Top 3 Things to do Outside of Glacier National Park

In 2021, we saw the first implementation of the Going-to-the Sun Road reservation system in Glacier National Park. Visitors needed a reservation for Sun Road whether they were entering from the West or East side of the park. These reservations sold out quickly and left many visitors who wanted to drive the iconic road out-of-luck. This was the case for visitors even if they already had a camping reservation in the park for a set date. Many of the iconic Glacier National Park destinations such as Highline trail, Logan Pass, Saint Mary Lake and much more are along Going-to-the-Sun Road. This year Glacier will be doing the same reservation program and passes will be available starting March 2nd (here) and are good for three consecutive days. We hope that everyone who plans a trip out to Glacier gets to drive the iconic road. But given that we do expect Going-to-the-Sun Road passes to once again sell out, we thought we’d highlight some activities near Glacier that could save your trip from disappointment.

Views from Going-to-the-Sun Road

Reserve a guided whitewater rafting trip in Glacier National Park HERE

Flathead River Whitewater Rafting

Starting off we have white water rafting on the Flathead River. Luckily, there are options for white water rafting right outside the entrance to West Glacier. You’ll enjoy views of some of Glacier Park’s iconic mountains that have been carved out by the giant glaciers that use to exist in the park. The guided white water rafting trips near Glacier takes place on the middle-fork of the Flathead River and are convenient to seamlessly add to your trip. There are full-day trips as well as half-day, so, these trips are great for accommodating your schedule.

White water rafting on the Flathead River

Guided Fly Fishing Trip

There are many guided fly fishing trip options in the greater Flathead area around Glacier National Park. Including guided trips on the Flathead River, Lower-Flathead River, Whitefish Lake, Flathead Lake, and more. Fishing guides are a great way to fish new waters and catch Montana fish such as rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. Aside from the fish, iconic Montana wildlife like deer, elk, and bear are often spotted on the river banks. These guided trips are perfect for any skill range from beginner to expert angler.

Fly fishing near Glacier National Park

Reserve a guided whitewater rafting trip in the Alberton gorge on the Clark Fork River HERE

Alberton Gorge Whitewater Rafting

If you have the time to make your way down to the Missoula area, white water rafting the Alberton Gorge on the Clark-Fork River is a great option to add to your Glacier trip. Just off of I-90 in Alberton, there is one of the best opportunities for scenic and exhilarating white water rafting in the state of Montana. Experience the thrill of class II, III, and IV rapids are you descend down the Clark-Fork River. If you book the full-day trip (here), lunch will be included and you’ll also have time to stop at a swimming hole to cool off from the Summer heat. When the trip is over, head over to Missoula and enjoy one of the local restaurants or breweries to end your day.

White water rafting the Alberton Gorge near Missoula, Montana