Situated next to the largest lake in Glacier National Park, Sprague Creek Campground is a perfect home base for getting wet 'n wild at Glacier. Glacier National Park is about as cool as it gets (pardon the pun). This stone-cold stunner’s 25 active glaciers feed hundreds of strikingly blue and crystal-clear lakes, cap rugged mountains, and melt into misty waterfalls. It’s no wonder Native Americans called the area, “The Backbone of the World”!
Lake McDonald is the biggest lake in the park, and certainly one of the most beautiful sights to behold. The lake’s basin was created by glaciers during the last Ice Age, and because of the glaciers, the lake is usually pretty cold. On warmer days in the summer, though, a refreshing dip would be a great way to cool off. If you’d prefer to see the lake from the shores, check out the West Shore trail, which often is overlooked by visitors. After a long hike, make sure to grab a snack at Jammer Joe’s Pizzeria at Lake McDonald Lodge.
The park itself has a variety of activities—from rugged mountain climbing to woodland hiking—that will appeal to all ages and adventure levels. Reconnect with nature on more than 700 miles of trails, or lie back and count constellations—the park has been named as one of the best places in America to stargaze due to the lack of light pollution in the region.
You can reach Avalanche Lake by way of the Trail of the Cedars, a hike for all experience levels. As you travel along the trail, you can hear the sounds of the rushing creek and even see hundreds of fallen trees, a result of the lake’s namesake avalanches. For the best photo ops, arrive at the lake right before the sun rises above the mountains.
Reaching an elevation of 8,851 feet, Grinnell Peak is not for the faint of heart. The peak is less frequented by tourists, so you’ll have a more isolated climbing experience, but the view from the top is unmatched. If you’re not ready to tame the peak, the mountain itself is quite picturesque from the bottom.
Going to the Sun Rd, Darby, Montana, United States
Columbia Falls, Montana, United States
Glacier National Park, with its picturesque hikes, quirky restaurants, and pristine lakes, is the perfect destination for memory making. So, get your camper ready, and head off for the adventure of a lifetime!