Dog Friendly Lodging Near Glacier National Park – Historic Hotels of America preserve the authenticity of America’s iconic lodging addresses and offer visitors a rich travel experience.
Our diverse selection of hotels, guesthouses and resorts are the perfect places to create lasting memories with the people who mean the most to you.
Dog Friendly Lodging Near Glacier National Park
When the Many Glacier Hotel opened to the public in 1915, the Great Northern Railway was already promoting it as “one of the most remarkable tourist hotels ever built in America.” Located in Glacier National Park on the shores of Swift Current Lake, this secluded hotel features 214 rustic and comfortable guest rooms, offering guests modest amenities and old-world rooms reminiscent of National Park accommodations. Today, many hotels on Glacier still earn the accolades they received 100 years ago. The National Historic Landmark offers a true Swiss atmosphere – from the alpine beauty that surrounds the building to the themed architecture and stunning decor of the atrium lobby.
The Bailey’s Bed And Bale, Cabins, Whitefish, United States Of America
Location Map Experience Grinnell Glacier, Mount Apiconi, and Lake Sherburne on foot, horseback, or by boat in nearby Glacier National Park. Explore Explore the architectural style known as National Park Service Rustic, which defines the look of many Glacier hotels. Explore Explore nearby Grinnell Glacier. Experience more than 700 forest trails that pass through Glacier National Park. Try the flavors that the Swiss Lounge has to offer. Check out our media gallery
Get FREE – Browse the monthly e-newsletter with advance notice of special offers, packages and insider savings and discover 10% – 30% on the best available rates at selected hotels. There is no doubt the natural beauty of Glacier National Park. But the glacier can be a challenge for people traveling with pets. Here’s how to get the most out of your pet-friendly visit.
Glacier National Park is an absolutely stunning place where along the Continental Divide the desert remains untouched and the mountains reach for the sky. But for people traveling with dogs, our national parks are not the easiest to get to.
The glacier is one of the few places in North America where all our native carnivores are still alive. Grizzlies and black bears, wolves and cougars roam the steep slopes and lush green valleys. Protecting the national park and its inhabitants means deciding where pets are allowed.
Top Pet-friendly Rentals In Glacier National Park
There are only a few roads in the glacier. One runs north and south along the western edge of the park. Highway 2 runs from East Glacier Park Village to West Glacier. And the most famous, Going to the Sun Road, cuts east and west through the heart of the park for 50 miles.
Going to the Sun Road is the most popular way to visit the park. It takes about 3 hours to drive – each way – if you stop for a few photos along the way. And why wouldn’t you want to stop for photos?
Along Going to the Sun Road, pets are allowed in developed areas. That means within 100 feet of picnic areas, parking lots and roads. Basically, it will be a long day in the car for your dog.
If you’re driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road (and you should), plan to make a few quick stops along the way so your kids can get out and stretch their legs.
Montana Pet-friendly Vacation Rentals
Glacier National Park has only one dog-friendly trail, and only when it’s not covered in snow. The McDonald Creek Bike Trail is a paved trail that runs 1.5 miles between West Glacier and Apgar Village.
Is Glacier National Park less pet-friendly than you expected? Consider a trip right across the border to Canada’s dog-friendly Waterton Lakes National Park!
We recommend starting at the trailhead at West Glacier, getting ice cream at Eddie’s when you get to Apgar, relaxing at Lake McDonald, and then returning to the trailhead.
Remember that you may encounter animals on park roads and trails when walking with your four-legged friends in Glacier National Park, so take precautions. Bears are known to chase dogs, which can be dangerous for you and your dog.
Four Days In West Glacier, Mt–big Trip #3
Once you’ve hit the Going-to-the-Sun Road and the McDonald Creek Bike Trail, there’s not much fun left for your canine companion in Glacier National Park.
You can find a pet sitter for your furry friends or a day care to keep your dog company while you walk the park trails. Or you can explore the surrounding area to enjoy more activities together!
