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Complete Guide to a Dog-Friendly Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is one of the best recreation areas in the United States, but what if you want to share these epic views with your four-legged friends? While Glacier National Park has strict rules about where pets can go, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy this beautiful area with your dog. This guide will help you navigate pet policies, suggest nearby dog-friendly alternatives, and offer tips for accommodations, boarding, and more for dogs in Glacier National Park.
While bringing your dog to Glacier National Park requires some parameters, it is still worth the effort to relax at camp with your pup.
Let’s get into it!
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I’ve brought my dog Meatball to Glacier National Park with me three times(& counting) and used daycare and boarding on days I wanted to complete day hikes he was not allowed on.
Glacier National Park is one of the most scenic and rugged places, offering a diverse landscape of towering peaks, sparkling lakes, and lush forests. However, for the sake of wildlife preservation and ecosystem health, the park has restrictions on where pets can go.
Don’t let this deter you though — with some planning, you can still have a fantastic vacation with your dog by your side. This guide will break down everything you need to know to ensure a memorable and enjoyable trip with your furry companion while taking in the safety precautions.
Quick Guide to Visiting Glacier National Park
Before you can enjoy Glacier with your pup, you’ve got to plan your trip! Here are some important links for planning your dog-friendly adventure in Glacier:
- Getting There: The two airports that are popular for flying into include Whitefish, MT and Missoula, MT. Find affordable flights here.
- Getting Around: You will need a vehicle to get around. Many car rentals offer a bear spray rental!
- How Long to Visit: A worthy trip to Glacier can be anywhere from three days to a week. However long you’re visiting, you’ll have a great time!
- Where to Stay: There are 13 front country campgrounds in Glacier National Park that you can reserve on recreation.gov. Otherwise, you can book a hotel or home.
- Getting Into the Park: You will need an American the Beautiful Pass to enter Glacier National Park, which you can purchase here. In August, you will additionally need a vehicle reservation for Going-to-the-Sun Road via the West Entrance, Many Glacier, and North Fork.
- Dog Boarding: There are multiple dog boarders and day cares in surrounding cities. My favorite is Three Dog Ranch in Whitefish.
General Guidelines
No matter where you are in the park, keep in mind these important guidelines for bringing dogs:
- Leashes: Dogs must always be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
- Developed Areas Only: Dogs are allowed only in developed areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, and along paved roads.
- Waste Management: Always clean up after your dog and dispose of waste properly to keep the park clean and safe for all visitors.
- No Trails or Backcountry: Dogs are not allowed on hiking trails, in the backcountry, or in any of Glacier’s lakes, with the exception of boat launch areas.
Although Glacier National Park has limitations on where dogs can go, the developed areas offer enough room for you and your pet to enjoy the park’s stunning surroundings while ensuring that its delicate ecosystems and wildlife are protected.
Where Are Dogs Allowed in Glacier National Park?
While Glacier’s strict policies limit dog access, they are designed to protect the park’s pristine environment and wildlife. Here’s where you can bring your dog:
– Parking Areas and Developed Campgrounds: Dogs are allowed in any developed areas, including parking lots, picnic areas, along the road side, bike trails, and campgrounds.
– Along Roads: Leashed dogs are allowed along roads, including roads that are closed to vehicles. This means you can take your pup on scenic drives throughout the park.
– Short Walks: If you’re planning a short walk near your campsite or parking area, dogs can join you as long as they are leashed and stay on paved roads and developed trails.
Important to Note:
- Dogs are not permitted on hiking trails, in backcountry areas, in lakes, or on beaches within the park boundaries (except for boat launches).
- Your pet must always be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
- It’s essential to clean up after your dog, even in developed areas, to maintain the park’s cleanliness and ecological health.
Dog Boarding & Dog Daycare Near Glacier National Park
Since dogs are restricted from most areas of Glacier, you may want to explore nearby options for dog boarding or daycare while you enjoy the park’s hiking trails. Here are great spots for dog daycare and boarding close to Glacier National Park:
- Three Dog Ranch (Whitefish): A little bit of a drive from the west entrance of Glacier National Park, this is my favorite dog border. They offer daycare, boarding, and spa days for your pup! They’re affordable and provide a safe environment for your dog to play all day while you take in the great views of Glacier.
