Reddit threads can be a great source of information when you’re planning a trip. You get advice from fellow travelers and locals who are familiar with the area you’re going to visit. Often, these comments are also recent so you know you’re getting up-to-date information from people who were there not long ago.
If you’re looking for wildlife in Glacier National Park, several Reddit threads and comments offer great advice on how to do that. Here, we’ll share some of the best Reddit advice on how to see wildlife in Glacier National Park … and how to stay safe while doing so!
Where to See Wildlife in Glacier National Park According to Reddit
Glacier National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Watch for large animals like bears (Glacier is one of the best places in the continental U.S. to see grizzly bears), mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, elk, and even wolves. You can also watch for smaller animals like marmots, cute little pikas, rabbits, beavers, and squirrels. The park has over 270 bird species, including bald and golden eagles, peregrine falcons, ospreys, ptarmigans, and woodpeckers.
Lots of Redditors have advice on when and where to see these animals. Here are some of the best tips from Reddit to see wildlife in Glacier National Park.
General Tips to See Wildlife
Here are some general tips to increase your chances of seeing wildlife around the park, shared by Reddit posters.
- When to watch: Early morning is a good time to see wildlife out and about. One poster also mentioned that late afternoon was a good time to watch for moose and other animals, who will emerge as the day cools down. Animals are most active at Glacier from late spring through early fall.
- Where to watch: Another commenter said that visitors are more likely to encounter animals on the eastern side of the park than to the west. Bears like meadows for their berry possibilities, as well as the edges of forests for the plants and small animals they provide. They may also hang out near lakes and streams, looking for fish. Moose can begin to overheat at temperatures as low as 60°F, so in the summer you’ll often find them near lakes and streams where they can cool off.
- Other cues to watch for: As you’re driving through the park, look for lots of cars slowing or pulling to the side. This usually means there’s something to see in the area. Someone else advised checking out the comments on the hikes on the AllTrails app. Often, people who have done hikes recently will comment on what animals they saw and where. This can give you an idea of which animals may be frequenting these spots.
- Check trails: If you’re planning on hiking at the park, be sure to check the trail status reports. Glacier’s high altitudes and snowy winters mean that some trails might be closed, even into the summer months.
Where to Stay in Glacier to See Wildlife
Glacier National Park has two main regions – the east side of the park and the west side. It takes 2-2 1/2 hours to drive one-way from the east to the west side, or back again. The road is winding, and the speed limit is usually between 25-45 mph so driving is slow. During the summer, there can also be lots of traffic. It makes the most sense to stay in the area of the park that you wish to explore for the day. If you arrive at the eastern side of the park, spend a few days there at Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and other areas on the east side. Then, drive to the west side to experience Lake McDonald, Apgar Village, Huckleberry Lookout, and other areas on that side.
Reservations inside the park book quickly, but you can always check late to see if there have been any cancellations. If you can’t stay inside the park, look for lodging or camping in towns near each entrance.
Cell service at campgrounds inside of Glacier is often sketchy and sometimes non-existent so make sure you have important information and maps downloaded ahead of time.
East Side of Glacier
Where to camp or stay on the east side of Glacier National Park.
- Many Glacier Campground: NOTE: This campground is closed until mid-May 2026 for construction. Many Glacier is one of the most popular campgrounds in the park, with tent and RV camping. The campground has access to lots of popular day hikes in the park, and there are dump stations and potable water available. Reservations are required.
- St. Mary Campground: St. Mary is the largest campground on the east side of the park. It’s open year-round and is near the visitor center with its interpretive programs and shuttle tours. The campground has dump stations and showers during camping season. Reservations are required during the summer.
- Two Medicine Campground: Two Medicine Campground puts you near boat tours and Red Bus tours, along with lots of popular day hikes. There is a dump station and potable water, and each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Reservations are required.
- St. Mary / East Glacier KOA Holiday: The town of St. Mary is the eastern gateway to Glacier National Park. The KOA has more amenities than you’ll find at national park sites, including full hookups, a swimming pool, an espresso bar, pet-sitting, a grocery store, and more.
