7 Best Photography and Scenic Spots Glacier National Park

Payal Tyagi
5 min readNov 18, 2023

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Glacier National Park is a stunning destination for nature lovers and photographers alike. The park boasts more than 1 million acres of rugged and breathtaking landscapes, including two mountain ranges, over 130 lakes, and hundreds of species of plants and animals. Whether you are looking for dramatic vistas, serene waterfalls, or colorful wildflowers, Glacier National Park has something for everyone. Here are some of the best photography and scenic spots Glacier National Park has to offer.

Going-to-the-Sun Road

One of the most iconic features of Glacier National Park is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile scenic drive that crosses the park from west to east. The road offers spectacular views of the mountains, valleys, glaciers, and wildlife along the way. You can stop at various pullouts and overlooks to capture the scenery, or hike on one of the many trails that branch off from the road. Some of the highlights include Lake McDonald, Logan Pass, Hidden Lake, and St. Mary Lake.

Photography and Scenic Spots Glacier National Park

You should also read: Glacier National Park 10 Things You Must Know Before You Go

Many Glacier

Many Glacier is a popular area in the northeast corner of the park, where you can find some of the most impressive glaciers and peaks in the park. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as bears, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. You can access Many Glacier by driving on a gravel road from the town of Babb, or by taking a boat ride across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. Some of the best photography and scenic spots Glacier National Park in this area are Grinnell Glacier, Cracker Lake, Iceberg Lake, and Swiftcurrent Falls.

Photography and Scenic Spots Glacier National Park

Two Medicine

Two Medicine is a less crowded but equally beautiful area in the southeast part of the park, where you can enjoy stunning views of the mountains and lakes. The area was once a sacred place for the Blackfeet tribe, who believed that the spirits dwelled in the rocks and waters. You can reach Two Medicine by driving on a paved road from the town of East Glacier Park, or by taking a boat ride across Two Medicine Lake. Some of the best photography and scenic spots Glacier National Park in this area are Sinopah Mountain, Running Eagle Falls, Upper Two Medicine Lake, and Scenic Point.

Photography and Scenic Spots Glacier National Park

Bowman Lake

Bowman Lake is a large and serene lake in the northwest part of the park, where you can admire the reflection of the mountains and the sky on the water. The lake is surrounded by dense forests and meadows, which provide a contrast to the rocky peaks. You can access Bowman Lake by driving on a rough dirt road from the town of Polebridge, or by hiking on one of the trails that lead to the lake. Some of the best photography and scenic spots Glacier National Park near the lake are Bowman Lake Campground, Numa Ridge Lookout, and Quartz Lake.

Photography and Scenic Spots Glacier National Park

Highline Trail

Highline Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike that follows the Continental Divide along the Garden Wall, a steep ridge that separates the west and east sides of the park. The trail offers panoramic views of the mountains, glaciers, and valleys, as well as opportunities to see wildlife such as mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and marmots. You can access the Highline Trail from Logan Pass, or from the Loop, a switchback on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Some of the best photography and scenic spots Glacier National Park along the trail are Haystack Butte, Granite Park Chalet, and Grinnell Glacier Overlook.

Photography and Scenic Spots Glacier National Park

Avalanche Lake

Avalanche Lake is a picturesque lake in the west side of the park, where you can see the waterfalls that cascade from the cliffs above. The lake is nestled in a glacial cirque, a bowl-shaped depression carved by a glacier. You can access Avalanche Lake by hiking on the Avalanche Lake Trail, which starts from the Avalanche Creek Campground. The trail passes through a lush forest of cedar and hemlock trees, and crosses a wooden bridge over Avalanche Gorge. Some of the best photography and scenic spots Glacier National Park near the lake are the waterfalls, the shoreline, and the surrounding peaks.

Photography and Scenic Spots Glacier National Park

Wild Goose Island

Wild Goose Island is a small island in the middle of St. Mary Lake, one of the largest and deepest lakes in the park. The island is a symbol of the park, and has been featured in many photographs and films. The island is named after a Blackfeet legend, which tells the story of two young lovers who were turned into geese by the spirits. You can see Wild Goose Island from the Going-to-the-Sun Road, or from one of the boat tours that operate on the lake. Some of the best photography and scenic spots Glacier National Park around the island are the sunrise, the sunset, and the stormy clouds.

Photography and Scenic Spots Glacier National Park

Conclusion

Glacier National Park is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers, who can explore and capture the beauty and diversity of this amazing place. Whether you are looking for a scenic drive, a challenging hike, or a relaxing boat ride, you will find plenty of opportunities to enjoy and photograph the park’s landscapes, wildlife, and culture. Glacier National Park is a destination that will inspire you and leave you with unforgettable memories. We hope you enjoyed this article on the 7 best photography and scenic spots Glacier National Park, and we invite you to visit our website, Sometime Traveller, for more travel tips and stories.

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