Ericka Liam
Dog Friendly Lodging Near Glacier National Park – The natural beauty of Glacier National Park cannot be denied. But for people traveling with pets, Glacier can be a challenge. We share how you can make the most of your pet-friendly visit.
Glacier National Park is a truly magical place where wilderness remains intact along the continental divide and mountains rise to the sky. But for people traveling with dogs, this isn’t the easiest national park to visit.
Dog Friendly Lodging Near Glacier National Park
Glaciers are one of the few places in North America where all of our native carnivores still live. Grizzly and black bears, wolves and cougars roam the steep slopes and lush green valleys. Protecting national parks and their residents involves strict restrictions on where pets can go.
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There are only a few roads on 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, the Going-to-the-Sun Road, cuts east and west across the center of the park for 50 miles.
Going to the Sun Road is the most popular way to explore the park. The trip takes about 3 hours – one way – if you stop for a few photos along the way. And why wouldn’t you want to stop for a photo?
Along Going-to-the-Sun Road, pets are allowed in developed areas. This means picnic areas, parking lots, and within 100 feet of roads. Basically, it’s going to be a long day in the car for your dog.
If you’re driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road (and you should be), plan to stop along the way so your pup can get out and stretch his legs.
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There is one dog-friendly trail in Glacier National Park, and only if it’s not covered in snow. The McDonald Creek Bike Trail is a paved trail that stretches 1.5 miles between West Glacier and Apgar Village.
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We suggest you hike the trail at West Glacier, grab an ice cream at Eddie’s when you get to Apgar, take a break at Lake McDonald, and then head back on the trail.
Keep in mind that when you travel to Glacier National Park with your four-legged friend, you may encounter wildlife on the park’s roads and trails, so be careful. Bears are known to chase dogs, which can be dangerous for you and your pup.
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Once you hit Going-to-the-Sun Road and the McDonald Creek Bike Trail, there’s not much fun left in Glacier National Park for your canine friend.
You may be looking for a pet sitter for your furry friend or a sitter to accompany your dog while you walk the trails at the park. Or you can explore the surrounding area to enjoy more activities together!
Glacier National Park may not be the most dog-friendly place to visit, but the surrounding area is! From expansive national forests to friendly small towns, western Montana has a lot to offer pet-owning travelers.
Just across the border from America’s famous Glacier National Park is Canada’s stunning and very dog-friendly Waterton Lakes National Park!
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Waterton is known for its network of crystal clear lakes, cascading waterfalls, and towering mountain peaks. But our favorite part is how much you and your dog can do together!
For a fun hike, head south to one of the National Forests with your pup. The Flathead, Kootenai and Lewis and Clark National Forests are all within easy driving distance. And all trails throughout the national forest are pet friendly!
In fact, dogs are allowed off-leash in most forests in the country. However, due to the local wildlife, it is not a good idea if they do not have a reliable memory.
Hungry Horse Reservoir in the Flathead National Forest is beautiful, and the trails feel like they’re your own.
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Flathead Lake is simply stunning. We spent a week visiting and gave it five stars for its dog-friendly adventure in nearby Glacier National Park. This is a must if you visit western Montana. You’ll find hiking trails, camping, outdoor festivals, canoeing, swimming, and more.
The lake is located about an hour 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 may vary slightly depending on which side of the lake you visit.
Most of the area around Flathead Lake is part of the Flathead Indian Reservation, established in 1855 under the Hellgate Treaty. The region is home to three tribes: the Bitterroot Salish, Upper Pend d’Oreille, and Kootenai.
In addition to tribal lands, six Montana national park units lie on the shores of Flathead Lake. Together, these units form Flathead Lake State Park. Five of the park’s units are pet-friendly and allow dogs on leashes:
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Yellow Bay only offers camping (first come, first served), while other dog friendly campgrounds offer camping and RV sites. Some even organize hiking, biking, or boat camping! Cool Whip, Hercules and I camped in our van in Wayfarers, Big Arm, and West Shore. Each provides a slightly different experience, so it’s fun to bounce around the park around the lake.
Two of my favorite features of this park are the many pet waste bins and trail stations with free ticketed trails. They make it super easy to clean up your dog’s mess and enjoy a safe, pet-friendly adventure!
Wayfarers is a 67-acre woodland beauty located right in the town of Bigfork, Montana. We get a classic North Beach (Minnesota) vibe with pine trees clinging to the rocky shore. And it offers the perfect vantage point to enjoy the sunset after a day of adventure.
If you prefer urban trails with fewer opportunities for wildlife encounters, check out the Swan River Trail in Bigfork. This is an easy 3 mile walk with beautiful views of the Swan River.
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Additionally, the town of Bigfork is great if you enjoy art, theater, live music, film festivals, arts festivals, farmers markets, and even dog sledding in the winter! Bigfork also has several pet-friendly accommodations if you don’t want to camp.
This was my favorite stop, and probably the dog’s too – the park rangers handed out some dog treats when we arrived! West Shore is where you want to be if you are looking for a place to relax in nature. The campsite is nestled in a vast pine forest giving you plenty of room to breathe.
But don’t spend all your time napping! There are several hiking trails that crisscross the park. Take the Osprey Overlook Trail to the top of the hill for beautiful views. Then descend the Linderman Lookout to the Lakeshore Trail. The view through the trees to Flathead Lake is amazing!
At the lake, you can enjoy snacks at a picnic table or rock skip with the many smooth, colorful rocks that form part of the shoreline.
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Cool Whip doesn’t want to get its toes wet, but your dog can! Dogs are allowed along the beach and in the water unless signs state otherwise.
If you and your adventure pup want to camp on the water, Big Arm Park is for you! Be sure to bring leveling blocks if you’re staying in a van or RV – since you’re so close to the beach, most campsites have uneven ground. But it’s worth it! There’s nothing like cooking dinner and enjoying a campfire by the lake.
Kalispell, Montana is one of Outside Magazine’s upcoming cities in 2021. And it’s only 30 minutes from Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, ski areas, and many state and national forests. Just outside town is Lone Pine State Park with a variety of trails (no camping available).
Historically, the city focused on agricultural and industrial enterprises. However, the appeal for outdoor activities and tourism enthusiasts is increasing. This is a great place to set up base camp if you want to stay in the city because you’ll find the most options for pet owners with dog-friendly activities, lodging, groceries, laundry, veterinarians, and pet supplies.
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At the south end of Flathead Lake lies the town of Polson. This beautiful little community has a lot to offer: cute cafes, museums, antique shops, and more.
Polson is also home to the Flathead Cherry Festival. During the festival, Main Street in downtown Polson is closed to traffic for two days to celebrate cherries with vendors, artists, and lots of delicious food. Can’t go to Eid? Many cherry orchards thrive in this area, so you’ll see lots of roadside signs selling cherries when they’re in season.
Do you want to let your dog play on a leash? Visit the Travis Dolphin Dog Park. There’s space on the hillside for them to run around, plus a dock and access to the water if your kids like to swim.
Polson also owns a business that offers kayak and canoe rentals. Practice canoeing with you
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