Dog Friendly Lodging Glacier National Park – The natural beauty of Glacier National Park is undeniable. But glaciers can be difficult for people traveling with pets. Share how pet visits benefit us.
Glacier National Park is a stunning place with desert Continental Divide and towering mountains. But for people traveling with dogs, visiting our national parks isn’t easy.
Dog Friendly Lodging Glacier National Park
Glaciers are one of the few places in North America where carnivores can survive. Grizzlies, black bears, wolves and mountain lions roam the steep cliffs and lush green fields. Protecting the park and its residents means tightly limiting the animals’ range.
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There are only a few routes on the glacier. One runs north and south along the western edge of the park. Highway 2 extends from Glacier Park Village to West Glacier. The most famous trail, Going to the Sun, stretches 50 miles from east to west through the heart of the park.
The Sun Trail is the most popular route to explore the park. The drive takes about 3 hours one way if you stop to snap a few photos along the way. Why don’t you want to stop taking pictures?
Pets are allowed in areas with developed day trips. This means picnic areas, car parks and areas within 100 meters of roads. All in all, it’s going to be a long day in the car for your dog.
If you’re driving for the day (and you should), plan to make short stops along the way so your kids can get out of the car and move around.
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Glacier National Park only has dog trails when it’s not covered in snow. The McDonald Creek Bike Trail is a 2.5-mile paved trail between West Glacier and Apgar Village.
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We recommend taking the West Glacier Trail, getting ice cream at Eddie’s when you get to Apgar, relaxing on the shores of Lake McDonald, and then returning to the trailhead.
Keep in mind that when hiking in Glacier National Park with your four-legged friend, you may encounter wildlife on the park’s trails and trails, so use caution. Bears are known to attack dogs, which can be dangerous for you and your dog.
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After completing the Sunrise Trail and McDonald Creek Bike Trail, there isn’t much left for hikers to enjoy in Glacier National Park.
You can find a pet sitter for your furry friend or a daycare center to keep your dog busy during walks on the park trails. Or you can explore the nearby area and find other activities you can enjoy together!
Glacier National Park may not be the most exciting place for dogs, but its surroundings are! From vast national forests to friendly small towns, western Montana has a lot to offer pet travelers.
Just on the border of the famous Glacier National Park in the United States is Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park, which is fun and dog-friendly!
Visiting Glacier National Park With Dogs And Nearby Pet Friendly Activities
Waterton is famous for its chain of crystal blue lakes, cascading waterfalls and towering peaks. But our favorite are the things you and your dog can do together!
Take your pup south for a fun hike in a national forest. Flathead, Kootenai and Lewis and Clark National Forests are all within an easy drive. Pets are allowed on all national forest trails!
In fact, dogs are allowed in most areas of the national forest. But because of the local wildlife, it’s not a good idea unless they have a safe souvenir.
The Hungry Horse Preserve in the Flathead National Forest is truly beautiful and the trails are great for you.
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Flathead Lake is amazing. We walked our dogs around Glacier National Park for a week and gave it five stars. This is a must see if you visit western Montana. You can enjoy hiking, camping, outdoor parties, canoeing, swimming, and more. you can find
The lake is about an hour from the west entrance to Glacier National Park. It is the largest lake west of the Mississippi River, approximately 30 miles long and 16 miles wide. So depending on which side of the lake you go to, the times may vary slightly.
Much of the area surrounding Flathead Lake is part of the Flathead Indian Reservation, which was established in 1855 by the Treaty of Hell’s Gate. The area is home to three tribes: the Bitterroot Salish, Upper Pend Ore and Kootenai.
In addition to tribal lands, six Montana national parks are located along Flathead Lake. These elements make up Flathead Lake State Park. Five state parks are pet friendly and allow dog walking:
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Only Yellow Bay offers tent camping (first come, first served), but other dog-friendly campgrounds offer tent and RV sites. Some have campsites, bikes or boats! I lived in Wayfarers, Big Arm and West Shore vans with Cool Whip, Hercules. Each one offers a slightly different experience, so a trip around the lake is a lot of fun.
Two of my favorite aspects of these parks are the train stations, with lots of trash cans and free lanes. They make it easy to clean up after your dog and enjoy a safe and secure walk!
Wayfarers is located on 67 wooded and beautifully landscaped acres in Big Fork, Montana. We had a big shake on the North Shore (Minnesota) with pine trees clinging to the rocky shore. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset after a day of adventure.
If you prefer an urban trail with less wildlife, check out Big Fork’s Swan River Trail. This is an easy 3-mile hike with great views of the Swan River.
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Additionally, the town of Bigfork is great for art, theater, live music, film festivals, art festivals, farmers markets, and even dog sledding in the winter! If you’re not camping, there are plenty of pet-friendly lodging options in Bigfork.
This was one of my favorite stops and it’s also dog-friendly – the park rangers gave the dogs some treats when we arrived! If you’re looking for a relaxing place surrounded by nature, look no further than West Bank. The campground is nestled in a large pine forest, giving you plenty of space.
But don’t waste your time sleeping! There are several roads through the park. Follow the Osprey Overlook Trail to the top of the mountain for stunning views. Then start at Linderman Lookout and follow the Lakeside Trail. The view of Flathead Lake through the trees is spectacular!
You can enjoy a picnic by the lake or skip boulders along the many smooth, colorful rocks along the shore.
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Cool Whip doesn’t want to do toes, but your dog can! Dogs are allowed on the beach and in the water unless otherwise stated.
If you and your dog want to camp by the water, Big Arm Park is the place for you! If you’re camping in a car or RV, be sure to bring a suitable campsite – most campsites near the coast are empty. But it’s worth it! There’s nothing better than cooking and having a campfire by the lake.
Kalispell, Montana is one of Outside Magazine’s Hottest Cities of 2021. Just 30 minutes from Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, ski resorts, and numerous state and national forests. Just outside town is Lone Pine State Park, which offers a variety of hiking trails (no camping).
Historically, the city was dominated by agricultural and industrial enterprises. However, its appeal to outdoor adventurers and tourists is growing. If you live in the city, this is a great place to camp as you’ll find the most options for pet owners, including dog-friendly activities, lodging, shopping, laundry, veterinary and pet supplies.
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The town of Polson is located at the southern end of Flathead Lake. This charming little community has a lot to see: cute cafes, museums, antique shops, and more.
Polsen is also the location of the Flathead Cherry Festival. During the festival, Main Street transforms into downtown Polson for two days with vendors, artists and plenty of food celebrating cherries. Can’t attend the music festival? There are many cherry orchards in the area, so during cherry season you will see many roadside signs selling cherries.
Want your dog to play on a leash? Visit the Travis Dolphin Dog Park. There’s plenty of room on the hillside for them to run around, and there’s a boat dock and waterway if your kids want to swim.
Paulson also owns a kayak and canoe rental business. Canoeing exercise with you