Glacier National Park may not be the best place for dogs, but the surrounding area is! From large national forests to small friendly towns, western Montana has a lot to offer travelers with pets.
Just across the border from America’s famous Glacier National Park is Canada’s equally stunning and very dog-friendly Waterton Lakes National Park!
Lake Mcdonald Lodge
Waterton is known for its crystal clear lakes, cascading waterfalls and series of towering mountain peaks. But our favorite part is how much you and your dog can do together!
For a nice walk, head south with your dog to one of the national forests. The Flathead, Kootenai, and Lewis and Clark National Forests are an easy drive away. And all national forest trails are pet friendly!
In fact, dogs are allowed on leashes in most national forest areas. But because of the local wildlife, it’s not a good idea if they don’t have a very reliable memory.
Hungry Horse Reservoir in the Flathead National Forest is especially beautiful, and the trails feel like you own them.
Moss Mountain Inn In Columbia Falls, Mt
Flathead Lake is spectacular. We spent a week visiting and gave it five stars for a dog-friendly adventure near Glacier National Park. This is a must see when visiting western Montana. You’ll find hiking trails, camping, outdoor festivals, canoeing, swimming and more.
The lake is about an hour’s drive from the west entrance of Glacier National Park. It is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River – about 30 miles long and 16 miles wide. So your travel time depends on which side of the lake you go to.
Much of the area around Flathead Lake is part of the Flathead Indian Reservation, which was established in 1855 by the Hellgate Treaty. The area is home to three tribes: the Bitterroot Salish, the Upper Pend d’Oreille, and the Kootenai.
Along with tribal land, six Montana state parks dot the shores of Flathead Lake. Together, these units form Flathead Lake State Park. Five state parks are pet-friendly and allow dogs on leashes:
Western Montana’s Glacier Country
Yellow Bay only offers tent camping (first come, first served), but other dog friendly campsites offer both tent and caravan sites. Some even have campsites for hiking, biking or boating! Cool Whip, Hercules and I camped in our van at Wayfarers, Big Arm and West Shore. Each offers a slightly different experience, so it was a lot of fun to walk around the park around the lake.
Two of my favorite features in these parks are the trail stops with multiple pet waste bins and free slide rides. They make it really easy to clean up after your dog and enjoy a safe, pet-friendly adventure!
Wayfarers is 67 acres of forest beauty in the town of Bigfork, Montana. We have a great North Shore (MN) vibe with pine trees clinging to the rocky shore. And it offers the perfect place to enjoy the sunset after a day of adventure.
If you prefer urban trails with less potential for wildlife, check out the Swan River Trail in Bigfork. This is an easy 3 mile walk with wonderful views of the Swan River.
A Complete Guide To Glacier National Park — Sunbird Soul Adventures
Also, the town of Bigfork is great if you enjoy art, theater, live music, film festivals, art festivals, farmers markets, and even dog sledding in the winter! Bigfork also has some pet-friendly lodging options when you’re not camping.
This was my favorite stop, and probably the dogs’ favorite too – the park ranger handed out some dog snacks when we arrived! West Shore is where you want to go if you’re looking for a place to relax in nature. The campsite is located in a large pine forest, which gives you plenty of room to breathe.
But don’t spend all your time sleeping! There are several paths that run through the park. Take the Osprey Overlook Trail to the top of the hill for a beautiful view. Then head to the Linderman Lookout Lakeshore Trail. The views through the trees to Flathead Lake are incredible!
At the lake you can enjoy breakfast on the picnic tables or rock jump on the many smooth, colorful rocks that make up the beach.
Glacier National Park, Mt: All You Must Know Before You Go (2024)
Cool Whip didn’t want to get his fingers wet, but your dog could! Dogs are allowed on the beach and in the water unless otherwise noted.
If you and your adventurous dog want to camp right by the water, Big Arm is the park for you! Be sure to take some leveling blocks if you’re staying in a van or RV – since you’re so close to the coast, many campsites have rough terrain. But the effort is worth it! There is nothing like cooking.
