Exploring Glacier National Park: Going-to-the-Sun Road & Stunning Views

We recently made our way to Glacier National Park, checking off a major bucket list item with an epic drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. We’ll share our experience, give you

a few tips to make your own trip smoother, and highlight some must-see spots along the way. While we didn’t spend as much time in the park as some might, due to traveling with our three dogs, we still managed to soak in the breathtaking beauty. So, let’s dive in! You can listen to our experience here.

The Journey Begins: West Glacier to Logan Pass

We started our journey from our cozy camp at Hungry Horse Recreation Area. After a late start, we entered the park through West Glacier—peak time, around 11 AM, which meant it was packed. If you’re planning a visit, especially from May 24 to September 8, remember you'll need a permit to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road between 6 AM and 3 PM. You can secure this at Recreation.gov.

With permits not required during our late September trip, we got lucky. Still, the road was bustling. We highly recommend starting your day earlier to avoid the crowds. If you’re planning to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road, be prepared for narrow roads and stunning views that may turn your stomach if heights aren’t your thing. Trust us—it’s worth it!

The Scenic Drive: Going-to-the-Sun Road

James took the wheel for the drive, which climbs about 2,000 feet in elevation within the first hour. As you ascend, dense forests and crystal-clear rivers give way to towering mountains, glacier-fed lakes, and valleys that stretch for miles. The breathtaking views make the slow 25-mph pace a pleasure.

The road is narrow, so stay focused—especially during the busiest times when buses and tourists crowd the lanes. We recorded most of the drive on our GoPro, which captured the stunning scenery better than our phone cameras ever could. We’ll be sharing that footage soon—stay tuned!

A Surprising Discovery: Glaciers in Glacier National Park

One thing that caught us off guard was what makes a glacier a glacier. We had assumed those large white patches were snow, but they were active glaciers, slowly moving since the mini ice age in the 1800s. Glaciers have been shrinking since then, but contrary to some predictions, they haven’t disappeared yet. Seeing these glaciers up close was a powerful reminder of the park’s natural history.

If you get a chance to visit, don’t miss seeing these glaciers before they melt away. They are a crucial part of the ecosystem, feeding the rivers and lakes that many of us enjoy further downstream.

Logan Pass: A Popular Stop

Logan Pass is the crown jewel of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. But be warned—parking can be a challenge, especially around midday. We arrived around 12:30 PM and couldn’t find a spot. If you want to hike or explore the visitor center at Logan Pass, aim to get there early in the morning. We missed the trails this time but added a few to our bucket list for future visits.

Pro Tip: Start before sunrise to avoid the permit requirement and catch the magical valley views as the sun lights up the mountains.

The Scenic Loop: St. Mary and East Glacier

After Logan Pass, we traveled down the other side to St. Mary and the East Glacier entrance. The drive down offers more stunning views of glacier lakes; you can even boat or fish in these waters (just be sure to follow park regulations).

What surprised us was the drastic change in weather between the west and east sides of the park. On the west, we had calm, sunny weather with little wind. As soon as we crossed to the east, the wind picked up to 30 mph, giving us a completely different experience. If you plan to visit, keep an eye on both sides’ weather forecasts.

Hungry Horse Dam: A Must-See Stop

After leaving Glacier, we stopped at the Hungry Horse Dam, just outside our campsite. This dam, standing at 564 feet tall, is the 10th largest in the U.S. It’s an incredible feat of engineering, and the visitor center is a treasure trove of history. Did you know they used a wrecking ball to clear the forest for its construction? If you’re into history or engineering, this spot is well worth the visit.

The Hungry Horse Reservoir, which stretches 34 miles, is surrounded by over 25 mountain peaks. You can camp around the reservoir and even explore by boat. For those interested in hydropower, the dam is also a major electricity provider for the Northwest.

Planning Your Own Glacier Adventure

Glacier National Park is a place everyone should see at least once. However, if you’re traveling with dogs like we were, note that Glacier is not the most dog-friendly park. Dogs are only allowed in parking lots and must be on a six-foot leash. If you can, consider boarding your dogs nearby to fully experience the park’s trails.

While the Going-to-the-Sun Road is the star of the show, don’t overlook the surrounding areas, which are equally beautiful. Whether you're hiking, boating, or just taking in the sights, there’s so much to explore in and around Glacier.

Relevant Links:

• Get your Going-to-the-Sun Road permit at Recreation.gov

• Explore more about Glacier’s glaciers on the official website

• Glacier's Pet Recommendations

• Hungry Horse Dam Information

  
  

Looking for more travel tips? Be sure to subscribe to our blog and listen to our podcast episodes for more in-depth adventures!

Let us know in the comments if you’ve been to Glacier, and share your favorite stops or tips!

Safe travels, friends!

Thanks for reading!

<3Cara