Are Dogs Allowed In Glacier National Park? + Dog Friendly Hikes & Hotels

If you’re planning a trip to Glacier National Park with your dog, you might be surprised (and maybe a little disappointed) to find out that pups aren’t allowed on most of the park’s trails.

Don’t worry though, there are plenty of beautiful options where dogs are allowed (and even encouraged!) as long as they’re leashed.

I spent a few weeks in Glacier recently and found many great dog friendly hikes in and near the park. Since I travel full-time in my campervan, I have the luxury of traveling slowly and discovering the best spots – so I’m sharing them with you!

In This Article:

• Where dogs are/aren’t allowed in Glacier National Park
• Dog friendly hikes in Glacier (and nearby)
• Dog daycare and boarding near Glacier NP
• Safety tips for hiking with dogs in bear country

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Are Dogs Allowed In Glacier National Park?

The quick answer: dogs aren’t allowed on any Glacier National Park hikes. That includes all backcountry trails, alpine routes, undeveloped lakeshores, and backcountry roads. Your pup can’t go inside park buildings either.

But it’s not all bad news. There are plenty of options for visiting Glacier National Park with dogs!

Where are they allowed? Dogs can be with you in paved areas like parking lots, front-country campgrounds, picnic spots, and along the paved bike path between Apgar and West Glacier (I walked this path a lot with my dog). And they must be leashed at all times.

READ MORE: A complete guide to Glacier National Park lodging, including pet-friendly options.

Things To Do That Are Dog Friendly In Glacier National Park

Is it worth it to visit Glacier National park with a dog? I think so! I did and it was possible to fill my Glacier National Park itinerary with lots of dog friendly activities.

Explore Apgar Village
There are many shops and some restaurants (with outdoor seating!) in this part of the park, and it’s right along the water so it’s a convenient way to spend an evening with your dog in Glacier!

Go for a boat ride on Lake McDonald
Dogs are allowed in boats (but not in the water). There are several boat rental options in Apgar Village, Lake McDonald Lodge and Many Glacier.

Walk around West Glacier
West Glacier is similar to Apgar Village. It’s located just outside of the park entrance, so it’s technically not National Park land. There’s a few shops and some restaurants (also with lots of outdoor seating!) and there’s a dog friendly, paved bike path that connects West Glacier to the amenities in Apgar Village.

Drive Going To The Sun Road
Dogs are allowed to be in your vehicle in the park (as long as you’re with them!) Enjoy an afternoon driving along Going To The Sun Road and checking out the stops and overlooks.

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to do any of the hikes along GTTSR, but there is still plenty to see and enjoy!

Hikes For Dogs In Glacier National Park

While Glacier itself isn’t the most dog-friendly place to hike, the surrounding area is packed with scenic trails where you and your dog are totally welcome!

This guide will help you understand where dogs are (and aren’t) allowed, and steer you toward some of the best dog friendly hikes near Glacier National Park.

1. Swift Creek Loop (Whitefish)

This shaded forest trail follows along Swift Creek and is a peaceful, easy hike near Glacier just outside of Whitefish. There’s an optional extension to Smith Lake, which is around 4.5 miles total.

This trail tends to be far less crowded than the hikes in Glacier National Park, and is perfect if your dog likes water!

TIP: Bring bug spray in early summer. The mosquitoes can be persistent on this trail.

2. Flathead Lookout (Jewel Basin)

Flathead Lookout is an easy hike located in Jewel Basin – one of the most beautiful hiking areas in Flathead National Forest. For this reason, it can get extremely busy later in the day so I highly recommend hitting the trail in the morning when parking is still possible!

This area is known for gorgeous views, wildflowers, and alpine lakes so it’s very similar to hiking in Glacier National Park… except dogs are allowed here!

TIP: If you’re driving up from Bozeman to Glacier National Park this is a convenient stop along the way.

3. Stanton Lake (Flathead National Forest)

The trail to Stanton Lake is just outside of Glacier National Park borders, so you can expect some very similar stunning scenery on this hike. In fact, I think this is a great alternative to Avalanche Lake trail if you’re looking for a hike you can do with your dog!

The trailhead is along Rt-2, which is the major road following the southern border of Glacier and connecting the east and west sides.

The first mile of this hike has a fairly stead incline, then it starts to level out. Your dog can swim in Stanton Lake, too! It’s chilly, but not the coldest alpine lake I’ve been to.

