Wildlife in Glacier National Park
Visit the Glacier National Park website for updates on closures and park information.
Tips on Where to Go and What Animals to Look For
The wildlife in Glacier National Park is phenomenal to see, but when you arrive at Glacier Park be prepared to work hard for your animal sightings. The dense coniferous forests and rocky terrain makes viewing wildlife a challenge.
Often, visitors arrive from Yellowstone National Park with stories of seeing an abundance of grizzly bears, moose, bison, and other creatures. Yellowstone is a wondrous park to see wildlife because of the vast open prairies. Glacier National Park offers many hiding places for animals, so wildlife sightseeing becomes a fun travel game as you traverse the Going to the Sun Road and trek around other areas in Glacier.
From the grizzly bear and black bear to the bighorn sheep and mountain goats, here are the best places to see wildlife as you drive through Glacier National Park:
Logan Pass: Logan Pass is the highest elevated point along the Going to the Sun Road. This must-see stopping point offers stunning mountain views, world-class hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Look for mountain goats at Oberlin Bend, bighorn sheep on the scree fields of Pollock Mountain, and marmots in the prairies leading to Hidden Lake.
Two Medicine: On the East Side of Glacier National Park, only 25 minutes north of East Glacier off Highway 49 (Looking Glass Highway), is Two Medicine. Keep an eye out for grizzly bear and moose. While you’re there take in the extraordinary mountain and lake views.
Many Glacier: Many Glacier in Glacier National Park is a majestic location for wildlife viewing, mountain sightseeing, and historic lodge touring. Watch for grizzly bear on the prairies below Apikuni Mountain and moose around Swiftcurrent Lake.
Goat Lick: While traveling on US Highway 2 (route between East Glacier and West Glacier), stop at Goat Lick Overlook located 5 minutes east of Essex. Mountain goats frequent Goat Lick because of the abundance of salt and minerals present in the exposed bedrock. Remember your binoculars!
Two Dog Flats: A few minutes from Rising Sun Motor Inn is Two Dog Flats. Grizzly bear often visits this large meadow during summer. During spring and fall, check out the herds of elk feeding during the morning hours.
Bison Paddock: Bison Paddock Loop in Waterton Lakes National Park offers a place to view a small herd of enclosed bison in their natural habitat.
North Fork Road: Wolves are one of the most elusive animals in Glacier National Park. Driving up the North Fork Road or near the Huckleberry Nature Trail may afford you a quick peek of the timber wolf.
Lake McDonald: Lake McDonald rests on the west side of Glacier National Park. All along the lake and near Lake McDonald Lodge, watch for black bear, mule deer, white-tailed deer, Columbian ground squirrel, and wolverine.
Moose Country: Near Sacred Dancing Cascade lies a marshy meadow known to the locals as Moose Country. Early mornings and late evenings can be the best time to view cows and their calves.
Fun Fact: Glacier National Park has more than 260 bird species. Look up and watch for bald eagles, northern hawk owls, ospreys, red-tailed hawks and ptarmigans while you’re out trekking around Glacier Park.
Safety Tip: Be sure to keep a safe distance from all animals in Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park. Do not get out of your vehicle and do not approach any animals. Do not feed the animals or harass them in any way. For moose, elk, sheep, and goats keep a distance of 75 feet, for bears keep a distance of 300 feet. Use a telephoto lens to capture up-close wildlife photography.
Are you unsure about the location of Moose Country or Two Dog Flats? Or, are you interested in more fun facts about Glacier National Park? Stop by a visitor center in Glacier National Park and chat with a park ranger. Glacier Park rangers are knowledgeable and very helpful in planning a wildlife sightseeing adventure.
Our RV Park is conveniently located less than 10 miles from the entrance of Glacier National Park in Hungry Horse, Montana. Mountain Meadow RV Park offers a comfortable place to rest and relax after a day of exploring and wildlife viewing in Glacier National Park.