Our party of 3 flew into the Missoula Airport: a small, but well thought out location with rental car counters on site. Our first stop was Big Sky Brewing Co. for a local beer while making a grocery list followed by Wally and Buck (amazing!) for a late lunch. We then made the 2.5-hour drive north to Apgar, with a stop in Kalispell at Albertsons for groceries and Murphy's State Liquor & Wine Store for drinks.

Once at Apgar, we checked in and explored the quaint village, ate ice cream on the edge of Lake McDonald while marveling at the rainbow stones, souvenir shopped, and hit the hay. Pick up Bear Spray from Glacier Outfitters

Night one: We stayed at the Village Inn at Apgar in the family room. Our room had a queen bed in a sperate bedroom, a queen bed and twin in the main room, and a private bathroom. It was on the second floor (no elevator) and had the most amazing views out the panoramic window. The hotel was dated but clean, and WiFi was available (not the case farther in the park).

For West Glacier, you need a park entrance and timed entry pass. After check out, we ate breakfast in the car and then we headed into West Glacier to hike the Trail of the Cedars/Avalanche Lake (5 miles). Pro tip: There will be a crowd where the trail meets the lake so keep walking around the edge until you find a quieter spot. Explore and enjoy lunch at Lake McDonald Lodge. Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road, stopping at overlooks along the way. Stop at Logan’s Pass Visitor Center to hike Hidden Lake Overlook (2.5 mile boardwalk path with lots of stairs). Pro tip: Scope out parking and bathrooms since you will be back tomorrow!

Enjoy dinner at Two Dog Flats Grill and watch the sunset at Wild Goose Island Overlook.

Night two: We stayed at the Rising Sun Motor Inn in a motor inn room (2 double beds, bathroom). The three room options are all rustic at this no-frills property, but there is a restaurant, general store, and gift shop. Pro tip: Pack your hiking backpack for tomorrow, you want as early a start as possible.

Get out the door early for parking at Logan’s Pass Visitor Center. If you don’t want to deal with parking, you can take a shuttle that stops across the street at St. Mary’s Lake. The shuttle is convenient, but getting back adds one or more hours just waiting in line.

Hike the Highline Trail (15 miles). There are 2 routes:

• To Granite Park Chalet and back: we did not do this, but wished we had!

• To Granite Park Chalet and down the Loop: we equated the Loop to hell-walking in full-sun downhill (kills your legs) with no views for hours, then fighting crowds of tired hikers to board a shuttle back to Logan’s Pass. Pro tip: Bring lots of water, food, and layers. Send one of your party to grab a pie-to-go from Rising Sun Pizza while the others shower, then enjoy it in your room or on the porch (watch out for bears-they like pizza too!)

Night three: We continued our stay at the Rising Sun Motor Inn.

Pack it up, check out, grab a to-go coffee and breakfast from the general store, then drive across the street to the Rising Sun boat dock at St. Mary’s Lake for a breathtaking boat tour. This is a scenic 1.5-hour boat ride or 3.5-hour tour and hike (St. Mary’s Falls-3.2 miles). We opted for the tour and hike, and hustled to see Virginia Falls too.

Head out of the park and enjoy lunch in Browning or Babb. Pro Tip: Fill up with gas in Browning! We then went south to visit Two Medicine, and while it was beautiful, I do not think it was worth the drive. I would suggest moving on to the Many Glacier area and see if your room is ready for check-in. Explore the Many Glacier Hotel and grounds, rent a kayak and navigate Swiftcurrent Lake, or grab a cocktail and relax on the deck-you earned it!

Eat at Two Sisters Café for dinner and ask if they have any breakfast items you can get to-go (the breakfast at Many Glacier Hotel is underwhelming).

Night four: We stayed at the Many Glacier Hotel, a grand Swiss-chalet style National Historic Landmark Hotel on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake, in a room with two double beds. There are a variety of rooms–all comfortable, but historic. Bookings are competitive, and you may have to split your stay into two separate rooms. This is not uncommon and the hotel receptionists and bellman are rockstars and will handle logistics while you hike!

Grab a coffee or breakfast then get to the dock early for the Many Glacier boat tour and Grinnell Glacier hike (7.5 miles, 1,840 ft elevation gain). Don’t forget to look forwards and backwards while you hike–the views are life-changing. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife! We saw mountain goats, big horn sheep, and a moose. Plan to eat a packed lunch at the glacier. Dip your toes in the glacial water if you’re brave enough! Return to the hotel, freshen up, and eat at the Ptarmigan Dining Room for dinner

Night five: We continued our stay at the Many Glacier Hotel.

Take your time saying goodbye to Glacier National Park, then make the 4.5-hour drive back to Missoula Airport. You can drop off your bear spray in St. Mary or Apgar Village. Stop at Flathead Lake Brewing Co. for lunch if time permits.