While visiting Glacier National Park, you will create many memorable moments on the famous, historic road that tours you through the wonderous park. It’ll take you to across the continental divide, reveal awesome glacier-carved mountainsides, and ancient glaciers.

Want to know what to prepare for? Ready yourself for all of these truly amazing photo spots on Going-to-the-Sun Road in 2023.

From waterfalls to wildlife, this is one of the most scenic drives in the Pacific Northwest.

Here’s why.

Everything to Know Before Driving Going-to-the-Sun Road

In less than 50 miles, you will discover the best Montana has to offer on Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road.

You can drive from west to east or east to west, depending on where you are staying. The most popular nearby cities lie to the west. They are West Glacier, Columbia Falls, and Kalispell.

Or, maybe you’ll stay at Lake McDonald Lodge, St. Mary Lodge, or one of the campgrounds all along Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Since I stayed in the lovely town of Kalispell, this guide will share the best photos spots while driving from west to east.

Before we hit the road, here’s important things to know before you go:

• Going-to-the Sun Road is not open year-round because of winter weather conditions. Opening dates vary each year, but know that summer (give or take a few weeks) is the only season the road is accessible.

• To enter from 6am to 5pm, you need to pre-purchase and print a $2 entry ticket online. This is in response to record setting visitor numbers, so expect a competitive process when tickets are released daily. Be prepared by making a Recreation.gov account ahead of time and being logged in before 8am MT. View more information here.

• At all times of the day, you will also need a parks pass. Learn more about how to purchase an annual America the Beautiful Pass here. If you’ll enter the park for 4+ days the $80 annual pass costs usually is a better deal than paying a daily fee. Plus, having your annual pass ready makes it faster to enter!

• Vehicles with a total length greater than 21ft or width over 8ft are not allowed between Avalanche Creek and Rising Sun.

• If entering the park in the morning, expect to share the road with cyclists. For this reason, I noticed there can be a little congestion along Lake McDonald. It can be tricky to pass because of how windy the road is. Prepare to be patient and courteous!

• Have your cameras and binoculars ready!

• Near Logan Pass be aware of rock overhangs. Because of these, vehicles over 10 feet tall should use extra caution.

• Parking is limited and highly competitive, so shuttles are available between 7am and 7pm, from July 1 to September 6. Reserve tickets here.

• Expect lots of twists and turns. You are climbing mountains after all! Pro tip: If you drive Going-to-the-Sun road in the dark, it’s pretty cool to look around and see the lights of cars winding through the valley.

Guide to the most amazing photo spots on Going-to-the-Sun Road

Lake McDonald

Immediately after entering through the West entrance, you’ll be greeted by the largest lake in the park. Loved for its vibrant “fruity pebble-like” rocks and larger-than-life mountain views Lake McDonald is the most picturesque lake to visit in Glacier National Park.

I recommend driving into Apgar Village and accessing the lake from either the picnic area or near the main shops. You can even rent kayaks, boats, and SUPs here.

Pro tip: Visit at sunrise. We camped at Apgar Campground to easily enjoy sunset and sunrise from the lake. While both were beautiful, sunrise left us speechless!

Looking for a more private beach? Continue on Going-to-the-Sun Road and stop on the first pullout on the left. It’s a bit of a scramble down the “trail,” but it is an excellent exclusive-feeling spot for a swim. Note- the beach is very rocky, so it is not the best for lounging.

McDonald Falls Overlook

This is a quick, yet rewarding stop. Park and walk down a few steps to a wooden overlook with views of McDonald Creek.

No parking? Continue to Sacred Dancing Cascade just down the road for an even bigger waterfall!

Bird Woman Falls Overlook

If you’re going to stop anywhere along Going-to-the-Sun Road let it be here! With a pull off to the right, this view is one of the most memorable. Waterfalls are not in short supply in GNP, but nothing topped this dramatic scene.

As you continue driving you’ll be able to see the falls for another 2 miles. What more could you ask for?

Weeping Wall

Be ready to get wet… Well, if you visit in late spring or early summer! Then, snow melt is the greatest and driving this short stretch will basically be like driving beneath a waterfall.

During early August when we visited the wall really was weeping. I’ve never seen anything quite like it!

Big Bend

Searching for a place to watch sunset or take elopement photos in Glacier National Park? Consider Big Bend.

With summer wildflowers and rugged mountains, this is one of the very best photo spots on Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Bonus: there’s plenty of parking here. You can even watch sunset from your car if your legs need a rest after hiking.

Triple Arches Bridge

Don’t blink or you might miss this nearly 100-year-old marvel. Our favorite time to see it was early in the morning before the fog lifted. Enchanting isn’t it?

Have your cameras ready – there is not a pullout to view the bridge.

Logan Pass

Site of the continental divide and epic hiking trails, Logan Pass is the #1 stop on Going-to-the-Sun Road – and for good reason.

I recommend reaching Logan Pass either early (before 6am) or in the evening, as parking can be a challenge. At peak levels, park rangers will close the parking lot until more cars leave.

If this happens, consider parking either west or east of the pass. There is parking about 0.5 – 0.8 miles away. We did this on a weekday when we found the lot to be congested to the point of closure around 1pm on a weekday.

Was it worth the extra walking? Absolutely! Our hearts were set on hiking to Hidden Lake, and we decided that we’d rather spend time hiking than driving in circles.

That being said, there are some spots that you will inevitably have to walk on the road. So exercise caution and wear bright colors to make sure drivers see you!

Note that there are bathrooms with flushing toilets and hand sanitizer at the visitor center. Have questions? There are many park rangers here to assist you.

Interestingly, the weather is noticeably different on the west and east sides of Logan Pass. Generally, the east is windier and sunnier. This was the case when we visited.

Lunch Creek

Just east of Logan Pass, is Lunch Creek. Don’t be fooled by its name. This creek is more like a waterfall!

Park just east of the creek and then explore both sides of the road.

It’s easily accessible and perfect for picnicking.

Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep. We saw them multiple times coming up the ridge, cross the road, and then climb up the waterfall. Pretty spectacular!

Want to hike? The trail to Piegan Mountain begins here.

Baring Falls & Sun Point

Ready to stretch your legs? Check out Baring Falls. From the parking lot on the right side of the road, the trail is a brief 0.3 miles to the falls. Walk beneath a stone bridge and descend into a burned area rich with wildflowers.

After hiking to the falls, we hiked 0.8 miles to Sun Point. If you want to save some time and energy, you can continue driving and park at Sun Point’s parking lot for a shorter hike.

From Sun Point, enjoy views of St. Mary lake – complete with white-capped water and many impressive mountains.

Expect strong winds at Sun Point. Hold onto your hats!

St. Mary Visitor Center

Last but not least, at the eastern end of Going-to-the-Sun Road is St. Mary Visitor Center. In this area you’ll see plains reminiscent of the Great Plains.

Stop at the visitor center for restrooms and a gift shop.

Be aware that if you continue on past the visitor center you will exit the park and may have to wait in a line to re- enter.

---

No matter which photo spots on Going-to-the-Sun Road you stop at, you are in for breathtaking scenery at every turn.

Love Pacific Northwest travel inspiration? Check out my other PNW travel blog posts on essential travel tips for Washington State to the ultimate hikes near Seattle.

Follow @thekarebear on Instagram for weekly hiking trails, camping sites, and places to see in the PNW.

Happy exploring in Montana!