Lake McDonald Valley
Daytime Programs
Amazing Animals Talk
Explore the natural history and adaptations of some of Glacier’s famous inhabitants.
30 minutes
Apgar Nature Center talk area
(Pathway east of the campstore in Apgar Village)
One program, 1:30 p.m.
Offered: June 11,12,14,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
Ranger’s Choice Talk
Discover unique aspects of the park as a ranger explores a topic of his/her choice.
30 minutes
Apgar Nature Center talk area
(Pathway east of the campstore in Apgar Village)
One program, 3:00 p.m.
Offered: June 11,12,14,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
Wildlife Encounters Talk
Bear? Mountain lion? Learn how to enjoy the park safely. Includes a bear spray demonstration.
15-20 minutes
Apgar Visitor Center Plaza
One program, 10:30 a.m.
Offered: June 1,3,4,6,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
Evening Programs
Apgar Campground Evening Talk
Explore Glacier’s natural and cultural history along the shore of Lake McDonald. Check bulletin boards for specific topics. All park visitors welcome. Limited parking space available.
45 minutes
Apgar Campground Amphitheater
One program, 8:00 p.m.
Offered: June 3,7,10,12,14,16,17,18,19,20,21,23,24,26,27,28,29,30
Fish Creek Campground Evening Program
Sit back, relax, and uncover the diversity of Glacier National Park. Check bulletin boards for specific topics. All park visitors welcome. Limited parking space available.
45 minutes
Fish Creek Campground Amphitheater
One program, 9:00 p.m.
Offered: June 2,5,9,11,13,15,17,19,20,21,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
Lake McDonald Lodge Evening Program
Spend an evening discovering the many wonders of Glacier National Park. Check bulletin boards for specific topics. All park visitors welcome.
45 minutes
Lake McDonald Lodge Auditorium
One program, 8:30p.m.
Offered: June 1,4,6,11,13,15,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,30
Native America Speaks
Gain a new perspective as members of the Salish,
Kootenai, Pend d’Oreille, and Blackfeet tribes share their histories and traditions. All park visitors welcome. Limited parking space available.
45 minutes
Apgar Campground Amphitheater
One program, 8:00 p.m.
Offered: June 25 only
Triple Divide: Heritage and Legacy
Explore Native American heritage with the artistic stylings of storysmith Jack Gladstone. Listen to tribal stories, animal legends, and character portraits woven together through song and story.
45 minutes
Lake McDonald Lodge Auditorium
One program, 8:30p.m.
Offered: June 29 only
Walks and Hikes
Avalanche Lake Hike
Journey through a majestic old growth forest to scenic Avalanche Lake and uncover the intricacies of this unique environment.
3½ hours, moderate 5-mile (8 km) hike
Avalanche Creek roadside parking area
One program, 9:00 a.m.
Offered: June 3,11,12,14,17,18,19,20,21,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
Beginner’s Bird Walk
Join this introductory bird walk and learn how to use field guides and binoculars to identify Glacier’s birds and uncover their natural history.
Bring binoculars.
2 hours, easy 1.5-mile (2.4 km) walk
Make reservations, in person, up to three days in advance at the Apgar Visitor Center. Ask about accessibility.
One program, 7:30 a.m.
Offered: June 4,12,15,17,19,26,28
Creekside Stroll
Enjoy a casual stroll through diverse habitats along beautiful lower McDonald Creek.
2¼ hours, easy 2-mile (2.8 km) walk
Apgar Visitor Center flagpole
One program, 9:30 a.m.
Offered: June 1,4,10,11,13,14,18,20,21,25,27,29
From Seeds to Cedars Walk
Discover wildflowers, trees, and other plant life living in Glacier’s dynamic landscape.
2 hours, moderate 2-mile (3.2 km) walk
McDonald Creek Bridge on Camas Road
(0.25 miles west of the Apgar Village turnoff)
One program, 2:30p.m.
Offered: June 5,12,19,26
Johns Lake Loop Hike
Explore striking cedar-hemlock forests, quiet lakes, and roaring cascades on this leisurely hike.