4. Holland Falls (Flathead National Forest)

One of the prettiest lake-to-waterfall hikes in the area. Holland Falls is a great alternative to the waterfalls in Glacier National Park if you want to hike with your dog!

It’s a gentle climb along the shoreline of Holland Lake, ending at a beautiful waterfall. Most of the elevation along this path is the final half mile to the falls.

Unfortunately, my dog doesn’t know he’s supposed to be a breed that loves water. It takes a lot of encouragement and a swim buddy to get him in a lake.

If your dog actually likes water this is a great trail for them with tons of opportunity to splash around and cool off.

TIP: There are several campgrounds in this area, and it’s a great alternative if camping in Glacier National Park is fully booked.

5. Morrell Falls (Lolo National Forest)

This is another really pretty and dog friendly hike near Glacier National Park. It’s a fairly easy 5.5 miles to the base of an impressive waterfall. You can also hike off leash with your dog for a portion of this trail.

6. Lion Mountain Trail (Whitefish)

If you’re staying near Whitefish this is a really convenient and dog friendly hike that isn’t too far from Glacier National Park. It’s an easy loop trail through pine forest, so it’s nice and shady. Halfway through you’ll get great views of Whitefish Lake.

Glacier National Park Dog Safety Tips

There are some really important safety tips to consider before visiting Glacier National Park with dogs. Of course, these apply to areas around Glacier as well!

Bear Country Basics

You’re in grizzly country, and that means extra precautions. Always carry bear spray and know how to use it. (The know how to use it part is crucial, but so many people overlook it!)

TIP: Most hotels or vacation rentals offer bear spray rentals (because you can’t fly with it, and it’s expensive to buy just for one trip). There are also locations in Apgar Village and nearby towns that offer rentals.

Make noise on the trail so you don’t accidentally surprise a bear. A collar that jingles is not always enough. I also attach a bell to my dog for extra precaution. You can also clap, sing, and talk loudly to your hiking buddy.

Keep your dog leashed and close to you. Off-leash dogs can surprise a bear, then instinctively run back to you, bringing a startled bear with them. That’s not the kind of wildlife encounter you want.

Leashes are for your dogs safety, even if it doesn’t seem like it! They aren’t just meant to prevent your dog from running off, they’re also a good tool for thwarting wildlife attacks. Even perfectly behaved dogs will benefit from a leash.

I have a friend who lives in Canada and had an encounter with a lone wolf while backpacking with her dog. She (and the ranger who she spoke with after) are convinced the only reason her dog was not attacked is because the leash kept him close enough to her the wolf didn’t have an easy target.

TIP: Early morning and dusk are when wildlife is most active. Try to avoid those times if you’re hiking with your dog in Glacier National Park.

Pack the Essentials

Be prepared. Bring a leash, waste bags, a collapsible water bowl, and plenty of water. Some of these trails are remote, and you might not find clean water sources along the way.

Booties can help protect your dog’s paws on rocky or hot surfaces. And always check for ticks after the hike. Check out my pet travel essentials list on Amazon.

TIP: Download trail maps before you go. Cell service is limited in many of these areas.

Check out these additional articles for the best pet gear and safety tips for traveling with a dog (from someone who’s done it for 4+ y ears!):

• RV Pet Temperature Monitors
• Best Portable Dog Fence For Camping
• The Best GPS Dog Collar For Travelers
• Van Life With a Dog: My Tips, Challenges, And Essentials

Why Aren’t Dogs Allowed In Glacier National Park?

There are two primary reasons why dogs are not allowed in Glacier National Park.

First, it’s about protecting wildlife. Glacier is home to some pretty big characters like grizzly bears, mountain goats, and moose, and dogs can trigger defensive or aggressive behavior in these animals.

The scent and presence of dogs can also disrupt native wildlife, especially in sensitive backcountry habitats.

And finally, it’s about safety for your dog and for other visitors. Narrow trails (like Highline Trail), steep drop-offs, and unpredictable wildlife encounters can create risky situations for pets and their humans.

So while Glacier National Park’s pet policy may seem strict, it’s there to keep everyone (including your dog) safe and sound.

Final Thoughts on Hiking With Dogs In Glacier National Park

Glacier might not be the most pup-friendly destination when it comes to trails, but that doesn’t mean you and your dog have to sit this trip out. With so many beautiful hikes just beyond the park borders, you’ll still get your Montana mountain fix.

Happy hiking!