August 22, 2025
Road Trip
•Travel
•Montana
•Adventure
•Rad Places
LOGE Glacier - The "Inn Between" Adventure
Montana's wild spaces have a way of calling you in - pristine wilderness, alpine lakes so clear they look unreal, and mountain views that make your jaw drop and stay there. Glacier National Park is one of those bucket-list places that lives up to the hype. The only tricky part? Deciding where to go first without falling into an internet-research black hole.
That's where we come in. LOGE Glacier sits in Essex, Montana - a tiny dot on the map between West Glacier and East Glacier, smack in the middle of some of the park's best adventures. Locals call it the "Inn Between" because it's literally your halfway home base: close enough to drive into all corners of Glacier, far enough to feel like you've escaped the crowds.
This guide is your shortcut to more trail time and less screen time. We’ll cover everything from where to grab goods before you hit the trail, to our favorite hidden lakes, to the guides who can show you the park’s best-kept secrets. Because you didn’t come here to stare at your phone—you came to stare at mountains. Welcome to LOGE Glacier. Go explore.
There are six park entrances total – two that are within 30 minutes from LOGE!
West Glacier Entrance: 30 minutes from LOGE
Two Medicine Entrance: 30 minutes from LOGE
St. Mary Entrance: 1 hour & 15 minutes from LOGE
Polebridge Entrance: 1 hour & 15 minutes from LOGE
Wateron Lake: 2 hours from LOGE
Many Glacier Entrance: 1 hour & 30 minutes from LOGE
When entering any U.S. National Park, you must purchase an entrance pass or have America the Beautiful Pass before entering the park. You can see fees and pass online at www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/fees.
For in park transportation during the peak summer season, Glacier National Park requires a vehicle reservation for the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor, the North Fork and Many Glacier. Head to the National Park website to make your vehicle reservation slot. Another option to get around in the park is to use the free park shuttle service. This shuttle service is a first-come, first-serve basis that follows the Going-to-the-Sun Road and is open from early July through Labor Day. Shuttles depart every 15 to 30 minutes and stops along visitor centers and main access points for hikes and trails.
When mapping out your travels to LOGE Glacier, there are several ways to make the journey out.
LOGE Glacier is located 27 miles from West Glacier and 29 miles from East Glacier, the perfect inn-between destination. We’re approximately 30 minutes from either park entrance. Traveling by car is the easiest way to get to Glacier, giving you the most flexibility – just pop in those road-trip tunes, gas up and hit the road!
If driving here is not an option, Glacier Park International Airport is the closest airport located to the National Park, and only a one hour drive to LOGE. Glacier Park Airport offers a host of transportation options for inbound travelers. There are four major car rental agencies located within the main terminal, immediately adjacent to the baggage claim area. If you plan to explore the park extensively, we strongly recommend you reserve a rental car to get around.
If you’re planning minimal travel during your stay, we suggest the following shuttles or car services:
If you are looking for more of a unique adventure, consider taking the train out! Did you know that you can ride the Amtrak train from Chicago to Seattle and get dropped off right at LOGE Glacier’s doorstep? The Essex, MT (ESM) station is a mere 5 minute walk from the LOGE Glacier’s main Inn.
So much! Right outside your door, you’ll find 30 kilometers of scenic trails ideal for mountain biking and hiking in the summer, and groomed Nordic ski tracks in the winter. (we even have our very own Piston Bully snowcat named “The Big Leplowski,” ready to give you and the family a ride!)
Plus, the extra perk of staying at LOGE – skip the bulky gear-packing because LOGE has everything you need from Specialize Mountain bikes, Crescent snowshoes, and XC skis all included in your stay. Just swing by our gear annex to check out a bike and hit the trails.
To make it even easier, here’s a quick list of the LOGE crew’s trails and hikes right here on property. No car needed! But don’t forget your bear spray….it is Montana after all.
Hikes near LOGE Glacier and around the Park, just a short car ride away (Remember to still bring that bear spray.)
