Seattle to Glacier National Park Adventure with Kalispell Base

Day 1: Seattle to Spokane

Seattle, USA to Spokane, USA on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tilikum Place Café, Seattle

Enjoy a Dutch baby pancake or eggs benedict early to fuel your journey. The café is open 7:00am to 3:00pm.
USD15-25, 1h

9:30am

Drive Seattle to Spokane

Travel east via I-90 on a scenic 4.5-hour drive through Snoqualmie Falls and past the Columbia River Gorge.
Fuel approx. USD40, 4h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Frank's Diner, Spokane

Eat at this iconic vintage railcar diner featuring American classic comfort meals, open 7:00am to 9:00pm.
USD10-20, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Riverfront Park

Visit Spokane Falls, and consider the SkyRide gondola for outstanding views, park open until dusk.
Free, SkyRide USD8, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Wild Sage American Bistro

Savour farm-to-table cuisine with seasonal ingredients, open until 9:00pm.
USD25-40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Spokane to Kalispell

Spokane, USA to Kalispell, USA on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Atticus Coffee & Gifts, Spokane

Start with coffee and light breakfast in a quaint bookshop setting open from 7:00am.
USD10-15, 1h

8:30am

Drive Spokane to Kalispell

Embark on a 4.5-hour drive crossing into Montana, arriving in Kalispell, the gateway town for Glacier National Park adventures.
Fuel approx. USD40, 4h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Flathead Lake Brewing Co., Kalispell

Relax with local craft beer and hearty American fare, open 11:30am to 9:00pm.
USD15-25, 1h

2:30pm

Check-in to hotel in Kalispell

Settle in at your accommodation and prepare for your upcoming Glacier National Park explorations.
Varies, Overnight

4:00pm

Stroll the historic downtown Kalispell

Discover local shops, galleries, and the vibrant community atmosphere in the late afternoon.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Tupelo Grille

Enjoy inventive American cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere, open until 9:00pm.
USD30-50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Glacier National Park Day 1

Kalispell, USA and Glacier National Park on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your hotel in Kalispell

Start the day with a filling breakfast before heading out to the park.
Varies, 1h

8:00am

Explore Lake McDonald Area in Glacier National Park

Drive approximately 30 mins to Lake McDonald, enjoy walking trails and scenic beauty; park open from dawn to dusk.
Park Entrance USD35 per vehicle, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Lake McDonald Lodge

Savour Northwestern cuisine with lakefront views, open 11:00am to 2:00pm.
USD25-40, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Apgar Village

Explore shops, boat rentals, and an easy lakeshore trail, about a 10-minute drive from Lake McDonald Lodge.
Free access, some rentals extra, 1h30m

3:30pm

Return to Kalispell

Drive back to your hotel to relax and refresh.
Fuel minimal, 45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Montana Jack

Try local steak and game dishes in a rustic setting open until 9:00pm.
USD25-45, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Glacier National Park Day 2

Kalispell, USA and Glacier National Park on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early with hotel breakfast before a full day of park activities.
Varies, 1h

8:00am

Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road

Embark from Lake McDonald side on this iconic 50-mile scenic drive featuring stunning views and multiple stops; check weather and road opening status as it may not be fully open mid-May.
Included in park entrance fee, 4h

12:30pm

Packed Picnic Lunch at Logan Pass

Bring packed lunch or pick up to-go options in Kalispell to enjoy at this alpine high point.
USD10-20, 1h

1:30pm

Hike Hidden Lake Overlook

Moderate 3-mile round trip trail starting at Logan Pass, offering impressive mountain and wildflower views; trail typically accessible mid-May depending on snow conditions.
Included in park fee, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Kalispell

Rest after an active day of hiking and driving.
Fuel negligible, 45m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Knead Café

Cozy eatery in Kalispell well known for fresh bakery items and unique dishes, open until 9:00pm.
USD20-35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Glacier National Park Day 3

Kalispell, USA and Glacier National Park on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast before your final day in the park.
Varies, 1h

8:00am

Optional Activities or Relax near Kalispell

Consider a morning at Lone Pine State Park near Kalispell for light hiking or visit the Conrad Mansion Museum to learn local history. Lone Pine State Park is open dawn to dusk; mansion tours from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
State Park Free, Mansion USD10, 2h-3h

12:00pm

Lunch in Kalispell at Sage Kitchen

Delight in locally sourced American dishes in a casual setting, open from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
USD15-25, 1h

1:30pm

Leisure Afternoon or Shopping

Relax in Kalispell or browse local shops offering artisanal goods and souvenirs.
Free to browse, 2h

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Tupelo Grille

End your trip with a memorable meal featuring innovative flavours and regional ingredients.
USD30-50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability