Driving Going to the Sun Road

Driving Going to the Sun Road

By Janet Cantrell Apr 16, 2017 in Glacier National Park

If this isn't on your bucket list it should be. With a reputation as one of the most beautiful drives in the United States it's hard to go wrong. We moved across the country from Ohio and this was priority #1 upon arrival to Montana. We left our chaotic mess of boxes to go explore Going to the Sun Road and it did not disappoint.

See ya later boxes, we are off to explore Going to the Sun Road

When We Went

August

Pros - The entire road was open, warmer weather

Cons - Crowded in the main parking lots

How We Got There

Drove our Jeep but you could also fly into Glacier International Airport in Kalispell or arrive by train into Whitefish Montana and rent a car to drive into Glacier National Park.

What We Did

Drove the entire Going to the Sun Road from West to East stopping at various lookouts and overlooks along the way. We veered off the beaten path just a bit to explore a stream or bridge but mostly stayed on track since we had an entire house to unpack.

In the west Going to the Sun Road begins along Lake McDonald for 6 miles of wooded scenery. Once you hit the loop the climb begins for some amazing vistas and photo opportunities. If you are afraid of heights this may not be the road for you. If you are driving keep your eyes on the road not the view. We actually saw a car straddling the rock border and cliffside. Scary! You could take the Glacier National Park red bus tour if you prefer to gawk without inhibition. The red buses make a great photo and are practical too. Their website states that Red Bus tours tend to sell out on a daily basis so be sure to book your seat in advance.

Once you hit the loop the climb begins for some amazing vistas and photo opportunities.

We climbed some rocks along this stream near Siyeh Bend - Glacier National Park - Going to the Sun Road

Bear grass, a common wildflower in Glacier National Park, found along Going to the Sun Road

We stopped at Lake McDonald Lodge for an Elk burger and view of Lake McDonald. The inside of the lodge is fun to see and the lake view during lunch or dinner is lovely.

We also visited the Huckleberry Patch for a slice of huckleberry pie a la mode. This was our first time to try huckleberries and they are a forever favorite. They top the berry list and you must try them when you come. They cannot be farmed or harvested so they are more expensive than your typical berry but oh so worth it. If hiking you may find some huckleberries along the path for free but you should try the pie, a huckleberry bear claw from the Mercantile in Polebridge, or huckleberry ice cream when you come. We take our hucks seriously here in Montana.

You should try the huckleberry pie, a huckleberry bear claw from the Mercantile in Polebridge, or huckleberry ice cream when you come.

Huckleberry pie from The Huckleberry Patch gift shop in Hungry Horse, Montana on our way home from driving Going to the Sun Road

Be sure to stop at the overlooks along the drive for photos and amazing views.

Be sure to stop at the overlooks along the drive for photos and amazing views. If you have time for hikes we highly recommend the Hidden Lake trail or Highline trail at Logan Pass or Avalanche Lake just past McDonald Lake lodge on the west side.