Guide to West Side of Glacier National Park- with toddlers

We visited Glacier National Park in July with a fresh 3 year old and a 15 month old. Here is a family friendly guide to the area. 

If you are looking for just general tips for Glacier National Park with toddler check out this blogpost: 

Tips for hiking with kids 

1, Bring extra clothes- it's cold especially in the morning and if they aren in a backpack they aren't sweating like you are because you are hiking and carrying them 

2, Bring tons of snacks- bonus points if it's easy to hand it back to them. We found cheese sticks and crackers to be very helpful 

3. Allow for time for them to stop and play and throw rocks into lakes. 

4. If you have a potty trained kind make sure they feel comfortable peeing outside. This was a skill my toddler had to learn on the fly and it took a little convincing. 

Logan Pass Area 

This is a pretty popular area because it's at the top of the going to the sun road. There is a visitor center at the top and the parking lot usually fills up before 7am which is insanity. Be prepared to have to try to park along the road and walk. We got there a little after 7 and had to walk about a half a mile on the road to get to the visitor center to do the hike. 

Keep in mind because you are so high up it's cooler up here and bring clothes accordingly. We did warm up once we started hiking but it was mid july and we all had hats on in the beginning. 

Hidden Lake Overlook Trail 

Distance: 2.7 miles out and back 

Elevation Gain: 500 ft. 

This is one of the most popular trails in the park but for a good reason. It is fairly friendly for all skill levels and the views are amazing- there are so many panoramics. The trail out is all uphill so take your time. 

Hidden Lake

Trail of the Cedars/ Avalanche Lake 

This was a very popular but very fun hike and Avalanche lake was so pretty! It is a bit on the long side at 5 miles round trip but is very tame as far as elevation gain goes so we were able to do it with two kids on our backs. Our 3 year old also got out for part of it and hike it on his own. 

Get there early!! We got there around 7am and the parking spots were already almost gone! 

Avalanche Lake 

Lake McDonald Area 

Lake McDonald is the largest lake in the park and it is very pretty. We decided to take a break after two major hiking days and have a lake  day. In July it was in the 80s-90s in the park and so the glacier cold water felt so good. Lake McDonald is also known for it's red rocks 

Check out Mcdonald falls

 This a pull over spot on the going to the Sun road but they are worth a quick look 

Lake McDonald 

We just played in the lake all day but you can also do other lake activities including boating.