Snowshoe through the quiet of Glacier National Park in winter, when the crowds are gone and the forests and lakes are under fresh snow, on a relaxed guided day from Columbia Falls.
This relaxed, easygoing adventure is perfect for beginners and intermediate snowshoers alike. We gather at our shop in Columbia Falls and head into the heart of Glacier, where fresh snow, peaceful forests and stunning mountain landscapes create a completely different view of the park. Snowshoes, poles, lunch and hot drinks are provided; you bring warm clothes and a sense of adventure. The tour runs November through March and books online, and the price shows above with the open days on the calendar.
How the Day Goes
10:00 am, meet at the shop. We go over the plan for the day, load any extra gear, and drive toward the park together, about 45 minutes with the Flathead River Valley out the window.
10:45 am, into the park. The road from West Glacier to Lake McDonald Lodge is plowed all winter. Your guide points out landmarks, peaks and any wildlife we spot along the way, and in winter white-tailed deer are the most common sighting.
11:15 am, on the snow. At the trailhead your guide outfits you with snowshoes and poles and shares tips on technique and safety before leading you out on a scenic winter trail. We move at a comfortable pace, stopping often for photos, animal tracks and the park’s winter ecology.
12:15 pm, lunch in the snow. We pause in a beautiful, quiet spot, think snowy forest, mountain views or a frozen lake, for lunch and hot drinks. This is the part guests talk about afterward: the silence.
12:45 to 2:15 pm, the way back. We finish the loop or out-and-back route with more views and more tracks, and reach the vehicle around 2:15.
3:15 pm, back at the shop. A relaxed drive out of the park with time for last photos and questions.
Where We Snowshoe
Your guide picks the trail on the day for the snow and the group. The park’s own winter routes near Lake McDonald are the gentle ones a guide chooses among: the unplowed Going-to-the-Sun Road above the lodge toward McDonald Falls, 4 miles round trip; the loop over the McDonald Creek footbridge past Sacred Dancing Cascade, about 5 miles; and the forest trails between Apgar and Fish Creek when the valley snow is deep. Deeper snow and a stronger group can mean a longer day up the road toward the Avalanche picnic area. When the valley is thin, we go where the snow is. There is no climbing and nothing technical on any of them.
What Makes It Easy
Snowshoeing is walking with wider feet. If you can walk a few miles on a trail in summer, you can do this. Your guide carries the map, GPS and first aid kit and sets the pace for the group, and the park’s valley routes are gentle, low-angle terrain. All you need is warm clothing and a sense of adventure; everything else is taken care of.
December Versus March
Early winter is the darkest and often the deepest: short days, soft snow, the lodge and the lake in low light. By late February and March the days are long, the snowpack is firm and the light at Lake McDonald is the best of the year, with the mountains behind it catching alpenglow in the afternoon. Both are quiet; the park has no lodging, no fuel and few services in winter, which is why the tour starts in Columbia Falls with everything packed.
What to Wear
Montana winters are unpredictable, so layer: a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece or light down mid layer, and a waterproof, windproof outer jacket and pants. Add a warm beanie that covers your ears, waterproof insulated gloves, thick wool socks and waterproof winter boots with ankle support. Sunglasses or goggles, sunscreen and lip balm matter in snow glare. Bring a water bottle and a small daypack for your layers. Our winter tours page has the full packing list.
Good for Families and Groups
Kids who can walk a couple of miles do fine on snowshoes, and the stops for tracks keep them interested. The tour works for a couple, a family or a group that wants a Glacier day in winter without planning any of it. Send a note with your dates if your group is larger than the calendar shows.
Rather Ride Than Walk?
The winter driving tour sees the same quiet park from a warm seat, with lunch at Lake McDonald Lodge.
