Bringing your dog to the glacier Area

Trying to decide whether or not to bring your dog to Glacier? Read on to help decide. (Note - we are not set up for pets at the Inn at present)

In contrast to Canada, National Parks in the United States are typically not dog friendly and Glacier National Park is no exception. That being said, depending on the type of traveler you are, bringing your dog on your Northwest Montana vacation may work out just fine.

In Glacier National Park

Dogs are not allowed on backcountry trails in Glacier National Park, which can be a big deal, since backcountry hiking is one of the most popular activities in the area. You CAN bring your dog into the park, and dogs on leash are allowed on roads, in the campgrounds, and in parking areas. Dogs on leash are also allowed in the village areas (Many Glacier, Lake McDonald, and Apgar). Dogs are also allowed on the bike trails around Apgar and along Highway 2 west of West Glacier.
Below: Chris and the dogs at the foot of Lake McDonald in Apgar Village.

In Flathead National Forest

National Forests are more dog friendly than National Parks and you can walk your dog most anywhere in Flathead National Forest. In most areas a leash is required, but leash laws do not seem to be strictly enforced.

In Area Towns

Area towns have typical canine rules and regulations. There is a small (3.5 acre) dog park on the south side of Kalispell in Begg Park.

Nearby Whitefish offers the Hugh Rogers WAG Dog Park, rated one of the top dog parks in the United States. In the park are paved paths, benches, a drinking fountain for dogs and people, community pavilion, small dog area, agility course, pond and dog beach, dog wash station, trees and views of the nearby mountains. Located in Armory Park on E 2nd St in Whitefish, www.whitefishdogpark.org. Whitefish also has a bike trail running along the Whitefish River from downtown to the lake that is nice for dog walking.

Below left: Walking the dogs on McGinnis Creek Road, near Moss Mountain Inn. Below right: Taking a dip in Spoon Lake, a few miles from Moss Mountain Inn

Image may be subject to copyright

Dog Walking Around Moss Mountain Inn

Woods Behind the Inn: A short 20 minute stroll around our property

Smokey Bear Lane: A half mile long gravel road just north of Moss Mountain Inn

Forest Service Road 10936: Located 1/2 mile north of Moss Mountain Inn, the trail climbs through a heavily forested area to the top of a ridge (2 mile round trip from Inn)

Glacier Rim: This is a Forest Service access point to the North Fork of the Flathead River, a one mile walk along the North Fork Road then east 1/4 mile down to the river, for a total round trip of 2.5 miles. The walk features views of the Apgar Range to the east and a bald eagle nest down at the river.

Bearfoot Trail (# 6500) and Waving Bear Trail (#6400): These are multiuse trails consisting of a series of loops ranging from 1-5 miles round trip running through an open forest and is relatively flat. Access via Cedar Flats Road (appears as Cedar Lake Road on some maps) just north of Columbia Falls.

Below left: Looking over the North Fork of the Flathead River on the way to Glacier Rim. Below right: January at Glacier Rim

Dog Services in the Area

Columbia Mountain Kennels, "The best place for your best friend"

From doggy daycare to overnight boarding to training, Columbia Mountain Kennels is a great choice for your dogs. They are highly recommended by our golden retrievers, Riley and Stella
columbiamountainkennels.com

All Day Dog Adventures

Explore your dog's full potential!
We offer puppy classes, obedience with agility, in-house 1:1 training, scent workshops, air scent and tracking, guided hikes, and therapy dog courses
alldaydogadventures.com