Glacier National Park is among America's top spots to admire wildflowers. Due to the absence of agriculture or industry, the park's alpine flora is well-preserved in its natural state. Take a ride along the Going-to-the-Sun Road in the middle of the summer to admire the flowering meadows on both sides of the Continental Divide, or take a hike and get lost among the endless blooming fields, which add so much color to the rugged landscapes of the Glacier Country.
When to see wildflowers in Glacier National Park
Flowers start appearing on low elevations in Glacier National Park as early as April. However, most alpine zone flowers don't bloom until well into summer. The best time to see Glacier National Wildflowers comes in late June and lasts through early August. That's when the hiking trails are the most scenic, surrounded by blooming fields. Some blooms last through August and into September, making the late summer season in the park quite attractive.
Glacier Lilies
Glacier lilies are among most iconic Montana wildflowers. They start to appear on alpine and subalpine meadows in early summer, sometimes still surrounded by patches of snow. On higher elevations, peak bloom falls on July. Glacier lilies grow together with snow buttercups and other alpine flora. Fun fact: their roots are edible and quite sweet. Grizzly bears often dig up glacier lilies roots to feed on them. Hidden Lake Trail is one of the best places to spot and photograph glacier lilies in Glacier National Park. They grow everywhere along the trail and are especially abundant at Logan Pass.
Beargrass
On the contrary, beargrass doesn't attract bears at all. Interestingly, beargrass is related to lilies although it doesn't resemble them. These white flowers are common for Glacier Country growing on most trails from 3000 to 7000 feet. Beargrass starts blooming in late May or June, but at higher elevations, the bloom falls on late summer. You can admire clusters of beargrass along the Garden Wall and Highline Trail throughout August.
Fireweed
Fireweed adds just the right amount of hot pink to lush green meadows of Glacier Country. These flowers are easy to spot since they can reach nine feet in height. They spread quickly in areas that were affected by forest fires. You can spot plenty of fireweed on the trail to Haystack Creek Falls.
Lupines
Silvery lupine and other lupine species are common for Glacier National Park. These purple perennial flowers can grow up to five feet at lower elevations. Lupines are abundant in Many Glacier area and St. Mary Lake area. You can spot lush purple fields in mid-July at Many Glacier meadows.
Words cannot describe the beauty of wildflower meadows at Glacier National Park. Thousands of red and yellow monkey-flowers, alpine poppies, columbines, clematis, Indian pipes, Indian paintbrushes, and purple asters create colorful carpets where you have to see it to believe it.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit Glacier National Park?
Most alpine zone flowers bloom in late June through early August, making it the best time to visit Glacier National Park to see the wildflowers. Fields blooming with different colors of flowers create a picturesque scene on the hiking trails. Flowers start appearing from April but do not appear in most of the alpine zone until well into the summer. The late summer season offers an attractive and serene ambiance with blooms that last through August and into September. Show more
Where can I see glacier lilies in Glacier National Park?
Glacier lilies are abundant along the Hidden Lake Trail in Glacier National Park, particularly at Logan Pass. The alpine and subalpine meadows located at high elevations experience their growth and bloom during the early summer season, often surrounded by patches of snow. Glacier lilies are among the iconic Montana wildflowers, and the Hidden Lake Trail offers a perfect opportunity to observe and photograph these beautiful flowers. Show more
What is the relation between beargrass and lilies?
Beargrass and lilies hold a relationship despite their different appearances. Glacier Country grows white flowers on most of its trails that stand between 3000 to 7000 feet. Beargrass starts blooming in late May or June, with the bloom falling in late summer at higher elevations. Pollinators benefit primarily from these flowers since they provide a source of nectar and help maintain a healthy ecosystem. Show more
What areas of the park are best for spotting lupines?
Many Glacier area and the St. Mary Lake area are the best for spotting silvery lupine and other lupine species in Glacier National Park. The mid-July meadows of Many Glacier burst into life with lush purple fields of up to five feet tall. These purple perennial flowers create colorful carpets in the lush green meadows of Glacier Country, offering perfect picture-taking opportunities. Show more
How does fireweed thrive in Glacier National Park?
The hot pink color of fireweed makes it easy to spot since it grows up to nine feet tall in the lush green meadows of Glacier Country. These flowers spread quickly in areas where forest fires have occurred and can be observed while hiking on the trail to Haystack Creek Falls. Pollinators benefit from fireweed as it provides an abundant source of nectar and plays a vital role in nutrient cycling in the ecosystem. Show more