2 hours, easy 3-mile (4.8 km) hike
Johns Lake trailhead
(Going-to-the-Sun Road,1.5 miles north of the Lake McDonald Lodge)
One program, 2:00p.m.
Offered: June 1,2,10,13,14,15,16,19,22,23,25,27,28
Nurturing Native Plants Walking Tour
Take an intimate look at how plants are grown in the park’s Native Plant Nursery and used in revegetation projects throughout the park.
1½ hours, easy walking tour
Park Headquarters flagpole
One program, 10:00 a.m.
Offered: June 12,19,26
Rocky Point Ramble
Enjoy scenic vistas and a diverse landscape as you hike along an ever-changing trail to the shores of Lake McDonald.
2 hours, moderate 2.25-mile (3.6 km) hike
Rocky Point trailhead
(Inside North Fork Road, 0.25 mile north of Fish Creek Campground kiosk)
One program, 10:00 a.m.
Offered: June 6,7,12,17,19,23,26,28
Sculpting the Landscape Walk
Unearth the dynamic forces that build and shape the dramatic scenery in the park.
2 hours, easy 2-mile (3.2 km) walk
Johns Lake trailhead
(Going-to-the-Sun Road,1.5 miles north of the Lake McDonald Lodge)
One program, 2:00 p.m.
Offered: June 17,18
Under the Conifers Walk
Explore the dramatic forest bordering the stunning cascades of upper McDonald Creek.
2 hours, easy 2-mile (3.2 km) walk
McDonald Creek trailhead on North Lake McDonald Road
(Turn off of the Going-to-the-Sun Road 1.5 miles north of Lake McDonald Lodge)
One program, 9:00 a.m.
Offered: June 21,5
A Walk Through Time
Enjoy a historical walking tour and unravel the unique history of the Lake McDonald Lodge and surrounding area.
1 hour, easy walking tour
Lake McDonald Lodge lakeside entrance
One program, 4:00 p.m.
Offered: June 8,9,11,17,23,25,29
Boat Tours
Lake McDonald Boat Tour
Cruise on Lake McDonald and enjoy a sampling of Glacier’s stories aboard the historic DeSmet. Arrive 20 minutes prior to departure.
Fee: $18.25 adults; $9.25 children ages 4-12;
free for ages 3 and younger. Reservations are highly recommended. For reservations, call (406) 257-2426 or visit www.glacierparkboats.com.
1 hour
Lake McDonald Lodge Boat Dock
One program, 3:00 p.m.
Offered: June 1,2,3,416,7,9,10,12,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
Drop-in Programs
Park rangers will be available during the times listed.
“Drop-in” and see what we are up to. Stay for a
minute or stay for an hour.
Apgar Nature Center
Touch a grizzly bear’s claws, feel a wolf’s coat, or hold an elk’s antler. Rangers and volunteers will teach the whole family about what makes Glacier special. Family friendly.
Anytime between 10 am and 4 pm
Apgar Nature Center
(Pathway east of the campstore in Apgar Village)
One program, 10:00 a.m.
Offered: June 16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
Sanctuary of Cedars
Relish in the splendors and diversity of the park’s iconic old growth forest.
Anytime between 3:30 pm and 5 pm
0.25-mile up the Trail of the Cedars’ southeast boardwalk
(Avalanche Creek area on the Going-to-the-Sun Road)
One program, 3:00 p.m.
Offered: June 1,2,4,11,19
Children’s Programs
Children’s programs are designed specifically for families
and children. Children must be accompanied by an adult
while in attendance.
Junior Ranger Discovery Talk
Discover what makes Glacier National Park unique during this hands-on, interactive talk. All ages.
20-30 minutes
Apgar Nature Center
(Pathway east of the campstore in Apgar Village)
One program, 11:30 a.m.
Offered: June 20,22,27,29,30
Junior Ranger Explorers Walk
Explore the fascinating connections between the plants, animals, and non-living material on this interactive hike. Ages 6 and older.
