- Destinations, Hiking
What to Wear Hiking in Glacier National Park in August
Glacier National Park is one of the best National Parks in the United States, and visiting this park in August offers unparalleled adventure. Glacier offers towering peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife, making for an unforgettable trip. However, the park’s unpredictable weather and varying trail conditions can make preparing for hikes challenging. Knowing what to wear hiking in Glacier National Park in August will ensure you’re comfortable, protected, and ready to tackle the breathtaking trails of Glacier!
The time of year that you visit Glacier National Park will significantly alter your experience. The summer months in Glacier offer sunny days; at high elevations, the weather conditions can change quickly.
This guide will share everything you need to know about what to wear hiking in Glacier in August to be prepared!
Let’s get into it!
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In this post, I will share everything you need to stay comfortable and safe hiking in Glacier National Park in August!
Here is what you can look forward to in this post:
- Why Visit Glacier National Park in August
- What is the average temperature and rainfall in Glacier National Park in August
- What to Wear Hiking in August at Glacier
- Hiking Gear to Pack for Glacier National Park Vacations
If you’re ready, let’s get into it!
Quick Guide to Visiting Glacier National Park
Before you can start packing for your trip to Glacier National Park in August, here are some quick links for you to help with trip planning.
- 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 personal 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!
- Travel Insurance: Protect your travel plans with Travel Insurance in case of an emergancy!
- 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 this amazing glamping experience!
- 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.
Why Visit Glacier National Park in August?
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is known as the “Crown of the Continent” for its stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Established in 1910, the park spans over 1,600 square miles and includes parts of two mountain ranges, more than 130 named lakes, and over 1,000 different species of plants. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and mountain goats. One of the park’s most famous features is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a scenic drive that offers spectacular views and access to many of the park’s key attractions, such as Logan Pass and the St. Mary area.
August is one of the best times to visit Glacier National Park. The weather is warm, the skies are clear, and all the park’s facilities and trails are open. This is the peak season for visitors, and for good reason.
The park’s stunning landscapes, from its towering mountains to its pristine lakes, are at their most accessible and enjoyable. Wildlife is abundant, and you have the best chance of seeing wildlife like mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose and even bears.
Average Temperature & Weather in Glacier NP in August
In August, Glacier National Park experiences some of its most pleasant weather.
Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (around 23-28°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to the 40s (4-9°C). This means you’ll enjoy warm days perfect for hiking and exploring, but you’ll need layers for the cooler evenings.
Rain is less common in August, but it’s always wise to be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially in the mountains. By late August, weather conditions are more representative of typical fall weather as rain increases.
Average Temp. & Rainfall in Glacier National Park Year-ROund
Glacier National Park is spectacular regardless of the time of year, but for planning purposes, check out the average temperatures and rain and snowfall each month.
Types of Clothes to Pack & Why
When packing for Glacier National Park in August, think “layers and versatility”.
Here’s a list of essentials:
- Base Layers: Lightweight, moisture-wicking shirts and underwear to keep you dry and comfortable.
- Mid Layers: Fleece or lightweight down jackets for warmth during cooler mornings and evenings. Long sleeves are perfect for the varying conditions. The mid-layer is going to help contain your body heat.
- Outer Layers: A waterproof and windproof jacket is crucial, as weather can change rapidly.
- Bottoms: Convertible hiking long pants are great for changing temperatures. Shorts are also helpful for warmer days.
- Rain Gear: Bring rainproof outerwear. Bring a lightweight rain jacket, pants, and waterproof footwear.
- Hiking Shoes: Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support and sturdy sole are a must. Bring comfortable sandals or sneakers for casual wear. Trail runners are great if you’re used to hiking in rocky conditions already. Otherwise, I would recommend boots.
- Accessories: A wide-brimmed hat for sun protection, sunglasses, a warm hat, and a buff or bandana for versatility.
At higher elevations, bad weather can move in quickly. There are strong winds, cooler temperatures, and higher UV at high elevations. Whether you’re doing a day hike or going on a backpacking trip in August, make sure you’re packing extra layers.
