Dog Friendly Lodging Glacier National Park – There’s no arguing with the natural beauty of Glacier National Park. But for people traveling with their pets, the glacier can be a challenge. We’ll share with you how to make the most of your visit with your pets.
Glacier National Park is an absolutely stunning place where the desert remains intact along the Continental Divide and the mountains reach sky high. But for people who travel with dogs, it couldn’t be easier to visit our national parks.
Dog Friendly Lodging Glacier National Park
The glacier is one of the few places in North America where all the native carnivores are still alive. Grizzly bears, black bears, wolves and cougars roam the steep slopes and verdant valleys. Protecting the national park and its residents means there are strict restrictions on where pets are allowed.
West Glacier Rv Park
There are only a few roads in Lednik. One runs north and south along the western edge of the park. Highway 2 runs from East Glacier Park Village to West Glacier. The most famous route, the Going-to-the-Sun Road, runs east and west through the center of the park for 50 miles.
The Path to the Sun is the most popular route to explore the park. The trip takes about 3 hours each way, with several photos taken along the way. Why don’t you stop to take a photo?
Pets are allowed in the landscaped areas along the Going-to-the-Sun Trail. This means that picnic areas, parking lots, and roads are 100 feet away. Basically, it’s going to be a long day in the car for your dog.
If you’re taking the Going-to-the-Sun Road (and you should), plan to make a few quick stops along the way so your little ones can get outside and stretch their legs.
A Complete Guide To Glacier National Park — Sunbird Soul Adventures
Glacier National Park has only one dog trail, and that’s only when it’s not covered in snow. The McDonald Creek Bike Trail is a 2.5-mile paved trail between West Glacier and Apgar Village.
Is Glacier National Park less pet-friendly than you expected? Consider a trip across the border to Canada’s dog-friendly Waterton Lakes National Park!
We suggest starting the trail at West Glacier, getting ice cream from Eddie’s when you get to Apgar, relaxing at Lake McDonald, and then returning to the trailhead.
Remember, you may encounter wildlife on park roads and trails when hiking Glacier National Park with your four-legged friends, so take precautions. Bears have been known to chase dogs, which can pose a danger to you and your pup.
Glacier National Park (montana)
Once you reach the Going-to-the-Sun Trail and the McDonald Creek Bike Trail, there’s not much else to do in Glacier National Park for your canine companion.
You can find a sitter for your furry friends or a daycare to keep your dog company while walking the park trails. Or you can explore the surrounding areas to find more fun!
Glacier National Park may not be the best place to visit with dogs, but the surrounding area is! From large national forests to friendly small towns, western Montana has a lot to offer pet travelers.
Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada is located across the border from America’s famous Glacier National Park, and it’s very dog ​​friendly!
The Best Places To Stay Near Glacier National Park
Waterton is known for its chain of crystal clear lakes, cascading waterfalls and towering mountain peaks. But our favorite part is how much you and your dog can do together!
For a great hike, take your pup south to one of the national forests. The Flathead, Kootenai and Lewis and Clark National Forests are within driving distance. And all trails in all national forests are pet friendly!
In fact, dogs are allowed off-leash in most national forest areas. But because of the local wildlife, it’s not a good idea unless they have a very reliable recall.
Hungry Horse Reservoir in the Flathead National Forest has its own beauty, and the trails feel like they’re all yours.
Grouse Mountain Lodge: Modern Lodge Style Hotel In Whitefish, Mt
Flathead Lake is amazing. We spent a week visiting and gave it five stars for our dog adventures near Glacier National Park. It’s a must see if you’re visiting western Montana. You’ll find hiking trails, camping, outdoor festivals, canoeing, swimming, and more.
The lake is located about an hour from the western entrance to Glacier National Park. It is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River—about 30 miles long and 16 miles wide. Therefore, your travel time may vary slightly depending on which side of the lake you visit.
Most of the area surrounding Flathead Lake is part of the Flathead Indian Reservation, established in 1855 by the Treaty of Helgate. This area is home to three tribes: the Bitterroot Salish, the Upper Pend d’Oreille, and the Kootenay.
In addition to tribal lands, there are six state parks in Montana on the coast of Flathead Lake. Together these units make up Flathead Lake National Park. Leashed pets and dogs are allowed in five units at the state park:
What You Need To Know Before Bringing Your Dog To Yosemite National Park
Yellow Bay only offers campsites (first come, first served), but other dog-friendly campgrounds offer tent and RV sites. Some even have campsites for hiking, biking, or sailing! Great shot, Hercules and I parked our truck at Wayfarers, Big Arm, and the West Shore. Each of them offers a slightly different experience, so hopping in the park surrounding the lake was a lot of fun.
One of my favorite features of these parks is the many pet litter boxes and free trail stations. They make it so easy to clean up after your dog and enjoy safe, pet-friendly adventures!
Wayfarers is 67 acres of wooded beauty located in Bigfork, Montana. We’ve got a big North Shore (Minnesota) vibe with pines clinging to the rocky shore. It is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset after a full day of adventures.
If you prefer urban trails with less chance of encountering wildlife, check out the Swan River Trail in Big Fork. It’s a 3 mile walk with great views over the Swan River.
Discover The Best Dog-friendly Glamping Near East Glacier Park Village, Montana
Bigfork is also great if you like art, theater, live music, film festivals, art festivals, farmers markets, and even dog sledding in the winter! Bigfork also has several pet-friendly options if you don’t want to park.
This was my favorite stop, and probably the dogs too – the park ranger handed out some dog treats when we arrived! The West Shore is where you want to go if you’re looking for an outdoor getaway. The camp is located in a vast pine forest, giving you plenty of breathing room.
But don’t waste all your time sleeping! Several trails pass through the park. Walk the osprey trail to the top of the hill for a great view. Then descend via Linderman Lookout to the beach path. The views through the trees of Flathead Lake are amazing!
At the lake you can grab a snack at the picnic tables or jump on the many smooth, colorful rocks that make up part of the beach.
Glacier National Park
Cool Whip doesn’t want to get his toes wet, but your dog might! Dogs are allowed along the beach and in the water unless signs indicate otherwise.
If you and your adventurous pup want to camp by the water, Big Arm is the park for you! Just remember to bring some leveling units if you’re staying in an RV or RV — close to the beach, many campsites have uneven ground. However, it is worth the effort! There is nothing better than cooking dinner and enjoying the fire by the lake.
Kalispell, Montana is one of Outside Magazine’s Most Upcoming Cities for 2021. It is located just 30 minutes from Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, ski resorts, and numerous state and national forests. Not far from town is Lone Pine State Park which has several hiking trails (no camping).
Historically, the city focused on agriculture and industrial facilities. However, its appeal to outdoor adventure and tourism enthusiasts is growing. It’s the perfect place to camp if you want to stay in town as you’ll find plenty of pet-friendly options for dog boarding, lodging, groceries, laundry, vets, and pet supplies.
Visiting Glacier National Park With Dogs And Nearby Pet Friendly Activities
At the south end of Flathead Lake is the city of Polson. This charming little community has a lot to offer: great cafes, museums, antique shops, and more.
Polson is also home to the Flathead Cherry Festival. During the festival, Main Street in downtown Polson is closed to traffic for two days for a cherry blossom celebration with vendors, performers and lots of good food. Can’t make it to the festival? The area is home to many cherry orchards, so you will see many roadside signs advertising the sale of cherries in season.
Do you want to let your dog play off-leash? Go to Travis Dolphins Dog Park. The ridge has a running space, as well as a dock and access to the water if your pup likes to swim.
Polson also has companies that offer kayak and canoe rentals. Practice paddling with your