1½ hours, easy 1.5-mile (2.4 km) walk
Apgar Nature Center
(Pathway east of the campstore in Apgar Village)
One program, 10:00 a.m.
Offered: June 21,24,26,28
Saint Mary Valley
Talks and Evening Programs
Native America Speaks
Members of the Blackfeet Tribe share their cultural histories and traditions with the visitors. Non-campers welcome. Limited parking space available.
45 minutes
Rising Sun Campground Amphitheater
8:00 p.m.
Offered June 28
Rising Sun Campground Evening Talk
Relax and enjoy a national park tradition by joining a ranger for an engaging look at the natural, and cultural history of the park. Check bulletin boards for specific topics.
45 minutes
Rising Sun Campground Amphitheater
8:00 p.m.
Offered: June 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30
St. Mary Campground Evening Talk
Enjoy a relaxing evening and a national park tradition, as a ranger talks you through the natural and cultural history of our park. Check bulletin boards for specific topics.
45 minutes
St. Mary Campground Amphitheater, Loop C
8:00 p.m.
Offered: June 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30
Walks and Hikes
Mountains, Meadows, and the Magic Forest Hike
You will experience open meadows full of wildflowers,sweeping mountain vistas, a dark and mysterious fores, but no gnomes. Beavers, moose, and variety of birds frequent this loop trail, which is not often discovered by park visitors but is a favorite of the local park rangers.
2 hours, easy 3-mile (4.8 km) hike
1913 Ranger Station parking area / Red Eagle Lake Trailhead
9:30 a.m.
Offered: June 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
Sun Point Stroll
Experience breath-taking views from Sun Point and uncover remnants of the historic chalet that once sat high above St. Mary Lake. Follow in the footsteps of the park’s early visitors on this easy walk to Baring Falls. Limited parking available at the trailhead.
1.5 hours, easy 2-mile (3.2 km) hike
Sun Point Trailhead
11:00 a.m.
Offered: June 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Waterfalls Wonder Hike
Discover the splendor of Baring, St. Mary, and towering Virginia Falls on this moderate hike along St. Mary Lake. Revel in the rejuvenating effect of Glacier’s water and be inspired by nature’s renewal after the 2015 Reynolds Creek fire.
5 hours, moderate 6-mile (8.9 km) hike
Sun Point Trailhead
8:30 a.m.
Offered: June 17, 20, 22, 26, 28, 30
Children's Program
Children’s programs are designed specifically for families
and children. Children must be accompanied by an adult
while in attendance.
Junior Ranger Evening Talk
Learn about Glacier’s wonderful wildlife, geology, history and much more. This is a great opportunity to complete the ranger-led activity required to earn your Junior Ranger badge! These interactive family programs are geared towards kids age 5–12. Inquire at the St. Mary Visitor Center or look on local bulletin boards for presentation topics.
20-30 minutes
St. Mary Campground Amphitheater, Loop C
7:00 p.m.
Offered: June 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30
Demonstration
Blackfeet Singers and Dancers
Join the Blackfeet Singers and Dancers with leaders Joe McKay and Ray Croff as they provide insight into contemporary and traditional Blackfeet history and culture through narration and fancy, jingle, traditional, and grass dance demonstrations. Seating is limited. Tickets go on sale the morning of the performance and are available at the St. Mary Visitor Center Bookstore. $5.00 for adults. Children 12 and under free. (program is designed for families and children, and they must be accompanied by an adult while in attendance.
90 minutes
St. Mary Visitor Center Auditorium
(Enter auditorium through side doors near the restrooms)
7:00 p.m.
