Glacier National Park Entrances: Which One is Best?
A Guide to Glacier’s Park Entrances
With over one million acres of breathtaking wilderness, Glacier National Park has multiple entrances, each offering unique access points to its stunning landscapes. Whether you’re looking for the quickest way into the park, a scenic backroad, or a quieter alternative to the main gates, here’s a guide to the different entrances in Glacier National Park and what to expect from each.
1. West Glacier Entrance (West Side – Most Popular)
The West Glacier Entrance is the busiest and most well-known entrance to Glacier National Park. Located near West Glacier, MT, this entrance provides access to:
Going-to-the-Sun Road (the famous scenic drive through the park)
Lake McDonald (the largest lake in the park)
Apgar Village (visitor center, lodging, and shops)
🚗 Best For: First-time visitors, scenic driving, easy access to services
🔹 Pro Tip: This entrance gets very busy in peak summer months—arrive early to avoid crowds!
2. St. Mary Entrance (East Side – Gateway to Going-to-the-Sun Road)
Located on the east side of the park, the St. Mary Entrance is the second main gateway into Glacier. It also provides access to Going-to-the-Sun Road but from the opposite side of West Glacier.
Stunning alpine views right from the start
St. Mary Lake (iconic Wild Goose Island viewpoint)
Quick access to Many Glacier and Two Medicine areas
🚗 Best For: Spectacular scenery, quick access to eastern hiking trails
🔹 Pro Tip: If you're staying in East Glacier or St. Mary, this entrance is the best choice for getting into the park quickly.
3. Camas Creek Entrance (The Sneaky Backdoor)
Looking for a less crowded way into Glacier? The Camas Creek Entrance is a hidden gem on the west side of the park.
A great alternative when West Glacier is busy
Scenic drive through North Fork with fewer crowds
Provides access to remote hiking trails
🚗 Best For: Avoiding crowds, scenic drives, exploring less-traveled areas
🔹 Pro Tip: This entrance is ideal if you're coming from Columbia Falls and want a quieter way into the park.
4. Polebridge Entrance (Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure)
For those who love a rugged, off-the-grid adventure, the Polebridge Entrance is an incredible way to access the remote North Fork area of Glacier.
No paved roads—a high-clearance vehicle is recommended
Home to Bowman Lake and Kintla Lake (secluded and stunning)
Near the Polebridge Mercantile, famous for its fresh-baked huckleberry bear claws
🚗 Best For: Adventurous travelers, avoiding crowds, seeing Glacier’s wild side
🔹 Pro Tip: Be prepared for rough roads and bring extra supplies—there are no services inside this entrance!
5. Two Medicine Entrance (Hidden Gem of the East Side)
The Two Medicine Entrance is a less-visited but spectacular area of Glacier National Park, known for its stunning lake, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
Two Medicine Lake (a peaceful, boat-accessible lake)
Scenic hikes like Twin Falls and Scenic Point
A quieter alternative to Many Glacier and St. Mary
🚗 Best For: Avoiding crowds, hiking, breathtaking lake views
🔹 Pro Tip: This entrance is perfect for those staying in East Glacier Village.
6. Many Glacier Entrance (Hiker’s Paradise)
One of the most scenic and beloved areas of Glacier, the Many Glacier Entrance takes you deep into the heart of the park’s best hiking and wildlife-watching spots.
Access to Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake, and Ptarmigan Tunnel
Home to Swiftcurrent Lake and Many Glacier Hotel
Best place to spot grizzly bears, moose, and bighorn sheep
🚗 Best For: Serious hikers, photographers, and wildlife lovers
🔹 Pro Tip: This entrance can get very busy, so arrive early or visit in the shoulder season for a more peaceful experience.
7. Cut Bank Entrance (A True Backcountry Experience)
If you’re looking for solitude and access to Glacier’s backcountry trails, the Cut Bank Entrance is one of the park’s least-used access points.
No services or visitor facilities—just nature
Access to backcountry trails like Pitamakan Pass and Triple Divide Pass
Ideal for those looking for a remote wilderness experience
🚗 Best For: Backpackers, solitude seekers, experienced hikers
🔹 Pro Tip: There are no maintained roads past the entrance, so be prepared to hike in from the trailheads.
Which Glacier National Park Entrance Should You Use?
If you’re a first-time visitor looking for a classic Glacier experience, enter through West Glacier for easy access to Going-to-the-Sun Road and Lake McDonald.
If you’re exploring the east side of the park and want stunning alpine views, St. Mary Entrance is your best option.
If you want a quieter alternative to West Glacier with scenic backroads, try the Camas Creek Entrance.
If you’re up for an off-grid adventure, the Polebridge Entrance leads to remote lakes and beautiful wilderness.
If you prefer less crowded lakes and hikes, the Two Medicine Entrance is a hidden gem.
If you’re a hiker or wildlife lover, the Many Glacier Entrance gives you access to some of the park’s most famous trails.
If you’re an experienced backpacker looking for solitude, head to Cut Bank Entrance for remote trail access.
No matter which entrance you choose, Glacier National Park offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
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