- Glacier K9 Resort & Spa (Columbia Falls): A highly-rated boarding facility offering spacious kennels, supervised play areas, and pampering for dogs. You can enjoy your hike while knowing your dog is in safe hands.
- Tailwaggers Pet Resort (Kalispell): Offering daycare, boarding, and grooming services, Tailwaggers Pet Resort provides a fun environment for your dog to play and relax. They have excellent reviews for attentive care and individualized attention.
- Mountain View Pet Lodge (Kalispell): Known for its large outdoor spaces and cozy indoor kennels, Mountain View Pet Lodge provides a homey environment for dogs. They also offer daycare services if you’re planning a day hike.
- Wag’n Tails Pet Resort (Whitefish): With friendly staff and a reputation for excellent service, Wag’n Tails Pet Resort offers both boarding and daycare options. Dogs enjoy comfortable accommodations and plenty of playtime.
I enjoy using Dog Boarding instead of a pet sitter so I can be in close proximity to my dog in case there is an emergency. I’ve used both Dog Boarding and Dog Daycare at Three Dog Ranch in Whitefish.
Whatever you feel is best for the well-being of your pet is up to you! Bringing your dog to the Glacier National Park has limitations if you’re tent camping.
Dog-Friendly Hikes & Parks Around Glacier National Park
While Glacier may limit where your dog can be, there are several nearby hikes and parks that welcome pets. Here are a few dog-friendly alternatives just outside of the park:
- Flathead National Forest: Bordering Glacier National Park, Flathead National Forest offers several dog-friendly trails with spectacular views. Most National Forests allow dogs!
- Hungry Horse Reservoir: This area is great for hikes and offers scenic views. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash.
- Lion Lake Trail: A short, easy hike near Hungry Horse with dog-friendly access to the lake.
- Whitefish Trail (Whitefish): This trail system offers over 40 miles of multi-use trails, many of which are dog-friendly. The views of Whitefish Lake and the surrounding mountains are breathtaking, and the trails are varied enough to suit all levels of hikers.
- Swan River Nature Trail (Bigfork): This 2.5-mile out-and-back trail follows the Swan River and is perfect for an easy walk with your dog. The trail is well-maintained and offers plenty of shade on a hot day.
- Herron Park (Kalispell): This park features hiking trails and wide open spaces for dogs to run off-leash in certain areas.
- Tally Lake (Whitefish): For water-loving dogs, Tally Lake is a great spot to visit. There’s a day-use area where leashed dogs are welcome to join you on lakeside picnics and swims.
Dog-Friendly Hotels Near Glacier National Park
Finding a place to stay with your dog near Glacier National Park is easy, as many hotels and lodges in the area are pet-friendly. Here are some lodging options to consider:
- Grouse Mountain Lodge (Whitefish): This upscale lodge welcomes dogs and offers amenities like dog beds and treats. It’s located just a short drive from Glacier, making it convenient for park visits.
- Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge (Whitefish): This offers pet-friendly hotel rooms.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton (Kalispell): Located a bit farther from the park, Homewood Suites is pet-friendly and provides spacious accommodations perfect for people with dogs.
- Glacier Park Lodge (East Glacier): While it’s an iconic lodge inside the park, Glacier Park Lodge offers pet-friendly rooms in designated areas. Just be mindful of the park’s restrictions when bringing your dog. It is challenging to get a room here during peak season.
- Cedar Creek Lodge & Conference Center (Columbia Falls): This pet-friendly lodge is located near the west entrance of Glacier and offers easy access to the park and surrounding dog-friendly areas.
- LOGE Glacier: A new hotel fit for adventure and your pup! This is a favorite place to stay for me and my dog! This spot is located between the West and East entrances.
For a comprehensive look at where to stay near Glacier National Park, check out my post here!
Service Dogs in Glacier National Park: What You Need to Know
Glacier National Park, like all national parks, follows federal regulations when it comes to service animals. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are permitted to accompany their owners in areas where pets are typically restricted. A service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to perform tasks or do work directly related to a person’s disability, whether it’s physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or another mental disability.
