Montana is a haven for motorcycle riders, with some of the nation’s most exhilarating cliffside drives and expansive Rocky Mountain views. A motorcycle ride through Montana wouldn’t be complete without visiting spectacular Glacier National Park, which features reflective lakes, snow-capped peaks, and breathtaking wildlife experiences.
At Law Tigers, your go-to network for motorcycle attorneys, we want to help you enjoy your bike. Of all the roads our team has tried, the Going-to-the-Sun Road through Glacier National Park is definitely among the most memorable. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about Montana riding.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Going-to-the-Sun Road is the most popular, jaw-droppingly scenic drive in Glacier National Park. Begin in Kalispell and follow U.S. Highway 2 past Columbia Falls, West Glacier, Middle Fork, and Flathead River to reach the park’s entrance. From here, you can begin the 52-mile scenic drive that travels across the Continental Divide and over Logan Pass.
Some top features along the Going-to-the-Sun Road include Lake McDonald, Logan Pass, and Saint Mary Lake. We recommend spending time at each.
Lake McDonald
Lake McDonald is an expansive alpine lake with crystal clear blue waters reflecting the vast mountains in the distance. The Going-to-the-Sun Road winds around the lake’s shores, offering occasional views through the cedar forest. We recommend stopping at Lake McDonald Lodge to take in the views, enjoy a waterfront meal, and spend the night.
Logan Pass
Logan Pass offers 360-degree views of the surrounding scenery with ample wildlife sightings, like mountain goats, bears, and bighorn sheep. Along the drive, you’ll pass the Weeping Wall and Bird Woman Falls.
We recommend checking out the Logan Pass Visitor Center, which has clean bathrooms and ample information on the park’s history and ecosystem. Logan Pass also offers plenty of hiking options where you can stop, stretch your legs, and take pictures.
Saint Mary Lake
While Saint Mary Lake may be smaller than Lake McDonald, it’s higher in elevation and closer to the mountains, offering more exaggerated views. The enormous cliffside rocks expand from all sides of the lake, making you feel like you’ve entered another world. The road will take you around the lake’s shoreline, offering incredible views the entire way.
We recommend taking a break from your ride to explore the lake. You can check out the infamous Wild Goose Island in the center of the water or try a guided boat tour with Glacier Park Boat Company.
Recommended Stops
Along the Glacier National Park motorcycle rides, you’ll feel tempted to stop every few seconds to gawk at the views. We recommend checking out the following places along your journey:
Food and drinks: Bonelli’s Bistro (Kalispell), SunRift Beer Company (Kalispell), Josephine’s Bar & Kitchen and Glacier Distillery (Coram), and Park Café (St. Mary)
Fun: Montana Vortex and House of Mystery (Columbia Falls), Apgar Visitor Center, Logan Pass Visitor Center, and Crown of the Continent Discovery Center (West Glacier)
Stays: Lake McDonald Lodge (Apgar), The Cottages at Glacier (St. Mary), and Going-to-the-Sun Chalets
Hikes: Hidden Lake Overlook and Highline Trail
Return Options
You can return via the Going-to-the-Sun Road and enjoy the reverse views of everything you missed on the way out. If you’d like a completely different experience, you can also ride back from St. Mary by taking U.S. Highway 89 south to Browning and then west to West Glacier (and on to Kalispell) on U.S. Highway 2.
If You Have an Accident, Law Tigers Has Your Back
Glacier National Park motorcycle rides are once-in-a-lifetime experiences for any rider, though they can be dangerous, especially in icy conditions. If you get hurt in a motorcycle accident, call Law Tigers at +1 (888) 863-7216 for referral to an experienced motorcycle attorney near where you live.
