with kids! 
Welcome to the beautiful, accessible west! If you’ve landed here, I’m sure you’re already aware of how breathtakingly beautiful Glacier National Park is. Did you know the last of the glaciers are expected to have melted by 2030? That means you need to plan your accessible Glacier trip, now!
Even though we couldn’t do a single glacial hike, Glacier was a win for our whole family. The stunning scenes extend far beyond the icy mountain tops.
When to Go
Glacier National Park is most accessible during the summer and early fall months, typically from late June through September. By late June, Going-to-the-Sun Road is usually open, and most services and accessible facilities are operational. This time of year offers the best weather for exploring the park, as snow can linger on higher elevation trails well into late spring.
Keep in mind that weather in Glacier can be unpredictable. Mornings can be cool, but afternoons warm up quickly, so dressing in layers is key.
We visited in August because that’s just what worked with our summer travel schedule. I’ve seen pictures of Glacier in the fall that look absolutely stunning!
Getting There and Around
Getting there
- Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana, is the closest airport to the park, about 30 miles away from the west entrance. Many major airlines fly into FCA, making it a convenient hub for visitors.
- Missoula International Airport (MSO) is another option, about 140 miles south of the park. While further, the drive from Missoula offers some scenic views.
- Great Falls International Airport (GTF) is 160 miles from the east side of the park, a convenient option if you plan to visit that area first.
I can’t speak to the accessibility of these airports, since we were in the middle of a long road trip. We had seamless experiences at both Seattle and Bozeman airports.
Getting around
This is definitely one where you’ll want your own vehicle! There are tour options through the park, but there is an undeniable convenience to operating on your own schedule. The park itself is also pretty secluded. If you’re not staying inside the park, you’ll want your own transportation to get back and forth to the park and around town.
Park Reservations
While your disability ACCESS Pass gets you and your vehicle into the park for free, you may still need a reservation. Glacier National Park has implemented a vehicle reservation system for popular areas during the peak season, generally from late May to mid-September. Reservations are required for the following areas:
- Going-to-the-Sun Road: Required to access this iconic scenic drive from the West Glacier entrance. We stayed on the east side, and didn’t need a reservation.
- North Fork Area: If you plan to visit the North Fork area, including Polebridge, you’ll need a reservation.
- Many Glacier and Two Medicine areas: These lesser-known areas also require reservations during the peak summer months.
You can make your vehicle reservations online via Recreation.gov. Be sure to book well in advance, as reservations fill up quickly, especially for Going-to-the-Sun Road. If you don’t have a reservation, consider entering before 6 a.m. or after 3 p.m. to avoid the requirement. This is especially perfect for Many Glacier or Two Medicine – both smaller areas that may not require a full day.
What to See and Do
Whichever entrance you use, start at a visitor’s center. All of them have accessible restrooms with electricity and running water – so you’ll want to use them before you head into the park. The rangers can also help you map your route and answer any questions. Each ranger station has Junior Ranger books for the kids to complete, and a schedule of ranger events happening in the park. Many of these can be wheelchair friendly. The Glacier Visitor Guide also marks which trails are wheelchair accessible.
1. Going-to-the-Sun Road
This is the one you don’t want to miss! One of the park’s most iconic drives, Going-to-the-Sun Road stretches 50 miles across the park, providing stunning views of mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and glaciers. The road is fully accessible for vehicles, and there are several wheelchair-friendly pull-outs and overlooks, like the Lake McDonald Lodge area. Plan for a full day to enjoy the drive, stopping along the way for photos or a picnic.
2. Trail of the Cedars (Accessible Trail)
An easy stop along Going-to-the-Sun Road, this easy, flat loop trail was designed with inclusion in mind. The trail is located near Avalanche Creek, on the west side of the park, and offers a tranquil experience through a forest of ancient cedars. The trail is about 0.9 miles long and has a well-maintained, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk that makes it ideal for all abilities. The towering trees provide shade, making it a great option even on warmer days.
3. Logan Pass
Logan Pass is the highest point on Going-to-the-Sun Road and offers dramatic mountain views. The Logan Pass Visitor Center is wheelchair-accessible, with paved walkways and restrooms (look for the alternate path to the right of the main entrance if you want to avoid deathly inclines). The parking lot is obnoxiously busy. I’m not sure why so many people choose to picnic and nap in the most enviable parking spaces in the park, but it is what it is. I looped for 15 minutes fairly early in the morning with no luck. I ended up dropping the kids off at the visitor center and heading up the road to Mt. Oberlin – a brief, accessible trail with a small parking lot and one wheelchair accessible space. That space was open. I huffed back up the road, but rolling down it was easy when we all came back together to enjoy the accessible trail and stunning view.
