Going-to-the-Sun Road (Part 1)

The main developed part of Glacier is traversed by the Going-to-the-Sun Road, widely considered one of the best scenic drives in North America. We cover this amazing road in three sections. Part 1 runs from the West Entrance to Lake McDonald Lodge. It is covered below. For the next part, from Lake McDonald Lodge to Logan Pass, see Going-to-the-Sun Road Part 2.

Mile 0 – West Entrance

Just beyond the small town of West Glacier, the entrance sign welcomes you to Glacier National Park. At 0.3 mile is the road to the park’s offices, and the official entrance station is at 0.5 miles beyond the sign.

Mile 0.8 – Apgar Lookout & Glacier Institute

A side road leading to the Apgar Lookout Trail and the Glacier Institute is on the left.

Mile 1.6 – Camas Road & Apgar Transit

Here the road arrives at a four way intersection. To the left is the Camas Road, which leads toward some of the more wild and remote areas of the park. The Fish Creek Campground, shown at left, is a short drive down this road. Straight ahead is the Apgar Transit Center, where the shuttles can be boarded in summer. To the right is the continuation of the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Mile 2.5 – Apgar Village

A road to the left leads to Apgar Village. This is a major developed area near the shore of Lake McDonald, offering a visitor center, a campground (at left), restaurants, shops, and lodging.

Mile 3.5 – Lake McDonald

The first of several opportunities to pull off the road along the shore of Lake McDonald is on the left. The beautiful Lake McDonald can be seen along a long section of the road.

Mile 9.8 – Sprague Creek Campground

Sprague Creek Campground is on the left. This campground is on the shore of Lake McDonald and is very popular, often filling up before any other campground on the west side.

Mile 10.7 – Lake McDonald Lodge

A road to the left leads to a large parking area and Lake McDonald Lodge. See Glacier Lodging for more information.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road Continues On

For the next part, from Lake McDonald Lodge to Logan Pass, see Going-to-the-Sun Road Part 2.