- Divide Creek Campground: Divide Creek has 7 RV sites that are somewhat primitive. There are no hookups. The campground has showers and is close to the St. Mary River and to Glacier.
While you’re on the east side of the park, there are lots of places to hike and watch for wildlife. Here are some of the best hikes for watching for wildlife on that side of Glacier.
Where to Go on the East Side
Here are some of the places that were commonly recommended by Reddit advisers where you can see wildlife.
| Name | Mileage | Animals You May See | Other Information |
| Going-to-the-Sun Road | 50-mile drive | mountain goats, bighorn sheep, bears, elk | Going-to-the-Sun Road is the main scenic route that connects the east and west sides of the park; Logan Pass is a great place to watch for mountain goats and sheep, while you might spot bears and elk from Wild Goose Island Overlook |
| Many Glacier Area | N/A | black and grizzly bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, elk, deer, pikas, marmots, bald eagles, ospreys, ptarmigans | The Many Glacier Area is often called the “Serengeti of North America” because of all the animals that roam there. Watch for wildlife in the meadows and forest areas, where they have good food sources. This is also a beautiful area for photographing wildlife |
| Grinnell Lake & Grinnell Glacier Trail | 7.8-mile hike; 10-mile hike | moose, bears; mountain goats, bighorn sheep | The Grinnell Lake Trail is a 7.8-mile, relatively flat hike to a scenic lake. The Grinnell Glacier Trail is more strenuous, with a 2,047-foot elevation gain. |
| Iceberg Lake Trail | 9.6-mile hike | black and grizzly bears | This trail has 1,459 feet of elevation gain. It ends at a beautiful lake that (as the name implies) has icebergs floating in the middle. Lots of hikers celebrate getting to the lake by taking a cold plunge into the frigid water. |
| Lake Josephine | 1.4-mile trail | moose | You can get to Lake Josephine from a paved footpath at the upper Swiftcurrent boat dock. You can take an easy walk around the lake, or pick up longer and more strenuous trails that connect to the lake trail. |
| Two Medicine Valley Trails | various | moose | This area has a variety of trails of different lengths you can hike and watch for wildlife. |
West Side of Glacier
Where to camp or stay on the west side of Glacier National Park.
- Apgar Campground: This is the largest campground at Glacier. You’ll find tent camping and camping for RVs up to 40 feet long here, and Lake McDonald is within walking distance. You’ll also find lots of hiking trails near this campground. There is a dump station, and there are free showers during the camping season. Reservations are required.
- Avalanche Campground: This campground allows tents and RVs up to 26 feet long. There are two popular day hikes near Avalanche, so it’s a good home base for hiking. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring, but there are no hookups or dump stations. Flush toilets are available in season. Avalanche requires reservations.
- Fish Creek Campground: This campground near Lake McDonald is for RV and tent campers. There is a dump station and seasonal showers, along with potable water. Reservations are required.
- Sprague Creek Campground: Sprague Creek is a small campground on Lake McDonald, and can accommodate tents and RVs up to 21 feet long. The campground has potable water, plus a picnic table and fire ring at each site. Reservations are required.
- West Glacier KOA Resort: This campground is less than three miles from the west entrance to Glacier. It has full hookups, a pool, a playground, laundry facilities, a convenience store, planned events, and more.
- Glacier Campground: Glacier Campground is just a mile from the park, and has water and electric hookups. The campground can accommodate RVs up to 32 feet long. There is a dump station available as well. The campground has laundry facilities, showers, a camp store, and is pet friendly.
Where to Go on the West Side
Here are some of the places that were commonly recommended by Reddit advisers where you can see wildlife on the west side of the park.
