Glacier became a national park in 1910. As the 10th national park, Montana’s park spans 1 million acres of glacier-carved peaks and valleys, pristine turquoise lakes and streams, and dense ancient forests. Glacier National Park is uniquely a part of the world’s first international peace park - a vision back then to celebrate peace and friendship between the United States and Canada. In 1932 Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberton, Canada, were designated the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Today, the parks collaborate seamlessly in their preservation, fire management, and research efforts.

Glacier straddles the Continental Divide, which allows for extreme weather and means you should pick the right conditions for you when planning your visit. For most people, late June through mid-September is the best time to visit Glacier. This is peak season, but also means that all activities are accessible, like the Going to the Sun Road, water rafting and fishing, hiking, and exploring all areas of the park on both sides of the Continental Divide. If you’ve done these things, then we’d recommend going in October to catch the amazing fall foliage, but if you haven’t go earlier in the summer to ensure fire season doesn’t make it’s way to Montana (the smoke will ruin the views in the park). The time of year you visit will definitely dictate the dog friendly activities, ut before we get into those let’s go over the rules of visiting a national park with your dog first.

Because the park needs to protect ecosystems and wildlife (something that hasn’t changed since the settlement of the park), as well as manage a lot of visitation, there are places that your dog will not be allowed (because bears!). However, as long as you follow some simple rules, you and your dog can see some of the highlights Glacier National Park is famous for.

RULES WHEN TRAVELING WITH YOUR DOG TO west glacier NATIONAL PARK

Pets are allowed in developed areas such as: in your cars while driving park roads, frontcountry campgrounds, picnic areas, along roads when you are stopped, in parking areas, and in boats on lakes where motorized watercraft are permitted.

Pets are not permitted on trails, along lake shores outside of developed locations, in the backcountry, or in any building.
Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet (1.8 m), under physical restraint, or caged at all times, including while in open-bed pickup trucks.
Pets are not to be left tied to an object when unattended.
Pet owners must pick up after their pets and dispose of waste in a trash receptacle. Owners must not allow a pet to make noise that is unreasonable. When the bike path between Apgar and West Glacier is free of snow dogs are allowed on leash.
When roads are closed to vehicle traffic, they are considered a backcountry trail and dogs are not allowed.

General dog rules:

Don’t leave your dog unattended.
Clean up after them. Carry poop bags and throw your pet’s bagged waste into the trash.
Be alert for wildlife.

Now that we’ve got all the rules out of the way, let’s dive into all the dog friendly things there are to do in West Glacier National Park.

DOG FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES IN West glacier national park

While national parks in general are not very dog friendly and Glacier is no different, there are a handful of dog friendly activities that make a day visit to the park worthwhile.

Stop at the West Glacier National Park Sign

Before you even make it inside the park, you’ll pass the large entrance sign on the right at the West entrance via the Going to the Sun Road. There’s space to pull over and snap a quick picture before entering the park.

Explore Apgar Village and lake McDonald

Apgar is one of the main villages in Glacier National Park. Apgar is located on the west side of the park about one mile in from the West Entrance. Apgar has one of the most popular campgrounds in Glacier Park, is home to the visitors' center, a general store, a few restaurants and a large gift shop. This is also the best location to walk the only dog friendly trail in the park.

Lake McDonald is right off the parking lot in Apgar by the visitors’ center and is definitely worth a walk along the edge and out onto the dock. Lake McDonald is the largest lake in Glacier National Park measuring 10 miles long, more than a mile wide and 472 feet deep.

We loved the views and reflections in the lake!

Walk McDonald Creek Bike Path

There is only one trail in Glacier National Park that is dog friendly, and only when it’s not covered in snow. McDonald Creek Bike Path is a paved trail that runs 2.5 miles between West Glacier and Apgar Village. Its well maintained and lined with trees for the entire trail. This is an active trail that campers use to get around the park, so be mindful of bikers.

Drive the going to the sun road

By starting on the West side of the park, you’ll be on the prime side of the Going to the Sun Road to see all the views along the edge, and don’t worry, the road is very safe and has proper barriers.

The road itself spans 33-miles between Lake McDonald and Rising Sun Motor Inn with several stops along the way. There are no services along the way, so make sure to bring enough water and snacks for your day's adventures. You also won’t have any service throughout the park, so keep your park map handy.

Depending on how far you plan on traveling, you’ll want to get an early start to the day since this is the most popular activity to do within Glacier. Starting early will also give you a chance to beat the crowds and see more wildlife.

We started around 10am and drove all the way to St. Mary and back by 5pm.

It's nearly impossible to traverse the road without stopping multiple times to take in the sights and snap a photo or two. There are plenty of pull-outs located along the route so you can stretch your legs and 'strike-a-pose' beneath some of the most iconic landmarks in the park.

Don't miss these unforgettable sights along the way: