Along any path you walk, there will be stunning alpine scenery punctuated by jagged peaks and glacial lakes. Glacier National Park boasts more than 700 gorgeous bodies of water and we recommend a guided boat tour as many as possible. Nearby Whitefish or Kalispell are ideal places to rent a camper van and explore Glacier National Park.

Trail of the Cedars is a short loop hike, less than one mile long that begins and ends on Going to the Sun Road. We suggest taking your time to explore the path that features an elevated boardwalk through fragrant old-growth red cedar forest with views out over Columbia Lake below.

Northeast of Lake McDonald, Avalanche Lake is a popular hike for Glacier National Park visitors. At the start of your adventure, you'll cross over to its southern shores before taking on an uphill trail that leads into more breathtaking scenery. Mountains covered in snow and forests filled with evergreen trees. A stunning view atop spectacular cliffs overlooking this gorgeous lake where numerous waterfalls create amazing patterns among their gray crags.

The mountain goat is the symbol of Glacier National Park because it can be found and persists in abundance throughout this area.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that 26 glaciers in Glacier National Park are down from 150 just over a century ago. The number is expected to continue decreasing as climate change shrinks their size.

Within the boundaries of the park are more than 350 structures that include chalets, hotels, visitor centers, barracks and more. All of these structures appear on the National Register of Historic Places.