Make Reservation: Nature Walk in Glacier National Park

Nature Walk in Glacier National Park

This easy half day trip in Glacier is the perfect introduction to the park. You’ll learn about Leave No Trace outdoor ethics, forest fire science, history of early settlers, and river ecology, while enjoying the views along two different, short trails.

May 10th
Saturday
9:30AM 4 hours  

Nature Walk in Glacier Itinerary  

Times are approximate!  

9:30 a.m. Meet your guide at our West Glacier office. Your guide will do a quick orientation, check your gear, and go over last minute details. We drive into Glacier National Park via the West Glacier entrance, 1 mile from our office. Don’t forget your park pass!  
Lake McDonald Valley  

Once in Glacier, you will walk about 1 mile round trip through the Lake McDonald Valley. This is a glaciated valley, and you will walk on the terminal glacial moraine that dams Lake McDonald. This area is characterized by lodgepole pine forest left from the 1929 Half Moon fire. You’ll delight in seeing the aquamarine waters that flow from Lake McDonald. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for this valley’s resident beaver and moose!  
The North Fork  

Next, load up in the van and continue the adventure by driving the short distance to Glacier’s North Fork Valley. Along the way, stop at several scenic viewpoints, such as McGee Meadows and McDonald Creek. Don’t forget your camera! Finally, arrive at the Wild and Scenic North Fork of the Flathead River. Here, you’ll take another short, easy walk, also about 1 mile round trip. This loop weaves in and out of new growth lodgepole pine and aspen forest.  

This area burned in 1967 and again in the 2001 Moose Creek Fire. There are beautiful views and fantastic opportunities for interpretation along this loop. You will learn about a variety of tree and plant species, fire impacts, and wildlife inhabitants along the river corridor. Views include Glacier National Park, the North Fork of the Flathead River, and the Flathead National Forest.  

After we’re done walking, we’ll return along the same route by van to the Glacier Guides and Montana Raft office. As we drive, be sure to ask your guide any remaining questions that you might have. Our guides are passionate and have encyclopedic knowledge about Glacier National Park — no matter your level of hiking experience, we promise they’ll teach you something new. You’ll end the day knowing more about Glacier National Park than you ever expected!  

This nature walk in Glacier is easy but not completely flat. Typically, you return to the meeting point no later than 1:00 PM.  
Early Afternoon

($65.00 per guest) age 13 and older
($55.00 per guest) age 12 and younger

Additional Options

Day Pack Rental. Osprey Kestrel 32 Liter Packs

($8.00 per guest)

Add $2.00 to your bill today to support critical projects in Glacier National Park. Money will go to the Glacier National Park Conservancy.

($2.00 per guest)

Trekking Poles- Black Diamond