There are trips you plan… and then there are trips that change something in you. Our July RV trip to Glacier National Park with our kids turned into one of those rare adventures — filled with hikes, waterfalls, wildlife encounters, sunrise views, and a few surprises we didn’t expect.
From the Badlands and Devils Tower to kayaking Lake McDonald and watching sunrise at Logan Pass, this journey reminded us why we love RV travel as a family — and why Glacier now sits at the top of our favorite national parks.
🚐 The Road to Glacier: Badlands, Devils Tower & A New Travel Experience
The road leading north felt like a highlight reel of America’s wild spaces.
Badlands National Park greeted us first with its jagged formations and pastel-striped cliffs. It felt like driving through another planet — one that stretches endlessly beneath a big South Dakota sky.
From there, we continued to Devils Tower, a place that’s impossible to fully understand until you’re standing under it. We set up our campsite with that massive monolith glowing orange in the evening sun. One of those moments where you just stop, breathe, and take it all in.
But the real surprise came from our first-ever Harvest Host stay. Quiet. Scenic. Welcoming.
It was such a peaceful reset before the big days ahead — and instantly became something we want to do again and again.
🏔️Arriving at Glacier National Park: A Breath of Fresh Mountain Air
By the time we reached St. Mary Campground, excitement had officially taken over. There’s something about arriving at Glacier that feels bigger than other parks — the mountains feel closer, steeper, sharper.
We unhooked the trailer, stepped out into crisp alpine air, and it hit us: We finally made it.
The boys immediately wanted to explore, so we started with a few waterfall hikes on the east side. Rocky trails, wildflowers, rushing water… the perfect way to shake off the miles behind us.
It felt like the official beginning of our Glacier chapter.
🌧️ A Rainy Day That Didn’t Slow Us Down
The next morning, clouds rolled in and rain hit the mountains — but even rain is beautiful in Glacier.
Instead of staying in the trailer, we drove Going-to-the-Sun Road, stopping at every overlook we could. Mist drifted between peaks, waterfalls poured harder than usual, and the valleys looked like scenes from a fantasy movie.
We made it to Lake McDonald, stocked up on groceries, grabbed a few souvenirs, and returned to camp for a warm, cozy dinner.
Sometimes rainy days bring out the best memories.
🌲 Finding Calm in Two Medicine
If Glacier had a “hidden gem,” Two Medicine would be it.
We started the morning with a peaceful boat ride — the lake calm as glass, mountains towering around us. It’s the kind of view that makes you sit quietly for a moment, just to soak it in.
After the tour, we hiked toward Upper Two Medicine Lake, passing wildflowers, small waterfalls, and picture-perfect viewpoints. It was challenging enough to be fun, but gentle enough that the boys stayed excited the whole way.
We ended the day with a campfire, tired legs, full hearts, and one of those sunsets that makes you wish time would slow down.
🌲 Avalanche Lake: A Glacier Must-See
Some places become crowded for a reason — and Avalanche Lake is one of them.
We started with the magical boardwalk of Trail of the Cedars, then continued into the forested trail toward the lake. When the trees finally opened and revealed the view… it was breathtaking.
Pale blue water. Cliffs dropping straight into the lake. Waterfalls pouring from every direction.
It’s hard to believe places like this exist.
The afternoon was slower — kayaking and fishing on Lake McDonald — until the rain returned and pushed us back toward camp. But even that felt like part of the Glacier experience.
🌄 Sunrise at Logan Pass: Worth Every Lost Minute of Sleep
We set our alarms for 4:00 a.m., packed the truck half-asleep, and drove the winding road in darkness toward Logan Pass.
We arrived just after 5:00 a.m. The lot was already half full. By 5:40 a.m., it was completely packed.
But the moment the first light touched the peaks… we forgot all about sleep.
The Hidden Lake Overlook trail gave us one of the best views of the entire trip — even though the lower trail was closed due to bear activity. Along the way we passed mountain goats, spotted a bighorn ram, and laughed about how fast the boys woke up once wildlife showed up.
We attempted a portion of the Highline Trail, but turned around at the narrow exposed section when the boys felt uneasy. And that was totally okay. Even the short section we did was unforgettable.
🌊 Whitewater Rafting: The Perfect Grand Finale
Our final full day brought something new: whitewater rafting for the first time.
Cold splashes, big laughs, rapid sequences that made everyone scream and smile — it was exactly the kind of wild, joyful adventure Glacier is known for.
The boys still talk about it today. It was the perfect way to close out our time in Montana.
🚙 Heading Toward Yellowstone
Packing up on our last morning felt bittersweet. Glacier gave us more memories than we expected — and more moments of awe than we can count.
With the mountains fading in the rearview, we pointed the truck south toward Yellowstone National Park, excited for whatever the next chapter would bring.
⭐ What We Loved Most About Glacier
- The dramatic landscapes of the east side
- The calm lakes and forests of the west
- Sunrise views worth waking up in the dark for
- Hikes perfect for families
- Wildlife sightings that never get old
- The unforgettable thrill of rafting
- The balance of adventure and peaceful moments
Glacier became one of our all-time favorite national parks — not just for the scenery, but for the memories we made as a family.
🔖 Helpful Tips for Your Own Glacier Adventure
• Start early — everywhere.
Logan Pass fills before sunrise in July.
• Weather changes fast.
Pack layers and rain gear even on sunny mornings.
• East and west sides feel completely different.
Try to experience both.
• Parking can be tough.
Shuttles, early starts, or patience are key.
• Two Medicine is underrated.
Don’t skip it.
• Consider a rafting trip.
Especially if you’re traveling with older kids.
• Harvest Hosts are great for long travel days.
