Location: East Glacier Park
Top Things to do in East Glacier Park
Top Restaurants in East Glacier Park
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Top 10 Things to do in East Glacier Park, United States
East Glacier Park is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Glacier County, Montana, United States. The population was 363 on the 2010 United States Census.
Restaurants in East Glacier Park
1. Aster Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By NewMexBound - Framingham, Massachusetts
The view of Two Medicine from the boat dock and parking area is tremendous. The hike to the falls is through bushes followed by open areas of meadows. We were a little paranoid of bears in the bushy areas, but happily didn’t run into any. The falls were pretty enough, though not a highlight of things we saw while in Glacier. The viewing area is very small. Luckily there were not many people there when we arrived. But there’s not really room to linger when more people arrive. On our way back from the falls, we were fortunate to see a female moose in the marsh. That was the highlight of the hike for us.
2. Museum of the Plains Indian
Overall Ratings
4 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By Angélica M
Before writing about my first-hand experience, I shall clarify two points. First, if you are expecting to see something similar to an Smithsonian museum, you may be disappointed. Second, if you are not interested in Indians (aka Native Americans) or in non-mainstream cultures, you may find this museum boring.
Now, my disclaimers: I am interested in Indians, and I knew beforehand that the museum was not a huge museum. Also, I was fortunate to get a free, short guided tour by a knowledgeable museum staff member who happened to be Indian.
Having clarified all that, I can tell you that I had a wonderful experience at the museum. I learned a lot about Indians' culture and history from the guide, the exhibits, and a video presented at the museum. I was also amazed by their earlier and contemporary crafts and artwork.
So, I think that your experience at this museum may depend a lot on your own interests and expectations. If you want to go, here are a few suggestions:
- Take a light sweater with you (especially if you get cold easily): The museum keeps temperatures low to help prevent the deterioration of artifacts.
- Remember to take your credit card or plenty of cash with you: The museum store is full of beautiful artwork and handicrafts.
- Talk to the person at the entrance or at store: They usually give you good, interesting info (e.g., times on which you can see artisans working on traditional beadwork or events in the local Indian community.)
3. Scenic Point Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By brucewhite2015 - Kalispell, Montana
This is a great short hike for getting some views of the Two Medicine area. It's a great early spring hike, and if you want to explore a little farther with a map and trail guide there a several possiblities, to make it a little longer day.
4. Lodgepole Gallery and Tipi Village
Overall Ratings
4 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By john m - Greenville, South Carolina
Darrell was very friendly, professional, and accommodating during my visit. I took the Blackfeet history tour with him which was interesting and informative. I also went on the full day horseback ride and really enjoyed that as well. The Lodgepole Gallery on site is well-stocked with beautiful Native American art. I purchased a ceremonial pipe that was just gorgeous. Definitely a highlight of my trip to Montana!
5. Glacier Gateway Outfitters
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By wisconsinlady
One morning we took the drive to the stable, hoping to get in on the 9:30 two-hour ride. We were able to book and then waited the next hour, having a lovely conversation with the owners. Such history they have with horses, rodeo, training, life. We joined up with another family on vacation from Montana..enjoyed their kiddos and our trail ride. We had two great guides on this ride. We left the stable, crossed the main road and soon were either in the woods, along side big hills or on a prairie path, eventually reaching the top of a high hill area that gave us views on one side of the Glacier National Park mountains or on the other side, the vast prairies that ran east of East Glacier Park. Either way was stunning to see. We thoroughly enjoyed our talks with our local guides. Enjoyed the little chat by the owner prior to our ride, providing us with history of the Blackfeet people. Everyone was very attentive. Having trail ridden on many vacations, we especially loved this ride. The views were beautiful, the horses were well taken care of and all of the people we dealt with were great, answering any questions we had...on the area, about the horses, the land, etc. Highly recommend. Our two hour ride was $65 per person...well worth it to us. We did give a small tip to each of our two guides since they each took a lot of time talking with us...we were at the end of the group so perhaps that made a difference. Also, they will line you and your group up, once you reach the top of your ride and take pictures...don't always get that extra service with a smile. :-)
6. Sun Tours
Overall Ratings
4 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By 11MikeE - Modesto, California, United States
I booked w/ Sun Tours for a the full day of the "Going to the Sun Tour". After few days later, I phoned back and talked to a person and canceled my full day tour. The day I was to originally scheduled to take the tour (which I thought was cancelled) I received a call that I was a "No Show". I returned the phone call to tell them I called in and cancelled.
I was asked What was my Confirmation Number for my cancellation, my reply was I didn't receive a Confirmation Number for the Tour nor did I receive a Confirmation Number of my cancellation of the Tour.
Later I called and spoke with someone at the office and spoke about me not receiving a Confirmation Number for the tour or my cancellation of the tour. They told me they do not send Confirmation Numbers to people that are staying at Hotels. The person asked when and who did I speak to regarding my cancellation. I could not produce any of that information.