Offered: June 27
Boat Tours and Hikes
Boat Trip & Hike to Baring and St. Mary Falls
Cruise St. Mary Lake, and be inspired by the glacial forces that sculpted the landscape. Revel amongst towering peaks while learning about Glacier’s ever changing landscape. Take the optional 3-mile round-trip guided hike and see natural renewal of the land following the 2015 Reynolds Creek Fire. Catch a later boat back. Reservations are highly recommended. Limited same day tickets are available on a walk-up basis. Fee: Adults $27.50; Children ages 4-12 $13.75; Children ages 3 and under are free. Reservations can be made online at www.glacierparkboats.com or by calling (406) 257-2426. Arrive 20 minutes prior to departure at the Rising Sun Boat Dock. 3½ hours, boat and hike, moderate 3-mile (4.8 km) hike Rising Sun Boat Dock (6 miles west of the St. Mary Visitor Center
on the Going-to-the-Sun Road)
Two programs, 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.
Offered: June 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Two Medicine Valley
Walks and Hikes
Aster Park Hike
Delight in the marvel of beaver and moose habitat as you make your way to Aster Falls. This moderate hike is topped off with a steep 670 foot ascent
to Aster Park Overlook, where you can enjoy lunch and take in the views of
Two Medicine Valley
4 hours, moderate 4-mile (6.4 km) hike
Two Medicine Campstore
11:30 a.m.
Offered: June 11, 14, 16, 18, 23, 29
Rockwell Falls Hike
Immerse yourself in old growth forests, flower-filled meadows, and avalanche chutes on your journey to the soothing sounds of Rockwell Falls. Linger in the cool mist of the falls before returning to the trailhead.
5 hours, moderate 7-mile (11.2 km) hike
Two Medicine Campstore
12:00
Offered: June 12, 22, 26, 30
Scenic Point Hike
Gain a new perspective on Glacier’s high country as you steadily hike upward towards awe-inspiring Scenic Point, just over 2000’ above the trailhead. On the way, you’ll pass magnificent skeletal remains of ancient trees, and quite possibly a few elusive alpine critters.
5 hours, strenuous 6 mile (9.7 km) hike
Scenic Point trailhead
10:30 a.am.
Offered: June 13, 27
We’ll Be Coming around the Mountain
Hike around the base of towering Rising Wolf Mountain and explore flower-filled meadows, streambeds, and perhaps spy a pika or signs of bear along the way. Find the perfect picnic spot, and enjoy the views before returning to the trailhead. (lingering snow may be present).
4 hours, moderate 5-mile (8 km) hike
North Shore Trailhead (in the Two Medicine Campground near site 100)
10:30 a.m.
Offered: June 17, 24
Boat Tours
Boat Tour & Hike to Upper Two Medicine Lake
Cruise scenic Two Medicine Lake and join a ranger for a gentle hike to Upper Two Medicine Lake. Pause at Twin Falls and traverse flower-filled meadows on your way. Fee: Adults $13.75; Children ages 4-12 $6.75; Children ages 3 and under are free. Reservations can be made online at www.glacierparkboats.com or by calling (406) 257-2426. [Note] Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Limited same day tickets are available on a walk-up basis.
Arrive 20 minutes prior to departure at the Two Medicine Boat Dock.
5 hours, easy, 4.4 miles (7 km) hike
Two Medicine boat dock
11:30 a.m.
Offered: June 25, 28, 30
Talks and Evening Programs
Native America Speaks
Members of the Blackfeet Tribe share their cultural histories and traditions with the visitors. Non-campers welcome. Limited parking space available.
45 minutes
Two Medicine Amphitheater (Loop B, site 40)
8:00 p.m.
Offered: June 23, 27, 30
Two Medicine Campground Evening Talk
Experience a national park tradition by joining a ranger for an engaging look at the natural and cultural history of the park. Check bulletin boards for specific topics.
45 minutes
Two Medicine Amphitheater (Loop B, site 40)
8:00 p.m.
Offered: June 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 22, 24, 25, 28, 29
Goat Haunt
Walks and Hikes
Rainbow Falls Hike
Delight in the wonders of water as you traipse through towering trees and traverse along-side Waterton River. Enjoy eating lunch above the cascading water of Rainbow Falls on this easy hike. Board the 10:00 a.m. cruise from Waterton, and make arrangements with the boat company to return on the 2:30 p.m. boat.
2 hours, easy 2-mile (3.2 km) hike
Goat Haunt Ranger Station
11:15 a.m.
