Glacier National Park
Three Days Hiking Glacier National Park: Waterfalls, Tunnels, and Epic Mountain Passes
Glacier National Park is one of those places that completely lives up to the hype. Towering peaks, turquoise lakes, roaring waterfalls, and endless alpine views make every hike feel unforgettable. We spent three days hiking some of Glacier’s most iconic trails, and each day offered a totally different experience—yet all were equally stunning.
Day 1: St. Mary & Virginia Falls Trail
We kicked off our Glacier adventure with the St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail, a perfect introduction to the park. This hike wastes no time rewarding you with scenery, following St. Mary River through lush forest and past cascading waterfalls.
St. Mary Falls is powerful and vibrant, with icy blue water rushing through a narrow gorge. Continuing on to Virginia Falls, the trail climbs a bit higher and opens up to even more impressive views. The sound of the water, the cool mist in the air, and the surrounding cliffs make this hike both refreshing and scenic.
This trail is well-maintained and popular for good reason—it delivers classic Glacier beauty without being overly strenuous, making it a great first-day hike.
Day 2: Ptarmigan Tunnel & Iceberg Lake Trail
Day two took things to another level with the Ptarmigan Tunnel and Iceberg Lake Trail. This hike is packed with jaw-dropping scenery from start to finish.
The trail winds through alpine meadows and rugged mountain terrain before reaching the Ptarmigan Tunnel, a hand-dug tunnel carved straight through the mountain. Walking through the tunnel and stepping out onto the other side is an unreal experience, revealing dramatic views of the Belly River Valley.
We also explored the trail to Iceberg Lake, which sits tucked beneath towering cliffs. Even in summer, chunks of ice often float along the lake’s surface, giving it a surreal, almost frozen-in-time feel. The contrast between the deep blue water, white ice, and steep rock walls makes this one of the most memorable spots in the park.
Day 3: Pitamakan & Dawson Pass
Our third day was the most challenging—and the most rewarding—with the Pitamakan and Dawson Pass Loop. This hike offers nonstop panoramic views and truly showcases the vastness of Glacier National Park.
Climbing up to Pitamakan Pass, the views stretch endlessly across alpine ridges, valleys, and distant peaks. The trail continues along exposed sections with sweeping vistas before reaching Dawson Pass, which offers a completely different perspective of the surrounding landscape.
This hike is demanding, but every step is worth it. Standing at the top of the passes, surrounded by nothing but mountains and sky, is the kind of moment that makes Glacier so special.
Final Thoughts on Glacier National Park
Spending three days hiking in Glacier National Park gave us a deep appreciation for its diversity—from thundering waterfalls to high alpine passes and hidden mountain lakes. Each trail felt unique, yet all shared that wild, untouched feeling Glacier is known for.
If you’re planning a trip, we can’t recommend these hikes enough. Glacier National Park is the kind of place that keeps calling you back—and after this trip, we already know we’ll be returning.