Our most popular winter adventure– snowshoeing Glacier National Park. A favorite for families, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Snowshoeing Glacier National Park in winter is magical; snow hanging in the cedars, frozen lakes, waterfalls and desolate peaks create a landscape unlike any other. Snowshoe tours are available on either the west or east side of the Park, giving you the option to tour old-growth forest or travel over windswept alpine meadows.
What an amazing day!!! I was fortunate to have the owner Greg Fortin as my guide. With Greg’s help, I saw the Lake McDonald area this morning, went to view the Continental Divide, had lunch on a gravel bar in the middle of the Flathead River, and spent the entire afternoon hiking and snowshoeing in Glacier National Park, just about 20 miles from the Continental Divide. Perfect! –Mary, via tripadvisor.com
Another quiet winter morning on Going to the Sun Road.
We offer full snowshoe and ski pole rental out of our office. Tours will generally lead to a scenic lunch spot, followed by hot drinks and group photos. Our guides are fully trained in preventing and treating cold-related injuries, and will keep you and your group out of harm’s way.
We tailor to your skill and fitness level. For newer backcountry travelers, we can demonstrate the following skills:
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Snowshoe Techniques
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Avalanche Awareness
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Tour planning & Route-finding
Glacier Adventure Guides leads snowshoe tours to the west and east sides of Glacier National Park, depending on conditions. Many of our tours are highly flexible and great for any age or fitness level.
Views of the Apgar Range from Rocky Point.
FISH CREEK and ROCKY POINT
Tour the west shore of Lake McDonald on a winter trek to Fish Creek. This tour leads you past the historic shareholdings and cabins of Lake McDonald, out to the Camas Road and on to Fish Creek. Snowshoers have the option to continue from Fish Creek campground out to Rocky Point, one of the most scenic spots on Lake McDonald.
TRAILHEAD: CAMAS ROAD GATE (35-MINUTE DRIVE FROM COLUMBIA FALLS)
BEST SEASON: JANUARY – MARCH
LENGTH: 2-5 MI (4-8 km) round trip
ELEVATION GAIN: NONE
DIFFICULTY: EASY
APGAR LOOKOUT
This tour leads snowshoers across quarter circle bridge and up the trail to the fire lookout on the summit of Apgar Mountain. This is the nearest mountain above West Glacier and offers tremendous summit views of Lake McDonald and the peaks of Glacier’s west side. A great trip for those looking for a challenge with rewarding views close to town.
TRAILHEAD: QUARTER CIRCLE BRIDGE (35-MINUTE DRIVE FROM COLUMBIA FALLS)
BEST SEASON: FEBRUARY – MARCH
LENGTH: 10 MI (16 km) round trip
ELEVATION GAIN: 2000′ (610m) to lookout
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
Stopping for a photo on the horse bridge at upper McDonald Creek.
MCDONALD CREEK and GOING-TO-THE-SUN ROAD
Our most popular snowshoe tour. Tour the shore of Lake McDonald and McDonald Creek, have lunch by the roaring waters of the Sacred Dancing Cascade, and finish the day with a pleasant stroll along the Sun highway. Easy access and mellow terrain make this an ideal family outing.
TRAILHEAD: LAKE MCDONALD LODGE (45-MINUTE DRIVE FROM COLUMBIA FALLS)
BEST SEASON: DECEMBER – MARCH
LENGTH: 2-8 MI (4-13km) round trip
ELEVATION GAIN: NONE
DIFFICULTY: EASY
The view of the basin from upper Snyder Lake.
SNYDER BASIN
Snyder Basin’s remote feel, deep snow and dramatic relief make this a guest favorite. Tour from McDonald Lodge up the Sperry Trail, a long gradual ascent into the basin. The cirque surrounding Upper and Lower Snyder Lakes is popular with local ice climbers for its spectacular ice falls. This is a brilliant out-and-back and is a worthwhile challenge.
**DUE TO WILDFIRES AND DOWNED TREES, SPERRY TRAIL IS CLOSED FOR THE WINTER. THIS TOUR WILL BE AVAILABLE AGAIN IN DEC. 2018**
TRAILHEAD: LAKE MCDONALD LODGE (45-MINUTE DRIVE FROM COLUMBIA FALLS)
BEST SEASON: DECEMBER – MARCH
LENGTH: 11+ MI (17.5 km) round trip
ELEVATION GAIN: 2000′ (610m)
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
High winds whip the summit of Mt. Brown. Viewed from Mt. Brown Lookout.
MOUNT BROWN LOOKOUT
A guide favorite, Mt. Brown Lookout offers huge views for those fit and motivated enough to make the journey. This tour leads snowshoers up the south slopes of Mt. Brown and into the alpine. Views from the fire lookout are tremendous, with views of Heaven’s Peak, the Great Bear Wilderness and the entirety of Lake McDonald. This tour requires participants to carry shovel, avalanche beacon and probe.
**DUE TO WILDFIRES AND DOWNED TREES, SPERRY TRAIL IS CLOSED FOR THE WINTER. THIS TOUR WILL BE AVAILABLE AGAIN IN DEC. 2018**
TRAILHEAD: LAKE MCDONALD LODGE (45-MINUTE DRIVE FROM COLUMBIA FALLS)
BEST SEASON: JANUARY – APRIL
LENGTH: 10 MI (16 km) round trip
ELEVATION GAIN: 4250′ (1300m) to lookout
DIFFICULTY: STRENUOUS
WALTON and OLE CREEK
Walking the suspension bridge over Ole Creek on a snowshoe tour from Walton Ranger Station.
This out-and-back tour on the southern tip of Glacier leads snowshoers along part of the Boundary Trail, one of the Park’s longest continuous trails. Guests have the option of continuing on the low-angle Park Creek Trail or adventuring up the Boundary Trail. Views from the trail include the southern Great Bear Wilderness, Mt. St. Nicholas and the Essex area. A perfect Glacier Park tour for guests staying at the Izaak Walton Inn.
TRAILHEAD: WALTON RANGER STATION (60-MINUTE DRIVE FROM COLUMBIA FALLS, 5 MINUTES FROM IWI)
BEST SEASON: DECEMBER – MARCH
LENGTH: 2-8 MI (4-13 km) round trip
ELEVATION GAIN: 200′-800′
DIFFICULTY: EASY-STRENUOUS
Group photo at the Continental Divide, Marias Pass.
AUTUMN CREEK and MARIAS PASS
For cloudy or stormy days on the Park’s west side, this is your best option to see the sun. While windy, Autumn Creek and Marias Pass have many more sunny days during the winter. Easy touring across rolling, wind-scoured terrain make this a popular tour. Snowshoers will pass through lodgepole pine forests and trek the foothills below Glacier’s massive front range. From these slopes are big views of the great plains and nearby peaks. Flexible tour options and good weather make this an excellent group destination.
TRAILHEAD: MARIAS PASS SUMMIT (90-MINUTE DRIVE FROM COLUMBIA FALLS)
BEST SEASON: DECEMBER – MARCH
LENGTH: 2-8 MI (4-13 km) round trip
ELEVATION GAIN: 200′-600′ (60-240m)
DIFFICULTY: EASY
