Capturing Nature’s Majesty: Photography in Glacier National Park

Visiting Glacier National Park is like going on a pilgrimage for nature photographers. With its stunning array of dramatic landscapes and amble wildlife, the Glaciers are a favorite destination for photographers around the world. From the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road to the serene Many Glaciers area, the park is filled with opportunities for photo hobbyists and seasoned pros alike. Here are some of our tips for capturing the majesty of Glacier National Park.

Going-to-the-Sun Road: A Photographer's Dream

The Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most iconic drives in the United States. This daring drive offers photographers breathtaking views of Glacier National Park's rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and lush forests. From the towering peaks of the Continental Divide to the crystal-clear waters of Lake McDonald, every twist and turn of the road offers a new and stunning vista.



Photographic Opportunities:

Lake McDonald: The largest lake in Glacier National Park, this lake is famous for its stunning surroundings and the colorful rocks that beg to be captured on camera. 

Trail of the Cedars: A scenic hiking trail through an ancient cedar forest that splits into two sections. One section loops, while the other continues to the gorgeous views of Avalanche Gorge, Avalanche Creek, and Avalanche Lake.

Logan Pass: The highest point of the road, this pass straddles the Continental Divide. It is also popular for the fields of wildflowers that grow during the summer, earning it the nickname “Garden Wall”.

Hidden Lake: Accessible from Logan Pass Visitor Center, the hike to this lake passes through alpine meadows. The final stop is a gorgeous lake surrounded on all 4 sides by mountains. 

Jackson Glacier Overlook: This is the best view of Jackson Glacier from the Going-to-the-Sun road. This popular pull-out offers an incredible bird’s-eye view of the valleys. 

St. Mary Falls: A cascading waterfall with a 35-foot drop through 3 tiers into a beautiful aqua-green pool, this waterfall is a breathtaking photographic opportunity. 

Wild Goose Island: Sitting in the middle of St. Mary’s Lake, this tiny island is one of the most photographed spots in the park- and for good reason. It’s stunning!

Tips for Photographing the Going-to-the-Sun Road:

Golden Hour Magic: The hours just after sunrise and before sunset offer soft, golden light that can enhance the beauty of the landscapes along the road.

Weather Watch: Glacier National Park is known for its unpredictable weather, so be prepared for sudden changes and use them to your advantage to capture dramatic cloud formations or rainbows.

Wildlife Wonders: Keep an eye out for wildlife along the road, including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and even bears. But remember to keep a safe distance and use a telephoto lens for close-up shots.

Many Glaciers Area: A Serene Photographic Retreat

Located in the northeastern corner of the park, Many Glaciers is a picturesque area known for its stunning alpine scenery and abundant wildlife. This area is less traveled, so the roads will be rougher, but it also means there will be fewer people to crowd your shots!

Photographic Opportunities: 

Apakuni Falls: This trail is incredibly steep, but lined with wildflowers, adding brightness to the journey. The water roars from towering cliffs with drama perfect for photos.

The Grinnell Glacier Trail: one of the longer hikes on this list, this trail is full of beauty. The final stop offers a stunning view of a large glacier, freshly exposed rock, and an icy glacier basin.

Iceberg Lake: Due to its high elevation and shadowy location, this lake lives up to its name. The contrast of wildflowers next to the icy waters is a nature photographer’s dream!

Tips for Photographing Many Glaciers:

Reflection Perfection: Many Glaciers is home to several beautiful lakes that offer stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains. For the best results use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and keep your ISO as low as possible to minimize noise.

Hiking Highlights: Many Glaciers offer a variety of hiking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints and hidden gems. Be sure to pack an extra battery for your camera, and plenty of water for yourself for these adventures.

Be Safe and Be Prepared: This part of the park is prime bear country and doesn’t have much cell phone coverage. Make sure you are prepared for any danger or emergencies you may encounter on your trip!

Experience Montana Cabins:

Whether you're an experienced photographer or just starting, Glacier National Park offers a wealth of opportunities to capture stunning images. However, Montana is full of natural wonder and beauty outside of the park as well! If you are ready to experience all that nature has to offer under the Big Sky, come stay with us at Experience Montana Cabins. Our cozy cabins are the perfect home base for your photography adventure. Pack your camera gear, hit the road, and get ready to capture the majesty of the Montana wilderness.