Nearby Cities and Towns
Bigfork, 41 miles
Coram, 9 miles
Columbia Falls, 19 miles
Hungry Horse, 12 miles
Kalispell, 35 miles
Martin City, 11 miles
Whitefish, 28 miles
Cities and Towns of Northwest Montana
More Northwest Montana
Bitterroot Valley
Blackfeet Indian Res.
Clark Fork River
Flathead Valley
Kootenai Valley
Missoula Valley
Seeley Swan Valley
Montana Travel Regions and Maps:
Map
North Central
Map
Northeast
Map
Northwest
Map
South Central
Map
Southeast
Map
Southwest
West Glacier, Montana, is a little bit of civilization with an Amtrak train station just west of the west entrance to rugged Glacier National Park on US Highway 2. Travelers can dine at restaurants, grocery shop, do laundry, send or receive US mail, do banking, and seek lodging at numerous motels and campgrounds. There is even a golf course.
This small community is a mile south of Lake McDonald on the Flathead River, at elevation 3,169 feet. The area is heavily forested. Fewer than 500 people make their permanent residence here, though the summer population is much higher.
This little bit of civilization is worth visiting for its own sake, even if you don't wander further into Glacier National Park. Wild deer and mountain goats wander through West Glacier and have even been seen right next to the road. Craggy mountains surround the town so that no matter which way you look you see purple mountain majesty.
Whitewater rafting the middle fork of the Flathead River is an exciting part of a visit to West Glacier. The rapids are fast, but not too rough. Rafters do get wet, but large inflatable rafts bob up and down gently rather than alarmingly. Beginning rafters should hire professional guides or go on rafting trips with one of the several rafting outfitters at West Glacier.
Fly fishing for trout in the Flathead River is also popular sport in West Glacier, MT. There are places where you can wade in, or you can rent or hire a boat. A Montana fishing license is required and can be purchased in advance online through Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. State fishing regulations are also posted on their site.
It snows here in winter. The roads are plowed, but snow chains are required when it is icy. The closest airport to West Glacier is Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell (FCA). Amtrak trains stop in West Glacier year round.
Go Northwest! travel guide provides you with all the visitor information you need to when planning a trip to West Glacier. Just use the navigation links in the left hand column or the drop down menu at the top of the page to find accommodations and lodging, restaurants and dining, activities and recreation, along with attractions and points of interest.
|
|
Go Northwest!
Bookstore
Best selection of books on the Northwest.
Click
here!
Moon Montana, 9th Edition (Moon Handbooks) by Judy Jewell and W.C. McRae. This guide has complete information about all of Big Sky Country, from Yellowstone National Park to the eastern prairies of the state, to help the traveler plan a memorable vacation. Order now...
Montana Off the Beaten Path, 9th Edition: A Guide to Unique Places by Ednor Therriault and Michael McCoy. Discover the hidden attractions, unusual locales, unique finds and quirky cultural tidbits; all the interesting stuff you'd want to see and experience if you only knew about them. Order now...
Backroads & Byways of Montana: Drives, Day Trips & Weekend Excursions, 2nd Edition by Jeff Welsch and Sherry L. Moore. Explore the scenic landscapes and charming towns of Big Sky Country. Itineraries and tips plus color photos enable to the traveler to plan a short or long trip. Order now...
Moon Glacier National Park, 6th Edition (Moon Handbooks) by Becky Lomax. Get an insider's perspective on hiking the park's trails, unique trip strategies, a wildlife watching tour, a one day Glacier tour, biking up Going-to-the-Sun Road and wildlife viewing. Photographs and maps are included in this guide. Order now...
We appreciate your orders. They help keep
Go Northwest! online.
Northwest Books
from . . .
Go Northwest!® gonorthwest.com (tm)
Go Northwest!®
gonorthwest.com (tm) and GoNorthwest.com (tm) are trademarks of Go
Northwest, LLC
All original text, maps, photographs, and other images on this web site, as
well as the compilation and design thereof, are
Copyright © 1997-2019
Go Northwest, LLC. All rights reserved.