Note: most trails at Logan Pass are not fully accessible, but the scenic vistas and wildlife viewing opportunities from the paved areas are completely worth it.
4. Swiftcurrent Nature Trail (Many Glacier)
Many Glacier, on the park’s east side, is home to the accessible Swiftcurrent Nature Trail. This trail runs along the Swiftcurrent Lake shoreline and offers a tightly packed gravel terrain, perfect for wheelchairs or families with young children. We were directed to park at the lodge and take the elevator down to the lake/trail level, but you can actually veer right just before you reach the lodge and park on the lower level right by the water. It’s far off in the distance, but you can view a glacier from this trail. Many Glacier is known for its rich wildlife sightings—so keep your eyes peeled for moose and bears from the safety of your accessible route.
We also took advantage of the boating, here. The dock is accessible, but there’s no easy way to board/launch. The boats were only $26 per hour, included life vests, and one boat fit us all – so we made it work! It was absolutely incredible to see take in the mountain views from the water.
5. McDonald Creek Overlook
Located along Going-to-the-Sun Road, this overlook provides a picturesque view of McDonald Creek’s waterfalls. The viewing area is wheelchair-accessible and offers a great spot for a quick stop on your scenic drive.
7. Accessible Ranger Programs
The park’s ranger-led programs, including talks and guided walks, often include accessible options. Check with the visitor centers for a schedule of accessible programs that the whole family can enjoy.
Where to Stay
Accessible accommodations outside of Glacier National Park
We found a delightful little cheat and stayed in a HomeExchange in Cardston, just across the border in Canada. Even if you can’t find an open exchange for your dates, the location worked out brilliantly. We did add on a few extra minutes each day with border patrol… and there was a one minor hiccup with crossing the border without a note from my husband saying I could leave the country with our children, BUT it was still worth it! It’s not a touristy area and prices in the area are significantly lower. Add to that the current exchange rate and it was a real steal. We loved that we were entering from the east side of Going-to-the-Sun Road, so we didn’t need reservations and we were always heading opposite of the crowds. It also made it easy to pop into Many Glacier as an afternoon trip on a rainy day.
Alternatively, most people stay in Whitefish or the West Glacier area. It’s definitely touristy and expensive, but it’s also an absolutely charming western town and has most of the major chain hotels so you’re likely to find an accessible room that meets your needs.
Accessible Lodging Inside the Park
These places are hard to book, and fill up way in advance, so I have no personal experience to share. Here’s what the internet told me!
- Lake McDonald Lodge: One of the park’s historic lodges, Lake McDonald Lodge offers a few wheelchair-accessible rooms. Its proximity to Going-to-the-Sun Road makes it a convenient base for exploring. The lodge features ramps and accessible pathways to most public areas.
- Many Glacier Hotel: Located in the Many Glacier area, this hotel offers accessible rooms with incredible views of Swiftcurrent Lake. We did go through the hotel to access the trail. It’s a unique vibe, being such a historic hotel.
What to Eat
Ok, first, a little heads up that there aren’t many food options inside the main area of the park, and Going-to-the-Sun Road is long. Pack food. If not lunch, at least hearty snacks.
Inside the Park
While dining options within Glacier National Park are somewhat limited, there are a few accessible restaurants to note. Please keep in mind that they’re priced like they have the only food available for miles… because they do.
- Ptarmigan Dining Room at Many Glacier Hotel is a good spot for families, offering a variety of American and regional Montana dishes. The hotel also had a small cafe for coffee, ice cream, and snacks
- Russell’s Fireside Dining Room at Lake McDonald Lodge offers a selection of kid-friendly meals and local dishes in a wheelchair-accessible environment.
Outside the Park
Every single person we asked recommended Buffalo Cafe in Whitefish. In fact, when I asked one person where to go if we didn’t make it before they closed for lunch at 2:00, she said, “I can’t really think of anything. Just try to make it.” So, we made it! It’s a fairly simple cafe with a family-friendly menu and accessible seating options. Their hearty breakfasts are a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Don’t miss Sweet Peaks Ice Cream, a short stroll from Buffalo Cafe. They serve perfection in a cone – locally made, of course. The accessible entrance is on the side of the building to the left of the main entrance.
I cannot overstate the stunning beauty of this rugged landscape. Plan for a few days. Take your time. Play by the water. Watch for wildlife. Soak in the splendor of it all.
If you’re mapping a trip of western national parks, don’t miss Yellowstone! Hands down the most wheelchair accessible and family friendly park we’ve visited.