Stanton Lake | 3.8 miles round trip | 700 elevation gain | Dog-friendly, Kid-friendly, Lake views, Fishing, hiking
Apgar Lookout | 7 miles round trip | 1,900 elevation gain | Pass required, No-dogs, Mountain views, River views
Avalanche Lake | 6 miles round trip | 757 elevation gain | Pass required, No-dogs, Forests views, Kid-friendly (Quick tip – make sure to get there early to find parking!)
Highline trail | 15 miles round trip | 2,621 elevation gain | Pass required, No-dogs, Forests views, Rocky (Quick tip – easy way from Logan Pass, if you like the challenge start from the loop.)
Grinnell Glacier Overlook via Granite Park and Garden Wall Trail | 12 miles round trip | 3,750 elevation gain (Pass required, No-dogs, Lake views, Fishing, Rocky)
Outside of our extensive trail system located right outside the LOGE hotel inn, here are the spots nearby if you’re itching to get further out there.
Apgar Village Bike trail | 4 miles round trip | flat & easy
Wild Mile River Trail | 4 miles round trip | river-views & easy
Harrell Forest - Summit Loop | 7 miles
Harrell Forest - Birch Loop | 3 miles
Herron Park | 20 miles of trails
Great Northern Rails to Trails Path | 22 miles of trails
Here in Montana, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to lakes and bodies of water. Check out our list of favorite spots. Keep in mind, if you are bringing your own kayak or paddleboard into the Park, you must get it inspected at the Park Entrance. Learn more about boat inspection and regulation at www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/boating.htm.
Lake McDonald – Glacier’s largest lake, the only lake with paddleboard rentals and launch facilities at Apgar campgrounds.
Two Medicine Lake – Two-mile lake with boat launch and stand-up paddleboard and kayak access. Many hiking trail access point to explore.
St. Mary Lake – Located on the east side of the park, kayak and paddleboard-friendly, serene with many hiking trail access points to explore.
Bowman Lake – remote lake in Glacier National Park, canoe and kayak friendly
Glacier View in West Glacier – Located just outside the west entrance to Glacier National Park, this friendly 18-hole course welcomes all skill levels with a par68 layout and fantastic mountain views.
Glacier Park Lodge, East Glacier - Nestled on the historic Glacier Park Lodge grounds, this nine-hole grass-greens course and adjoining pitch‑and‑putt offers sweeping mountain vistas and family-friendly fun.
LOGE is proud to recommend these local providers to make your adventure the best it can be. LOGE also is proud to provide top of the line bike rentals, stand-up paddleboards, snowshoes, and cross-country skis included in your stay. Check out what is seasonally available gear you can reserve here - LOGE Glacier Gear & Experiences.
Glacier Raft Company | 30 mins from LOGE
Glacier Guides Montana Raft Co | 30 mins from LOGE
Glacier Park Boat Co | Meeting location is dependent on tour. Tours of St. Mary, Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and Lake McDonald
Snowy Springs Outfitters | 15 mins from LOGE
Bear Creek Guest Ranch | 18 mins from LOGE (small groups only)
Swan Mountain Outfitters | Multiple locations
Take a tour of Glacier National Park in one of these historic Red Bus Tours. Bus tours depart from both the West and East sides of the park. You must make an online reservation at Glacier National Park Lodges to book your tour.
Glacier Anglers & Outfitters | 30 mins from LOGE
Glacier Guides Montana Raft Co | 30 mins from LOGE
Swan Mountain Outfitters | Multiple locations
Snowy Springs Outfitters | 15 mins from LOGE
Whitefish Mountain Resort - A year-round adventure hub offering summer mountain biking, alpine slides, zip lines, and winter skiing with sweeping views of the Flathead Valley.
Glacier Highline - A high ropes course and aerial adventure park perfect for kids and adults alike, featuring zip lines, obstacle challenges, and a rock wall.
Amazing Fun Center - A classic roadside attraction packed with family-friendly activities like go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats, and a giant outdoor maze.
Brash Rodeo - A lively, family-friendly rodeo showcasing real Montana cowboy culture with bull riding, barrel racing, and plenty of local flavor. Ticket and event dates are available on the rodeo site.
Explore nearby distilleries and breweries that highlight Montana’s independent spirit or take in the charming local downtowns of Whitefish and Bigfork for boutique shopping, cozy cafes, and refreshing drinks.
