Dog Friendly Lodging Near Glacier National Park – There is no denying the natural beauty of Glacier National Park. But for people traveling with pets, snow can be a challenge. We share how to make the most of your vacation.
Glacier National Park is a truly amazing place where the wilderness remains untouched on the mainland and the mountains reach into the sky. But for people traveling with dogs, it is not easy to visit our national parks.
Dog Friendly Lodging Near Glacier National Park
Glacier is one of the few places in North America where all of our native animals are still alive. Hippos and black bears, wolves and cougars roam the slopes and lush valleys. Protecting national parks and their residents means severely restricting where animals can go.
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There are few roads in Glacier. One runs north and south to the west side of the park. Highway 2 runs from the village of East Glacier Park to West Glacier. And the most famous road, Walk-to-the-Sun, cuts east and west through the center of the park for 50 kilometers.
Hiking in the sun is a popular way to see the park. The drive takes about 3 hours – each way – if you stop at a few sights along the way. And why don’t you want to stop for pictures?
On the way to the sun, animals are allowed in the developed area. That means landscaped areas, parking spaces and 100 meters from roads. Naturally, it will be a long day in the car for your dog.
If you’re taking a trip to the sun (and you should), plan to stop a few times along the way so your pups can get out and stretch their legs.
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There is only one dog trail in Glacier National Park and that is when it is not covered in snow. The McDonald Creek Bike Trail is a paved trail that runs 2.5 miles between West Glacier and Apgar Village.
Is Glacier National Park less wildlife-friendly than you expected? Consider a cross-border dog trip to the Great Lakes of Waterton, Canada!
We suggest you take the trail to West Glacier, get ice cream at Eddie’s at Apgar, rest at Lake McDonald, and get back on the trail.
Remember that while hiking in Glacier National Park with your hiking buddies, you may encounter wildlife on park roads and trails, so take precautions. Bears are known to chase dogs, which can be dangerous for you and your dog.
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Once you’ve completed the Hike to Sunset Road and Bike McDonald Creek, there’s nothing more fun to do in Glacier National Park for your partner.
You can find your furry friend’s pet or babysit to keep your dog entertained while walking the park’s trails. Or you can walk around a lot of activities to enjoy together!
Glacier National Park may not be the best place for dogs to visit, but the neighborhood is! From large national forests to small friendly towns, western Montana has a lot to offer pet travelers.
Just across the border from America’s most popular Glacier National Park is Canada’s most unique and dog-friendly national park!
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Waterton is known for its crystal clear lakes, cascading waterfalls and rugged mountains. But our favorite part is how you and your dog can work together!
For more hiking, head south to one of the national forests with your dog. Flathead, Kootenai and Lewis and the Clark National Forest are all within walking distance. And all the trails in the national forest are wildlife!
In fact, dogs are allowed to run loose in many areas of the national forest. But because of the local wildlife, it’s not a good idea if they don’t have a wonderful memory.
The Hungry Horse Reserve in the Flathead Forest is very beautiful, and the trails feel great.
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Flathead Lake is amazing. We spent a week visiting and giving it five stars for dog fun near Glacier National Park. All must see if you are visiting western Montana. You’ll find trails for hiking, camping, outdoor recreation, boating, swimming and more.
The lake is about an hour’s drive west 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 Territory, which was established in 1855 by the Hellgate Treaty. There are three tribes in this area: the Bitterroot Salt, the Upper Pend d’Oreille, and the Kootenay.
Along with tribal lands, six of Montana’s state parks are located along the shores of Flathead Lake. Together these areas make up Flathead Lake State Park. Five areas of the state park are pet-friendly and allow dogs to lick:
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Yellow Bay only offers tent camping (first come, first served), but other dog friendly areas also offer tents and RVs. Some even have playgrounds for hiking, biking, or boating! Cool Whip, Hercules and I camped in our car at Wafers, Big Arm and the West Coast. Each offers a slightly different experience, so there are many fun parks around the lake.
Two of my favorite things about the park are the large petting zoo and the free water station. It’s really easy to clean up after your dog and enjoy a healthy pet!
Wayfarers is 67 acres of wooded beauty located in the town of Bigfork, Montana. We’re seeing large boulders on the North Shore (Minnesota) and pineapple trees clinging to the cliffs. And it provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the sunset after a wonderful day.
If you prefer urban trails with less chance of encountering wildlife, 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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Plus, downtown Bigfork is great if you like art, theater, live music, film festivals, art festivals, farmers markets, and dog sledding in the winter! Bigfork also has several lodging options if you’re not camping.
This was my favorite stop and probably the dog too – the park ranger handed out dog food when we got there! The West is where you’ll want to go if you’re looking for a scenic spot. The camp is located in a large pine forest, giving you plenty of time to breathe.
But don’t spend all your time sleeping! There are many trails through the park. Take the Osprey Overlook trail to the top of the hill for a better view. Then take the Linderman View on the Lake Trail. The views through the trees to Flathead Lake are amazing!
At the lake, you can enjoy food at a picnic table or jump off the rocks with the many smooth, colorful rocks that make up part of the shoreline.
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Cool Whip doesn’t want to wash its paws, but your dog can! Dogs are allowed on the beach and in the water unless a sign says otherwise.
If you and your imaginary dog want to camp near the water, Big Arm is the park for you! Just remember to bring some flat surfaces if you’re staying in a car or RV – being near the beach, many of the campgrounds have uneven terrain. Still! There’s nothing like cooking dinner and enjoying a campfire by the lake.
Kalispell, Montana is one of Magazine’s Best Outdoor Cities of 2021. And it’s only 30 minutes from Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, ski resorts, and several state and national forests. Just outside of town is Lone Pine Park with a variety of hiking trails (no camping).
Historically, the city focused on agriculture and industrial trade. However, the appeal of outdoor adventurers and tourists is increasing. It’s a great place to base yourself if you want to stay in town because you’ll find plenty of options for pet owners and dog and puppy services, lodging, groceries, laundry, veterinarians, and pet supplies.
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South of Flathead Lake is the town of Polson. This charming little community has a lot to offer: great cafes, museums, antique shops and more.
Polson is also home to the Flathead Cherry Festival. During the event, Main Street is closed to traffic in downtown Polson for two days of cherry celebration with vendors, artists and lots of delicious food. Can’t make it to the festival? Many cherry orchards thrive in the area, so you’ll see plenty of roadside signs displaying cherries for sale during the season.
Want to let your dog play? Go to Travis Dolphin Dog Park. There is a jogging track on the hill, plus a dock and water if your child likes to swim.
Paulson also owns a kayak and canoe rental business. Practice sailing with your partner
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