In Glacier National Park, service dogs are allowed in places where their owner goes, including park trails, backcountry areas, and inside buildings. This is because service dogs are considered essential to helping individuals manage the effects of a disability, from mobility issues to mental health conditions.
However, it’s important to understand that emotional support animals, therapy animals, and other animals that provide comfort or companionship do not qualify as service dogs under the ADA. Emotional support animals, which help individuals with anxiety or other mental disabilities, and therapy animals, which provide comfort in settings like hospitals or schools, are not granted the same access rights as service dogs. Therefore, they are subject to the same restrictions as pets and are not allowed on trails or in the backcountry of Glacier National Park.
When visiting the park with a service dog, you do not need to provide documentation or “proof” that your dog is a service animal. However, park rangers or staff may ask two specific questions if the need arises:
1) Is the dog required because of a disability?
2) What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? You are not required to provide details about your disability or the exact nature of your dog’s training.
While service dogs have broader access, it’s still essential for their owners to maintain control of them at all times. This means keeping the dog on a leash no longer than 6 feet, ensuring the dog does not disturb wildlife or other visitors, and cleaning up after the dog in all areas of the park.
Why Dogs Are Not Allowed in Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park has strict rules that limit dog access to protect the park’s fragile ecosystems, wildlife, and the overall visitor experience. The decision to restrict dogs from certain areas, including trails and backcountry zones, is rooted in the importance of preserving the park’s natural habitat and safeguarding its wild inhabitants.
Impact on Wildlife
Glacier is home to a diverse array of animals, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, elk, and countless bird species. These animals rely on the park’s protected environment to thrive, and the presence of dogs can disrupt their natural behaviors. Even the scent of a dog can be alarming to wildlife, triggering stress responses or altering movement patterns, which can interfere with foraging, mating, and rearing young. This includes local wildlife life, such as bighorn sheep, black bears, and mule deer.
Well-Being of Your Pet
If a dog were to encounter a bear, mountain lion, or moose, the situation could escalate into aggression, putting the pet, the wildlife, and even the dog’s owner in danger. The wildlife’s defensive actions could lead to injury or worse for both the dog and the wild animals involved.
Protecting the Surrounding Area
Dogs can inadvertently damage the park’s sensitive natural habitat. Glacier National Park contains unique plant species and delicate ecosystems that are easily disturbed by off-trail wandering, digging, or waste left behind by dogs. In a park that is visited by millions each year, allowing dogs on trails could exacerbate these impacts and contribute to long-term ecological damage.
Prevent Disease
Another important concern is disease transmission. Dogs can introduce non-native diseases or parasites into the park, which can spread to wildlife populations. Conversely, dogs can also pick up diseases from wildlife, such as ticks carrying Lyme disease or parasites found in animal droppings, which could endanger their health.
Park Experience
As much as it pains me to say, dogs can negatively affect the experiences of other park visitors. Glacier National Park is meant to be a place of peace, solitude, and immersion in nature. The presence of dogs, especially those who are not well-trained or who bark frequently, can diminish the serene environment that many visitors come to enjoy. For people who are afraid of dogs or allergic to them, encountering pets on trails could also cause discomfort or anxiety.
Glacier National Park’s policy of restricting dogs from trails and backcountry areas is crucial to protecting the park’s delicate wildlife, ecosystems, and the quality of the visitor experience.
Where Can You Bring Your Dog in Glacier National Park
While Glacier National Park has strict restrictions regarding dogs, there are still areas where you and your furry friend can explore together. Dogs are permitted in developed areas, including campgrounds, picnic areas, and along paved roads, allowing you to enjoy some of the park’s beauty without venturing onto the trails. Below is a breakdown of specific areas throughout the park where dogs are allowed.
West Glacier Area
- Apgar Village & Apgar Campground: Located near the park’s western entrance, Apgar Village is one of the most dog-friendly spots in Glacier. You can walk your dog through the village, Apgar bike path, and around the picnic areas, provided they remain on a leash. The adjacent Apgar Campground and Fish Creek Campground also welcome dogs in developed areas, making it a convenient spot for dog owners staying overnight.