| Name | Mileage | Animals You May See | Other Information |
| John’s Lake Loop | 2-mile hike | moose | An easy hike without much elevation gain. You’ll pass Sacred Dancing Cascade and McDonald Falls |
| Hidden Lake Trail | 5.1-mile hike | moose, bears | This is a moderate trail, with 1,338 feet of elevation gain. It starts on the west side of the Logan Pass Visitor Center. Watch for moose near the lake |
| Mount Brown Lookout | 9.9-mile hike | mountain goats | This is a hard trail, with 4,232 feet of elevation gain. Mountain goats have been spotted on this trail, and one commenter said they were trying to get close to hikers to lick the salt off of their shoes and legs. |
| Apgar Area & McDonald Creek | N/A | bears, deer, river otters, osprey, bald eagles | Animals like the creek as a food and water ource, and the meadows near Apgar Village attract deer and bears. |
| Camas Road Corridor | 11-mile drive | bears, coyotes, elk, deer | This road is a quieter back road that heads toward the North Form area. There are forests and meadows where wildlife like to roam, looking for food. |
RV camping in Glacier National Park
RV camping in Glacier National Park is a great way to be close to wildlife. Some of the campgrounds, like Many Glacier and Two Medicine, are areas where wildlife congregate. You may even see them as you just go about your camping business!
Camping is also a wonderful option because it puts you closer than ever to the outdoors. You can open your RV door in the morning and you’re right out in nature. At night, you can sit around a campfire and enjoy an evening at the park.
Lots of the campgrounds at Glacier National Park do require reservations. Since this is a popular park, you’ll want to make those reservations as soon as you know your plans. The Flathead National Forest on the west side of the park also allows dispersed camping, so you can camp for free in some areas near the park.
Wildlife Safety
Of course, when you’re viewing or photographing wildlife, you want to make sure you’re doing so safely. Here are some tips to stay safe while you’re watching for wild animals at the park.
Make Noise
Most wild animals don’t want to encounter you up close any more than you want to get too close to them! But animals may attack when they’re feeling threatened or scared. Make plenty of noise as you walk to alert any animals in the area that you’re around and to prevent them being startled.
Hike in Groups and Stick Together
Hiking in groups is another way to alert animals to your presence. A larger group can also be more intimidating to an animal. If you’re hiking in a group, be sure to stick together. Not only are animals less likely to approach a large group, you’ll also have people on hand if someone hurts an ankle or is otherwise injured.
If you are exploring Glacier National Park with kids, make sure they stick close to you as well. Do not let kids run ahead on a trail by themselves.
Bring Bear Spray
Many Reddit posters recommend bringing bear spray on hikes. They note that it can be used on other animals besides simply bears, if needed. You can’t bring bear spray on a plane, but plenty of places near Glacier sell spray you can pick up. One Redditor recommended buying a pack of two so that if you have to use one, you have a backup to keep protecting you.
Carry your spray where you can grab it easily – don’t pack it in your backpack. You can also practice removing the safety tab and spraying. If you do this, practice well away from others (not at your campsite, for example!), and make sure no one, including yourself, is downwind when you try it out.
Use the Rule of Thumb
If you see an animal, follow the “Rule of Thumb.” Extend your arm all the way in front of you and give a thumbs-up. Put your thumb over the animal. If you can still see parts of the animal around your thumb, you need to move farther away.
Keep Pets on a Leash
Glacier National Park doesn’t allow pets on many trails, and it’s probably best to leave them at a kennel or in your motorhome during the day. If you are out where they are allowed, make sure they’re on a leash and that you have them under control. A wild animal can get scared by a barking dog and react aggressively.
Store Food Properly
Do not leave any food out at your campsite, and clean the camping area thoroughly after each meal. And it’s not just food that animals are attracted to. You’ll want to put away any smellables like toothpaste, sunscreen, lotion, and anything else with a scent.
If you have a hard-sided RV (not a pop-up trailer), you can store food and smellables in your RV. Make sure your windows and doors are closed and secured so bears can’t get in. Don’t leave anything that may have food smells on it, like grills or empty coolers, outdoors at your campsite. Put all of your trash in the bear-safe trash bins available at the park.
If you don’t want to put all of your food, coolers, or other items in your RV, or if you’re tent camping, most campgrounds also have bear boxes where you can store scented items.
Hopefully, this article has given you some valuable advice from fellow hikers and campers about how to see wildlife in Glacier National Park. If you can’t get a campground reservation, or you simply want to try somewhere less crowded, check out these alternatives to Glacier National Park. And if you’re looking for more Reddit advice, this article on Things Reddit Says About RVing to Yellowstone has lots of advice that applies to Glacier as well.