Before I booked the tour I went on their website with questions I had about their Tours. Did not receive a reply.
After the learned I was a "No Show" I again when on their website two different times to explain my reasons for my "No Show". Never did receive from either one of those replies. That's when I decided to call, took several times for someone to answer w/o going to an answering machine. They did acknowledge they receive my info on their website. The last word on my phone w/ them is someone will call me back. Have not received a phone call or a message from Sun Tours (Little over 2 months ago)
Not saying they have bad or poor tours. My question is just getting a return phone call or a reply from their website. Also do not understand their reasoning for not sending Confirmation Numbers to people staying at a Hotel.
What I have learned the "hard way" is to always require a Confirmation Number w/ any travel transaction.
7. Glacier National Park Sun Tours
8. Dawson Pass and Pitamakan Pass Loop
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Leslie J - Rochester, New York
We hiked the Dawson and Pitamakin pass loop in the Two Medicine area in the middle of July. The trails had recently cleared of steep snow fields, it had been hot and clear, and the winds were mild. It was a perfect day to attempt our capstone hike of our vacation... and indeed it was! Sixteen miles long, 3500 hundred feet of elevation. You need to be fit and well-prepared for all conditions for this one, but it is an absolutely amazing hike. We did take the 9am boat across Two Medicine Lake and started our hike promptly at 9:30 am. This is cutting it close and probably only possible during the month of July. We hiked steadily all day, did not dawdle during breaks/lunch/soaking it in... and still took 9 full hours to do the hike. It could easily have taken a couple hours longer, we had excellent weather and no issues. The days start getting shorter quickly and you do not want to be finishing your hike in the dark. To start much earlier, take the North Shore trail along Two Medicine Lake, this does add 3 miles to your hike. Always take headlamps, extra clothing layers, extra food, and a water filter on big hikes like this (along with the necessary maps/compass -follow the 10 principles!). If you do not have these things you should not attempt the hike. Be safe. We had perfect conditions and it was still challenging. Any wind, fog, an injury, etc. could make a wonderful hike into a nightmare.
The hike takes you around the monolithic Rising Wolf mountain. You can go clockwise or counter-clockwise, we decided to get the altitude out of the way (first 4 miles up to Dawson Pass), and the remainder of the hike is then primarily a traverse across to Pitamakin overlook and pass and then the descent which becomes a much more gradual downslope past Oldman Lake and around the east end of Rising Wolf mountain. It really depends on your knees and whether you want to walk uphill most of the day or downhill most of the day. We did start at the boat launch going clockwise, made the top of Dawson Pass within 3 hours. The trail gains elevation steadily but somewhat gradual until you pass the junction for No-Name Lake and then climbing begins in earnest. You will want at least 2 full liters of water from that point- tank up at the lake or stream crossing... once you go up there is no water source until you are nearly down to Oldman Lake about 8 miles later. Incredible views meet you looking back at the lake and when you crest Dawson pass to look to the west. The trail continues up past a small rock stack/shelter and leads behind Flinsch Peak. At the far end of the traverse is the Pitamakin Overlook, where you will get the best pictures ever. Take a hard right at the pass behind Pitamakin to go down towards Oldman Lake. The drop to Oldman Lake is fairly dramatic, after that the descent is an easy but long coast to the eastern end of Rising Wolf-- there is an annoying but relatively short up and down at the end over this "toe" of Rising Wolf in the last 2 miles of the hike when you are tired. The trail ends at the Two Medicine Camp Ground area. From there it's a short road walk back to the parking lot. Head to the camp store for a treat, you've earned it! Challenge, fantastic views, solitude, alpine flowers, birds and animals, this hike has it all. Highly recommended if you are fit and prepared.
9. Two Medicine Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By sjohnston12 - Seattle, Washington
Two medicine is definitely an under appreciated part of Glacier. If time allows, I would be sure to check it out. There is lodging in East Glacier, but if you can camp - you should. The campground is rarely full and there are no other distractions. Beautiful spot that is often overlooked.
10. Running Eagle Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
Running Eagle Falls is a highlight of a trip to Two Medicine. In the spring water rushes over the upper fall so thick that the lower fall is completely hidden. Later in summer, as flows decrease, the water seems to change course and flow almost exclusively out of the lower fall. It's easy to see why this waterfall used to be named Trick Falls. This area holds great religious significance for local Blackfeet tribal members. The park is in the process of creating a nature trail here to highlight the cultural significance of this unique spot.
Reviewed By EmEs - orlando
This was a great way to start our vacation in Glacier National Park. It's about one half mile round trip, and the only person we couldn't participate would be with crutches or a wheelchair. But, there are plans I read, to make these falls accessible to wheelchairs also. That would be great, as it a magical little spot. During our visit the water was low enough for children to walk on the rocky rover bed and search for colored rocks. And the falls. There's a little foot bridge and then a little path up to an overlook. There are two areas where the falls can emerge from, whether the water level is high or low. So you'll always be sure of having the falls to enjoy.
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