- McDonald Creek Area: Dogs are permitted in parking lots and paved areas along McDonald Creek, near Lake McDonald.
- West Glacier Entrance Area: Around the West Glacier entrance, dogs are welcome to accompany you on leashed walks through the parking lots and nearby developed areas.
East Glacier Area
- St. Mary Entrance Area: At the eastern entrance to Glacier National Park, dogs are allowed in the developed areas near the St. Mary Visitor Center, parking lots, and along paved roads. You and your dog can walk around the grounds, enjoying the stunning views of St. Mary Lake and the surrounding mountains.
- Rising Sun Campground: Near St. Mary, the Rising Sun Campground offers a dog-friendly environment for those camping with pets.
Many Glacier Area
- Many Glacier Campground & Developed Areas: Though dogs cannot join you on the breathtaking hikes that the Many Glacier area is known for, they are allowed in the developed areas, such as the Many Glacier Campground.
- Swiftcurrent Motor Inn Area: The area surrounding the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn is also dog-friendly in terms of developed spaces. This includes paved roads and parking lots.
Two medicine Area
- Two Medicine Campground & Picnic Area: The Two Medicine area is one of Glacier’s most serene and picturesque spots. Dogs are allowed in the developed areas of the Two Medicine Campground and picnic area. You can walk your dog around the paved roads and parking lots, enjoying views of Two Medicine Lake and the surrounding peaks.
Bowman Lake Area
- Bowman Lake Campground & Developed Areas: The Bowman Lake area, located in the northwestern part of Glacier National Park, is a quieter and more remote section of the park. Dogs are allowed in the developed areas around Bowman Lake, including the campground and picnic spots. You can bring your dog along on leashed walks through the parking lots, around the campground, and along the shorelines of Bowman Lake, but they must remain in these designated areas and cannot access hiking trails or the backcountry.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I hike with my dog in Glacier National Park?
Unfortunately, no. Dogs are not allowed on any trails within Glacier National Park to protect wildlife and ensure the safety of both animals and people. However, there are dog-friendly hikes outside of the park, such as in the Flathead National Forest, Waterton lakes National Park, and other nearby areas.
2. What should I do with my dog while I explore Glacier National Park?
There are several dog boarding and daycare facilities near the park, such as Three Dogs Ranch, Glacier K9 Resort & Spa, and Tailwaggers Pet Resort, where your dog can play and relax while you explore the park.
3. Are there any dog-friendly campgrounds near Glacier National Park?
Yes! Almost all of the 13 frontcountry campgrounds outside of Glacier National Park welcome dogs. However, within Glacier itself, dogs are only allowed in developed campgrounds and must be kept on a leash at all times.
4. What should I bring for my dog during the trip?
Pack essentials like a leash, waste bags, plenty of water, a portable bowl, and a dog first-aid kit. If you’re planning to leave your dog at a boarding facility, bring along familiar items like their favorite blanket or toy to ease their stay as well as enough dog food for the entirety of their stay.
5. Are there any leash laws I should be aware of?
Yes, in both Glacier National Park and surrounding dog-friendly areas, your dog must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Even in off-leash parks, it’s wise to bring a leash in case you encounter other dogs or wildlife.
Pack It Up
Glacier National Park, often called the “Crown of the Continent,” is a breathtaking expanse of rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and ancient glaciers. Located in northern Montana, this iconic national park offers visitors an unparalleled chance to experience the wild beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Whether you’re driving along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, hiking one of the park’s many trails, or simply soaking in the scenic vistas, Glacier provides endless opportunities for adventure and inspiration. With its diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and stunning landscapes, Glacier National Park is a true gem of the American wilderness, perfect for nature lovers seeking both serenity and adventure.
Traveling with your dog to Glacier National Park may require a little extra planning, but with so many dog-friendly hikes, parks, and accommodations nearby, it’s entirely possible to have a rewarding trip together. Whether you’re exploring the stunning wilderness of Flathead National Forest or relaxing in a pet-friendly lodge after a day of adventure, Glacier and its surrounding areas provide ample opportunities for you and your dog to create lasting memories.
Enjoy your trip, and remember to respect the rules and natural beauty that make this area so special!
Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
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Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
