West Glacier Park 2024: Scenic Hikes, Wildlife, and the Road to the Sun

Kim Martinez
Apr 27
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

We kicked off our summer adventure in early June at Glacier KOA West, a familiar spot from our first trip to the area years ago. If you’re rolling in with a big Class A RV, you know options can be limited—but this campground delivers with easy access, great amenities, and a peaceful wooded setting.

Campground Vibes

Nestled just off the main road (but tucked back far enough to feel secluded), this KOA is a gem—book early, though, because it fills up fast! We snagged a back-in site surrounded by trees, perfect for our cats to enjoy some quiet while we relaxed. The campground itself has a well-stocked store with cute gifts and essentials, plus nightly live music, tasty food trucks, and a friendly atmosphere.

Avalanche Lake Hike: A Must-Do

Our favorite hike? Avalanche Lake—a 4.8-mile round trip that feels shorter thanks to its breathtaking scenery. The trail starts with Avalanche Creek rushing alongside, offering stunning water features within the first mile (great for those who want a shorter walk). But pushing on to the lake is worth it: a glacial-blue oasis framed by towering peaks and waterfalls cascading down from melting snow. Wildlife sightings? Check. We spotted a bear ambling along the far shore, deer grazing near the trail, and even a fox darting across our path. This hike is one we’d repeat in a heartbeat!

Biking the Road to the Sun (Before It Opens!)

The highlight of our trip was experiencing a car-free stretch of the Going-to-the-Sun Road—one of the most spectacular (and harrowing) drives in North America. In early June, the road was still closed to vehicles due to snow, but that made it perfect for biking. Starting at the Avalanche Lake trailhead, we pedaled for miles, winding past waterfalls gushing over the road, icy patches, and even a bear wandering near the route. The climb is steep and the drop-offs dizzying, but the views are unreal.

Bonus: The Serene Cedar Trail

For a quick, easy escape, don’t miss the Cedar Trail near the Avalanche parking area. This short, flat loop winds through ancient cedars and feels like stepping into a fairytale forest—ideal for families or a peaceful morning stroll.

Polebridge Mercantile Bakery: A Mud-Splattered, Sugar-Fueled Adventure

Polebridge was the kind of detour that turns into a core memory. The 25-mile drive from West Glacier—with its final 7 miles of potholed gravel road slick from days of rain—left our truck looking like it had fought a mud monster and lost. But the moment we stepped inside the creaky wooden Mercantile, the scent of warm huckleberry jam and fresh-baked cinnamon rolls erased every bump along the way.

We’d come for two things: a huckleberry bear claw (a must) and a gooey cinnamon roll. But the bakery’s magic trick? Making you abandon all self-control. Every tray behind the glass glowed with temptation: rustic pies, oversized cookies, and pastries dusted with sugar like fresh snowfall. When the cashier whispered, “You have to try the pizza pocket,” I hesitated—it looked like a suspiciously humble calzone—but trust prevailed.

Turns out, that unassuming pocket of flaky crust, melty cheese, and tangy sauce stole the show. We devoured it in the truck, fogging up the windows with its steam, and debated driving back the next day just for another. (Spoiler: We didn’t. But we’ll dream about it until next time.)

Final verdict? Worth every muddy mile.

We only had four nights on the west side, so we packed in as much park time as possible. Glacier never disappoints, and this trip was a reminder of why we keep coming back: wildlife, wild views, and adventures we’ll never forget.