Glacier National Park lodging

[Anonymous]

We stayed in Columbia Falls in 2019, pre-pandemic. It was such a pain. I would absolutely recommend staying in the park if you can.
There are very few services in the park so plan accordingly. Buy food ahead of time and bring with you in car.
Parking was a pain in 2019 so I can't imagine how much worse it is now.
We were there in July and had the best weather. June is way early for Glacier. I'd go later.
Whitefish is pretty awesome - the town has some good restaurants. The resort is very nice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As someone who has been to half the National Parks, we always stay in the park if we can. Cutting down on driving and being inside the park when most people leave are both huge selling points for us.

THIS. Especially if seeing wildlife is an interest.

[Anonymous]

I always recommend splitting up your stay in Glacier - stay a few nights on the West side and stay a few on the East.

West side is more populated, closer to "bigger" towns for amenities and hotel choices, restaurants. Great spot for seeing Lake McDonald, doing the Avalanche Lake hike, driving out to Polebridge and Bowman Lake or even spending time in Whitefish.

Then, spend a few nights on the East side. East side is more rural, not much in terms of services/amentiies/restaurants or even lodging choices, but you are close to the epic hikes. If you want to do those amazing likes like Grinnel Glacier, Iceberg Lake, etc, it's over a 2 hour drive ONE WAY from West Glacier to the Many Glacier area where these hiking trails are. And you need to get an early start as these hikes are long and parking is limited. So much easier to stay on the east side.

If you can't get lodging in the park, the KOAs on each side are great - I've stayed in both. You can get fully outfitted cabins if you can't bring your own linens.

But you're planning to come in June and it's a moot point because those trails likely won't be open.