Base Layers
My favorite base layers have plenty of options depending on how much coverage you need.
Mid Layers
Mid-layers can be anything from a fleece to a lightweight down jacket. For hiking in Glacier in August, I brought these two Mid Layers.
Outer Layers
For outer layers, I brought a lightweight rain jacket.
Packable Black Diamond Stormline Stretch for Unpredictable Weather
Hiking Shoes
I brought three pairs of shoes for my visit to Glaicer in August, but these are the two I hiked in!
Sturdy enough to hike in and comfortable enough for swimming and walking around town, I love my Teva Hurricanes!
Botoms
Hiking bottoms can be very personal to your comfort level. Here are some hiking bottoms to consider!
Beyond Yoga Bike Shorts have become one of my favorite shorts for hiking! They’re lightweight and breathable.
Athleta Salutation Stash Leggings have been my go-to leggings for years. In fact, I have had the same pair for years!
I hope some of my favorites meet your personal needs!
Hiking Gear to Pack for Glacier in August
For hiking in Glacier National Park, you’ll need some specific gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.::
- Entry Permit: For entry, you will need an America the Beautiful Permit. You can purchase one here!
- Day Pack: A comfortable backpack with a rain cover to carry your essentials. I carry the Osprey Tempest 20.
- Hydration System: A water bladder or water bottle to stay hydrated. Aim for at least 2 liters per person.
- Navigation Tools: A map, compass, and GPS device.
- First Aid Kit: Basic supplies for minor injuries. Grab one here!
- Trekking Poles: Helpful for stability on uneven terrain. My favorite are the Black Diamond Alpine Trekking Poles.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and a sun hat.
- Insect Repellent: To keep the bugs at bay.
- Snacks: High-energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and fruit.
- Bear Spray: Glacier NP is bear country, and it is required to carry bear spray.
Keep in Mind When Packing
When packing up your gear and choosing your hiking clothes, there are a couple of things to keep in mind:
- Length of Your Hike: Do you have the correct equipment and layers for the length of your hike? Will you have what you need if something goes wrong?
- Personal Needs: Do you have snacks, enough water, extra socks, medications?
- Check Trail Conditions: You can contact the National Park Service for trail conditions to determine what you’re getting into, especially if the trail is muddy or still covered in snow.
Favorite Day Hikes & Backpacking Trips in Glacier in August
- Hidden Lake Overlook: This 2.8-mile round trip trail that starts in Logan Pass Visitor Center offers breathtaking views of Hidden Lake and the surrounding mountains at the Continental Divide. It is a relatively easy hike with a combination of boardwalk and gravel, making it accessible for most visitors.
- Grinnell Glacier: The trailhead for Grinnell Glacier begins in the Many Glacier on the east side of the park. At almost 10 miles roundtrip, this is considered a moderate trail in the park. The trail is typically covered in snow in early summer but should be clear by August.
- Highline Trail: Arguably the most popular trail in Glacier, Highline Trail is stunning. Begin at Logan Pass in West Glacier for breathtaking views of the park’s rugged terrain. You can hike as far as you like before turning around, or you can walk the entire 12.0-mile trail one way! For an even more spectacular hike, complete the Grinnell Glacier Overlook off-shoot via the Garden Wall.
- Cracker Lake: Cracker Lake is a popular backpacking trail in Many Glacier, but it is also one of the longer day hikes. The trail can be done as an overnight or day hike! The trailhead is located in the parking lot of the Many Glacier Hotel.
Pack It Up
Wearing weather and activity-specific clothing is a good idea no matter what you do, but in Glacier National Park, it is extremely important. Rainy Days in Glacier can quickly become dangerous when summer thunderstorms roll in.
Wearing the right layers for the time of year that you visit Glacier will help keep you safe on the great hikes that Glacier has to offer. While the “right” clothes don’t change very much from late June to early July, August weather can be unpredictable at times. August in Glacier has hot days but it also has cold, rainy days. It is important to be prepared.
I hope this blog post helps you create a packing list that helps you enjoy the over 700 miles of hiking trails in Glacier!
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.
