We made it to the fun part—location planning! This exclusive guide includes images of my go-to Glacier National Park spots, with two photos of each location to help spark inspiration. These are places I regularly use with clients, and I’ve organized them by area within the park to keep things simple.
As you explore, keep in mind that some locations are best suited for certain times of day or seasons, and a few may not be ideal for young children due to safety concerns (think fast-moving water, steep ledges, etc.). My goal in sharing this with you is to get a sense of what you’re visually drawn to so I can factor it into your session/elopement—while also considering lighting, accessibility, crowds, and overall safety.
Protecting the Park : Leave No Trace
As we plan your session in Glacier, it’s important to talk about Leave No Trace—a set of principles that help protect the natural spaces we all love. These seven guidelines are all about enjoying the outdoors responsibly and minimizing our impact on the environment:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
(© 1999 by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics — www.LNT.org)
Before your photos with me, I’ll help you feel prepared to follow these principles—things like sticking to established trails, leaving natural objects as they are, packing out anything you bring in, and knowing what to do if we encounter wildlife.
By practicing Leave No Trace, we’re not just protecting Glacier for today—we’re helping ensure these stunning landscapes remain just as wild and beautiful for years to come. That way, whether you return for an anniversary shoot or just to visit, it’ll still feel as magical as the day you first came to visit.
West Glacier/Apgar Regions
BLUE locations on the map above
Lake McDonald Dock
Highlights of the location: lakeshore, mountain views
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: No dogs, other than the parking lot
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: yes, during peak season
Parking: plenty in the area
This location is pretty busy during peak season, and often requires flexibility waiting for a chance to take photos on the dock.
APGAR DAY USE AREA
Highlights of the location: lakeshore, mountain views, fall colors
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle, some uneven ground
Dog Friendly: No dogs, other than the parking lot
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: yes
Parking: plenty in the area
This location is not ideal during high water levels (mid-late June)
Fish Creek Day-use AREA
Highlights of the location: lakeshore, mountain views, creek
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle, stairs, and some uneven ground
Dog Friendly: No dogs, other than the parking lot
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: yes, during peak season
Parking: plenty at the day-use area
Fish Creek is a gorgeous spot during the lower water months (late July-October). Also a wonderful spot for fall foliage.
Mcdonald creek
Highlights of the location: lakeshore, mountain views, creek
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle, some uneven ground
Dog Friendly: No dogs, other than the parking lot
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: yes, in Apgar
Parking: plenty in the area, can be busy during peak season
This location is not ideal during high water levels (mid-late June)
Ryans Meadow/Beach
Highlights of the location: lakeshore, mountain views, creek
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle, wheelchair accessible to the meadow
Dog Friendly: No dogs, other than the parking lot
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: no
Parking: 4-5 cars
Ryans Meadow is the ultimate location for privacy, however lighting isn't my favorite until just before sunset or early morning hours.
7-mile pull-out (sandy beach)
Highlights of the location: lakeshore, mountain views
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle, some uneven ground
Dog Friendly: No dogs, other than the parking lot
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: no
Parking: 4-5 spots, limited at sunset
This location is amongst my favorites because the mountain views are insane, however, it can be slammed with tourists at sunset. If we can secure parking I will happily photograph here, otherwise we move on to a different spot to not waste photo time.
BELTON BRIDGE
Highlights of the location: historic bridge, mountains, river, fall colors
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle, a rocky path
Dog Friendly: yes, leashed please
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both (love sunrise though!)
Bathrooms: no
Parking: plenty of space, limited during peak summer afternoons
The old historic bridge is the original entrance to Glacier Park! One of my favorite locations to photograph!
Belton stage park
Highlights of the location: field, mountain views
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: yes, leashed please!
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: porta-potty during the summer only
Parking: plenty of parking
One of the only field locations you can find near Glacier. This spot is just minutes outside the west entrance and a popular pick by many. There are usually other photographers around during sunset, but the location is gorgeous!
west glacier fishing access
Highlights of the location: mountains, river, fall colors
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle, river rock
Dog Friendly: yes, leashed please!
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both (love sunrise though!)
Bathrooms: no
Parking: plenty of parking
This location is a hidden gem in the fall, full of fall foliage! Not recommended during high water season (mid-June-mid-July)
West Glacier Daisy field
Highlights of the location: flower field, mountain views
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle, some unlevel ground
Dog Friendly: yes, leashed please!
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: no
Parking: plenty of parking along the highway
This spot is ONLY in bloom for about 2-3 weeks each summer, usually the last week of June through Mid-July
Lake Mcdonald Overlook
Highlights of the location: mountains, trees
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: yes, in the parking lot
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both (love sunrise though!)
Bathrooms: yes
Parking: plenty of parking
Located along the road, a quick spot for some fun mountain views!
Northfork Region
GREEN locations on the map above
Bowman Lake
Highlights of the location: mountain views, lake
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both (love sunrise though!)
Bathrooms: yes, at the parking area
Parking: plenty of parking at the end of the day or morning
Bowman Lake is off the beaten path, literally 60 minutes from Columbia Falls. You'll find more privacy here and less visitors
Polebridge
Highlights of the location: mountains, river, fall colors
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle, river rock
Dog Friendly: yes, leashed please!
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both (love sunrise though!)