Offered June 13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,27,28,30
Kootenai Lakes Hike
Journey through old growth forest and experience a remote section of Glacier seen by the adventurous few. Discover natural treasures hidden in the cool understory as you wind your way to the shores of Kootenai Lakes. Enjoy lunch, lakeside, while keeping an eye out for moose. Take the 10:00 a.m. boat from Waterton, and make arrangements with the boat company to return on either the 2:30 p.m. or 5:30 p.m.
3 hours, moderate 6-mile (9.7 km) hike
Goat Haunt Ranger Station
11:15 a.m.
Offered June 15,16,19,22,23,26,29,30
Many Glacier
Talks and Evening Programs
Many Glacier Campground Evening Talk
Experience a national park tradition by joining a ranger for an engaging look at the natural and cultural history of the park. Check bulletin boards for specific topics. Non-campers welcome!
45 minutes
Many Glacier Campground Amphitheater
8:00 p.m.
Offered: June 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Many Glacier Hotel Evening Program
Spend an evening discovering the many wonders of Glacier National Park in this slide-illustrated program. Check bulletin boards for specific topics. All park visitors welcome.
45 minutes
Many Glacier Hotel Lucerne Room
8:00 p.m.
Offered daily beginning June 11
Native America Speaks
Members of the Blackfeet tribe share their histories and traditions. Non-campers welcome.
45 minutes
Many Glacier Campground Amphitheater
8:00 p.m.
Offered June 26
Where Have All the Glaciers Gone?
Are you here today specifically to visit Glacier National Park before the glaciers are gone? Join a ranger to learn about the advance and retreat of our namesake ice over the years.
45 minutes
Many Glacier Hotel Lobby
10:30 a.m.
Offered: June 14, 21, 28
Walks and Hikes
Bullhead Lake Hike
The wonders of the Swiftcurrent Valley await you on this ranger-led hike to Redrock Falls and Bullhead Lake. Search for signs of moose and other wildlife as you hike along three lakes nestled below the Continental Divide.
5 hours, moderate 7-mile (11.3 km) hike
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn porch
8:30 a.m.
Offered: June 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30
Early Morning Bird Walk
Identify by sight and sound the surprising variety of birds around Swiftcurrent Lake. Bring binoculars and a field guide.
3 hours, easy 3-mile (4.8 km) hike
Boat dock behind the Many Glacier Hotel
7:00 a.m.
Offered: June 15, 22, 29
Swiftcurrent Discovery Walk
Search for signs of moose and beavers as you stroll to Wilbur Falls and Fishercap Lake.
1 hour, easy 1-mile (1.6 km) hike
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn porch
3:30 p.m.
Offered: 6/13, 15, 16, 17, 20, 22, 23, 24, 27, 29, 30
Hotel Tour
Historic Hotel Walking Tour
Why is there a Swiss-style hotel decorated with Japanese light fixtures in the middle of an American national park? Join us to learn about the history, traditions, and restoration of the Many Glacier Hotel.
1 hour, some walking with stairs
Many Glacier Hotel lobby
2:00 p.m.
Offered daily beginning June 11
Boat Tours and Hikes
Grinnell Valley Boat Trip & Hike
Cruise Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine followed by an optional hike to spectacular Grinnell Lake. (a one-quarter mile walk over a moderate hill is required between the lakes). Advance reservations recommended. Limited same day tickets available on a walk-up basis. Hike may be cancelled or altered due to trail conditions. Fee: Adults $27.50; Children age 4-12 $13.75; Children under 4 free. Reservations can be made online at www.glacierparkboats.com or by calling (406) 257-2426.
3.5 hours, easy 2.5-mile (4 km) hike
Many Glacier Hotel boat dock
9:00 a.m.
Offered daily beginning June 11
Spotting Scope Programs
Spotting Scope Programs
Use our spotting scopes to scan the slopes for wildlife as a park ranger answers your questions about Glacier’s animals.
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking lot
Meet between 6:00 p.m.and 7:30 p.m.
Offered: June 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
