If you want to see epic mountain vistas in as little time as possible, take Going-to-the-Sun Road up to Logan Pass. At 6,6466 ft (2,025 m) in elevation, Logan Pass is the highest point in the park reachable by road. The road itself is a marvel of engineering and a National Historic Landmark. As you drive, think about the difficulties of building such a road in the mountains.
West Side Travel
If you start at the West Entrance or in the Apgar area, your Going-to-the-Sun journey begins by hugging Lake McDonald’s shores as you drive northeast. About 9 miles (14.5 km) up lake you will come to Lake McDonald Lodge. The lodge was built in 1913-14 and is a National Historic Landmark. You can either stop now and check out the lobby’s hunting-lodge decor, or stop on your return journey. Driving to Logan Pass without stopping could take about an hour, but it would be a shame to drive without stopping to occasionally marvel at the views or read an informative sign. Once you reach Logan Pass, you will likely have difficulty finding parking. Be patient. From this point, the views down St. Mary Valley are stunning. If you do park and get out of the car, check out the exhibits inside and outside Logan Pass Visitor Center. Head down the Hidden Lake Trail as far as time allows. Even a few steps down the boardwalk affords great wildflower viewing. Retrace your steps to end your day of scenic driving.
East Side Travel
Start at St. Mary Visitor Center. Watch the 15 minute park film for an overview, then explore the beautiful interactive exhibits on American Indian tribes and their ties to the lands that today make up Glacier National Park. Then head out on Going-to-the-Sun Road. Driving to Logan Pass without stopping could take about 1.5-2 hours, but it would be a shame to drive without stopping to occasionally marvel at the views or read an informative sign. There are many trailheads along this stretch of the road, making parking difficult in the most popular hiking spots. Once you reach Logan Pass, you will likely have difficulty finding parking. Be patient throughout your trip. The views are breathtaking at every turn. If you do park and get out of the car, check out the exhibits inside and outside Logan Pass Visitor Center. Head down the Hidden Lake Trail as far as time allows. Even a few steps down the boardwalk affords great wildflower viewing. Retrace your steps to end your day of scenic driving.