Glacier National Park

Active Adventure

Activities: 3 days hiking, 1 day canoe or hike, 1/2 day bike or hike, 1/2 day raft or canoe, 1/2 day horseback or bike

Route: Moderately Easy, hikes of 4-11 miles with 500 to 1200 foot of gain, Easy and Challenging options are available on many days.

Start/Finish: West Glacier, MT

Typical Day

Day 1 - Lake McDonald: Meet in West Glacier and board rafts to challenge the whitewater of the Flathead River. Sitting on the shores of the park's largest glacial lake our lodge affords rugged mountain views all around.

Day 2 thru 3 - Many Glacier Valley: A mossy path leads us through a lush forest of ancient hemlock to Avalanche Lake. In a scene of unexcelled beauty this turquoise lake is fed by waterfalls and surrounded by tall cliffs. Traveling the aptly name "Going in the Sun" road we pierce the heart of the Rockies en route to our accommodations at the celebrated Many Glacier Hotel.
Hike the Iceberg Lake Trail or to Grinnell Glacier amid four foot white beargrass and flaming red fireweed on ranger lead hikes.
Day 4 thru 5 - Waterton Lakes: Saddle up for a morning horseback ride to overlook the shimmering waters of Canada's deepest lake. Then choose to hike or mountain bike shore-side trails to spy bighorn sheep and roaring waterfalls. Perched on a knoll with breathtaking scenery all around is Alberta's historic Prince of Wales Hotel, known as "North America's most photographed hotel", this Swiss-style chalet is our home for the next two nights.
Our trail today ascends through red stone scree fields and flower-covered tundra toward Carthew Pass. Mountain goats graze nearby while hoary marmots whistle at us from their solitary perches. At the Pass our uphill efforts are rewarded with a panorama of chiseled snowcapped summits. Passing waterfalls and jewel-colored lakes.
Day 6 - Paddling canoes across the azure waters of Cameron Lake we sit transfixed by the rugged beauty of the Mount Custer headwall. Hewn by glaciers and avalanches the massif looms ever higher as we glide toward it. The steep chutes of the lower slopes are prime grizley habitat and mothers with cubs are often sighted here. Bidding goodbye to Canada we head south with stops at the Museum of the Plains Indian and the impressive East Glacier Hotel. Descending the Middle Fork of the Flathead River returns us to West Glacier, Montana where our trip ends.

Age range, type of group

Family, couples and singles

Sleeping and meals

Dates July 15-20. Solo Dates: August 12-17

Inn to Inn

Rates

Price: $1,890

Single Room Charge: $450

Odyssey Adventures
P.O. Box 76
Ashland, MO 65010
800-677-7099