Don’t feel like driving anywhere? No problem, we have a full-service restaurant located right here in the main LOGE Inn. Named in honor of the original hotel, the Izaak Walton Restaurant & Bar offers delicious, Montana-inspirated comfort food.
Glacier Distilling Company in Coram | 25 minutes from LOGE
A rustic, red barn-style tasting room nestled near Glacier National Park, Glacier Distilling specializes in small-batch whiskeys and rye, including their signature Fireweed Bourbon and huckleberry-infused spirits.
Spotted Bear Spirits in Whitefish | 50 minutes from LOGE
This cozy, modern craft distillery offers creative cocktails and house-made vodka, gin, and agave spirits in a relaxed, mountain-chic tasting room with a strong focus on sustainability.
Whistling Andy in Big Fork | 1 hour and 15 minutes from LOGE
Known for its award-winning gin and craft bourbon, Whistling Andy blends small-town charm with sleek copper stills and a welcoming tasting room ideal for sipping seasonal cocktails.
Sacred Waters Brewing Company in Kalispell | 1 hour from LOGE
A community-focused brewery with a warm, lodge-like feel, Sacred Waters offers a rotating tap of bold ales and IPAs, plus hearty pub fare like pretzel bites and tacos.
Backslope Brewing in Columbia Falls | 35 minutes from LOGE
Offering up a mix of hop-forward brews and approachable lagers, Backslope pairs its beer with elevated comfort food in a modern yet laid-back taproom just minutes from Glacier.
Flathead Lake Brewing Co. in Big Fork | 1 hour and 20 minutes from LOGE
Perched above Flathead Lake, this spacious brewpub dishes up stunning lake views, wood-fired pizzas, and a wide range of beers from hoppy pale ales to smooth porters.
The Highland in West Glacier | 30 minutes from LOGE (only open during summer months)
The Belton Chalet in West Glacier | 30 minutes from LOGE (only open during summer months, reservation required)
Columbia Falls | 50 minutes from LOGE
Big Fork | 1 hour, 15 minutes from LOGE
Whitefish | 1 hour, 30 minutes from LOGE
Downtown Whitefish | 50 minutes from LOGE
A charming, walkable alpine town packed with boutique shops, art galleries, and top-tier restaurants offering everything from craft coffee to upscale Montana cuisine.
Downtown Big Fork | 1 hour and 15 minutes from LOGE
Nestled where the Swan River meets Flathead Lake, Bigfork’s downtown boasts a storybook feel with artisan shops, local eateries, and galleries tucked along scenic streets.
The beauty of escaping into the remote Montana wilderness is the serenity and tranquility of nature. The tradeoff? Long drive time and limited gas and grocery stores. Be sure to come prepared for your trip and plan ahead. Of course, we’ve got your cravings covered with our onsite bar and restaurant.
| Location | Store Name | Drive Time from LOGE |
| West Glacier | West Glacier Mercantile (seasonl) | ~30 minutes |
| Columbia Falls | Super One Foods (24 hrs), Smith's Food & Drug | ~45 minutes |
| Whitefish | Safeway | ~1 hour drive |
| Kalispell | Rosauers, Super One (24 hrs), Natural Grocers | ~1 hour drive |
| Browning | Teeple's IGA, Glacier Family Foods | ~1 hour drive |
Still dreaming and planning of your perfect Glacier getaway? Glacier offers stunning scenery and thrilling activities all year round, and the best time to visit depends on what kind of adventure you’re looking for. July through early September is the most popular window, offering warm weather, fully open trails, and full access to Going-to-the-Sun Road — perfect for hiking, sightseeing, and outdoor activities, (although it is the most crowded).
For a quieter experience with stunning fall foliage and active wildlife, late September to early October is the secret season to visit with cooler temperatures and fewer visitors. Springtime in May to mid-June, brings quiet, cooler hiking trails and snow melt resulting in rushing waterfalls and minimal crowds, though some high-elevation roads and trails may still be snow-covered.
Glacier transforms into a quiet, snow-covered wonderland in the winter. While most of the Park closes to cars, the serenity and snow sports draw in the winter adventures. If you are into snowshoeing or Nordic skiing, this is the time to go.
The real deal is to try them all. See ya soon!
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