake McDonald is a convenient launching point for adventures throughout the park. The 1950s style motel consists of two, 2-story buildings. The motel is located about 300 yards from Lake McDonald Lodge, restaurants, and access to scenic Lake McDonald.
5 nights
West Glacier
Located 10 miles inside Glacier National Park, guests at Motel Lake McDonald is a convenient launching point for adventures throughout the park. The 1950s style motel consists of two, 2-story buildings. The motel is located about 300 yards from Lake McDonald Lodge, restaurants, and access to scenic Lake McDonald.
5 nights
West Glacier
Located 10 miles inside Glacier National Park, guests at Motel Lake McDonald is a convenient launching point for adventures throughout the park. The 1950s style motel consists of two, 2-story buildings. The motel is located about 300 yards from Lake McDonald Lodge, restaurants, and access to scenic Lake McDonald.
5 nights
West Glacier
Located 10 miles inside Glacier National Park, guests at Motel Lake McDonald is a convenient launching point for adventures throughout the park. The 1950s style motel consists of two, 2-story buildings. The motel is located about 300 yards from Lake McDonald Lodge, restaurants, and access to scenic Lake McDonald.
5 nights
West Glacier
Located 10 miles inside Glacier National Park, guests at Motel Lake McDonald is a convenient launching point for adventures throughout the park. The 1950s style motel consists of two, 2-story buildings. The motel is located about 300 yards from Lake McDonald Lodge, restaurants, and access to scenic Lake McDonald.
5 nights
West Glacier
Located 10 miles inside Glacier National Park, guests at Motel Lake McDonald is a convenient launching point for adventures throughout the park. The 1950s style motel consists of two, 2-story buildings. The motel is located about 300 yards from Lake McDonald Lodge, restaurants, and access to scenic Lake McDonald.
5 nights
West Glacier
Located 10 miles inside Glacier National Park, guests at Motel Lake McDonald is a convenient launching point for adventures throughout the park. The 1950s style motel consists of two, 2-story buildings. The motel is located about 300 yards from Lake McDonald Lodge, restaurants, and access to scenic Lake McDonald.
5 nights
West Glacier
Located 10 miles inside Glacier National Park, guests at Motel Lake McDonald is a convenient launching point for adventures throughout the park. The 1950s style motel consists of two, 2-story buildings. The motel is located about 300 yards from Lake McDonald Lodge, restaurants, and access to scenic Lake McDonald.





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