Bathrooms: no
Parking: plenty of parking
This location is a hidden gem in the fall, full of fall foliage! Not recommended during high water season (mid-June-mid-July)
Going To The Sun Road Regions
(West of Logan Pass)
ORANGE Locations on the map above
Lake McdONALD lODGE
Highlights of the location: lake, creek, mountain views
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: yes, at the parking area and lodge (when it's open)
Parking: plenty of parking
This location is best when water levels are low. I would suggest avoiding this spot during late May/early June at peak water levels
10-mILE pULL oUT (Jackson bay)
Highlights of the location: mountains, unique trees/logs, lake
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: no
Parking: limited during peak daytime, plenty in the evenings
SPRAGUE CREEK shoreline
Highlights of the location: lake, mountain views
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: yes, at the campground (when it's open)
Parking: plenty of parking in the picnic area
This location is only available from dawn till 9 pm, the campground host closes off the picnic gate strictly at 9 pm.
mCDONALD creek Pull off
Highlights of the location: mountains, river, rocky shore, trees
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: no
Parking: limited during peak season, only 2 spots
Trail Of The Cedars
Highlights of the location: cedar trees, wooden boardwalk
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both and midday
Bathrooms: yes, at the parking lot
Parking: parking is limited midday and peak hours, easier to find a spot in the evenings
mCDONALD Creek Cedars
Highlights of the location: cedar trees, mature forest
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both and midday
Bathrooms: no
Parking: limited during peak hours, easier to get parking in the evening hours
Sacred dancing falls
Highlights of the location: river, waterfall, rocky shore
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle, small hill to descend
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: no
Parking: plenty of parking along the road
RED ROCK POINT
Highlights of the location: river, rocky shore, trees
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: no
Parking: decent amount of parking in the evening hours
This location is not ideal for small children.
The Tunnel
Highlights of the location: hidden cove view points, rock tunnel
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: yes
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: no
Parking: plenty of parking along the road
The Loop
Highlights of the location: mountains, valley views
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: yes
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: yes
Parking: decent amount of parking in the evening hours
This location is not ideal for small children.
Alder Creek Waterfall
Highlights of the location: Small waterfall
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: no
Parking: 2-3 parking spots along the road
This location dries up by mid-late July.
Big Bend
Highlights of the location: mountains, wildflowers
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle, there is a steep hill to descend
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: yes
Parking: decent amount of parking in the evening hours
Oberlin Bend oVERLOOK
Highlights of the location: mountains, metal boardwalk, alpine trees
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: sunset
Bathrooms: no
Parking: parking is limited until later evening hours
This location has frequent goat sightings!
lOGAN pASS
Highlights of the location: mountains, valley views, alpine trees
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: yes
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: yes
Parking: decent amount of parking in the evening hours
I truly only recommend hitting this location just before sunset, so you don't waste photo time trying to find parking.
Going To The Sun Road Regions
(East of Logan Pass)
YELLOW Locations on the map above
Lunch CreEk
Highlights of the location: views of the eastern valley, alpine trees, creek
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: sunset or sunrise
Bathrooms: no
Parking: parking is limited during peak hours
Sun Point
Highlights of the location: mountains, lake, alpine trees
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle, 0.1 mile on rocky trail
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: yes, in the parking lot
Parking: decent amount of parking throughout the day
Wild Goose Island
Highlights of the location: mountains, lake, island in lake, alpine trees
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: sunset or sunrise
Bathrooms: no
Parking: parking is pretty decent all day
Rising Sun pICNIC AREA
Highlights of the location: mountains, lake, vistas
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: yes, in the parking area
Parking: lots of parking
East side tunnel pull off
Highlights of the location: mountains, roadway
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: sunset
Bathrooms: no
Parking: 2-3 parking spots on the pull off
st. mary fields
Highlights of the location: mountains, field, vistas
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle, uneven ground
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: no
Parking: roadside parking
Two Medicine Region
PURPLE Locations on the map above
Looking Glass Highway Overlook
Highlights of the location: mountains, vistas, lake overlook
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle, small rocky path
Dog Friendly: yes
Sunrise vs. Sunset: sunset or sunrise
Bathrooms: no
Parking: 5-6 cars can fit in the pull off, typically not an issue
Pray Lake
Highlights of the location: mountains, field, vistas, lake
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: no
Parking: small parking lot, typically not an issue
Two Medicine Lake
Highlights of the location: mountains, lake
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: sunset or sunrise
Bathrooms: yes, in the parking area
Parking: typically not an issue
Running Eagle Falls
Highlights of the location: mountains, waterfall, river
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle, 0.2 mile wheelchair accessible walk
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: yes, at the parking lot
Parking: lots of parking
Many Glacier Region
RED Locations on the map above
SW Beach
Highlights of the location: mountains, lake, vista
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: sunset or sunrise
Bathrooms: yes, in the parking area
Parking: typically not an issue, in 2025 there is a shuttle only system in place
lODGE Overlook
Highlights of the location: mountains, lake, vista
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle, rocky and uneven ground
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: yes, at the parking lot
Parking: typically not an issue, in 2025 there is a shuttle only system in place
Many Glacier entrance road
Highlights of the location: mountains, road, trees
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: sunset or sunrise
Bathrooms: no
Parking: typically not an issue
fall foliage trees (pull off)
Highlights of the location: Aspen trees
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: suitable for both
Bathrooms: no
Parking: just a small pull off on the side of the road
Many Glacier fields
Highlights of the location: mountains, fields, vista
Accessibility: location is walking distance from the vehicle
Dog Friendly: no
Sunrise vs. Sunset: sunset or sunrise
Bathrooms: no
Parking: small pull off on the side of the road