2025 Travelers' Choice
Stay Up To Date On All Things
Backcountry Journeys
Backcountry Journeys
Our Photography Community
Our Webinars
Our regularly hosted webinars provide photography instruction from our own guides on a wide range of topics.Our Education Portal
Explore our library of articles that cover everything from common questions, to in-depth guides on how to achieve that perfect shot.Community Testimonials
We're proud to foster an amazing group of photo travelers, and here you can find their stories from their past adventures.About Backcountry Journeys
Why Choose Backcountry Journeys
If you're considering a photography tour, hear why Backcountry Journeys delivers the best experience in the industry.Frequently Asked Questions
If you're new to photography tours, or new to BCJ, you can find our common travel questions here.Fitness Levels
Our trips vary on physical intensity, and by reviewing our fitness levels, you can find out which trips may be more challenging, or aligned more closely with your comfort level.Meet The Crew
We've built an amazing team of experienced guides, and dedicated office staff that elevate your travel experience. Get to know their backgrounds, and hear their stories.Gift Certificates
Give the gift of photo adventure! We offer gift certificates that can be applied to any of our upcoming tours.Loyalty Program
We reward our frequent photo adventurers with exclusive discounts on amazing photography tours.Contact Us
If you need to get in touch with our office staff, or have additional business inquiries, you can find our information here.Resources For Photographers
About Our Company
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
Glacier National Park (Hiker)
Lodge-Based Photo Workshop
Upcoming Departures
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
[Block//Start Date %M j%+0] - [Block//End Date %M j, Y%+0]
[Block//Web Spots Left]
Trip Leader(s)
[Block//Trip Leader #1]
[Block//Trip Leader #2]
Starting From [Block//Current Price]
Single Supplement: +$1,050.00
[Block//Online Availability]
Deposit: $2,000.00
Start/End
Kalispell, MT / Kalispell, MT
Length
6 Days/5 Nights
Fitness Level
Level 2 - What's This?
Group Size
Up To 8 Guests
Highlights
Summer scenery: Experience Glacier National Park in its vibrant summer season, with wildflowers like Beargrass, Indian Paintbrush, and Fireweed blooming beneath snow-capped peaks.
Golden hour light: Take advantage of long summer days that provide extended opportunities to photograph magical light, stormy skies, and serene mountain reflections.
Iconic locations: Capture legendary spots such as Going-to-the-Sun Road, Lake MacDonald, Many Glacier, and sunrise at St. Mary’s Lake.
Wildlife and ecosystems: Photograph active wildlife and explore the intact “Crown of the Continent” ecosystem, home to unspoiled species that have thrived here for centuries.
If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:
Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of Glacier National Park, a majestic mountain region that has earned its reputation as one of the world's most stunning natural landscapes. Nestled within the Lewis & Livingston Ranges of Montana's Rocky Mountains, this park is a photographer's paradise, offering a diverse range of landscapes, from towering peaks to glacially carved lakes and valleys.
As you embark on this unforgettable journey, you'll have the opportunity to explore Glacier National Park during the vibrant summer months. Abundant flora, including Glacier's signature Beargrass and vibrant wildflowers like Indian Paintbrush, Glacier Lily, and Fireweed, create a kaleidoscope of colors against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. The longer days of summer grant us extended magical photography sessions during the captivating golden hours.
Immerse yourself in the intact ecosystem of the "Crown of the Continent Ecosystem," which showcases the same unspoiled plant and animal species that thrived during the time of European contact. Witness the park's abundant wildlife as they become more active during this time of year, while dramatic skies and pristine mountain reflections create stunning compositions in the park's lakes and rivers.
Capture iconic locations such as the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road and the awe-inspiring Lake MacDonald, with its jagged mountain panorama. Explore the alpine artistry of Many Glacier and experience the ethereal beauty of St. Mary's Lake at sunrise, considered one of the most photogenic lakes on Earth.
Glacier National Park is a visual feast for photographers, offering surreal landscapes, roaring waterfalls, brilliant night skies, and the dramatic drama of summer storms. You'll not only expand your knowledge of the park's rich history, flora, and fauna but also leave with an impressive collection of images that showcase the park's unparalleled beauty.
Whether you prefer a standard or a more adventurous hiking-focused experience, we have options to cater to your preferences. Join Backcountry Journeys on this once-in-a-lifetime journey to Glacier National Park, Montana, and discover why it is known as "The Last Best Place."
Please note: We offer both standard and "Hiker" versions of this trip. If you're unsure which option suits you best, don't hesitate to give us a call at 928-478-1521.
What's Included
All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
All transportation during the workshop
All lodging during the workshop
All permits and park fees
Professional photography guiding and instruction
Gratuity for service staff
What's Not Included
Transportation to and from Kalispell, Montana
Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
Lodging outside workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal items
Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities
Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.
Details
- Final Balance Due 0 days prior to Trip Start
- Standard terms & conditions apply. Please see our Cancellation / Transfer policy on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
- Trip Insurance Optional - but highly recommended
Trip Itinerary
Trip Itinerary
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (Travel Day) (D)
Arrive at Kalispell International Airport today and transfer to your awaiting hotel in the beautiful & historic Montana town of Whitefish, MT. We will have an orientation dinner and meet the group.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
“Hiker” Itinerary: ~2-4 miles hiking, ~200-500 foot elevation gain
We will arrive on the shores of Lake McDonald before sunrise to capture the rising light over this unfathomably beautiful lake. After a session of photography, we’ll grab breakfast at Apgar Village. Then we will embark on a great hike to a scenic local spot. This evening we’ll have another magic-hour session before retiring to our comfortable lodge.
Day 3 (B,D)
“Hiker” Itinerary: 5.4 miles, ~1000 feet elevation gain
This morning we’ll drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road before dawn for a short hike to one of the most dramatic photography locales in Glacier. We’ll spend the morning photographing Hidden Lake and have breakfast in the field. Opportunities to photograph both Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goats are excellent on Logan Pass. After breakfast we have another short hike to a beautiful waterfall and shoot from multiple angles.
Day 4 (B,L,D)
“Hiker” Itinerary: mileage 4-6 miles with 200 feet elevation gain
This morning we’ll capture the rising sun over Lake St. Mary’s in the cool mountain air – one of the most spectacular events to witness as well as photograph. We will have breakfast at a nearby lodge then do a short hike to another beautiful waterfall. Afterwards we’ll head over to our lodge. Our evening session will focus on a dramatic alpine lake in the Many Glacier Region of the park. After a long productive day in the field it’s time to kick back and enjoy a great meal in our lodge!
Day 5 (B,L,D)
“Hiker” Itinerary: 6 miles roundtrip, 150 foot elevation gain
This morning we’ll rise early for our photo session along the ruggedly beautiful Swiftcurrent River. This river winds through a massive glacially carved valley and reflects the majestic peaks around it in the right light. Absolutely beautiful.
After breakfast at our lodge we’ll do a hike into the mountains and have ample opportunities to photograph several waterfalls, alpine lakes and wildflowers. One of the prettiest regions in Glacier. We’ll stay out until late in the day and focus our evening session on one of the most dramatic vistas and best kept secrets in the park.
After photographing this high mountain lake we’ll return to our lodging in the fading light for a fantastic last dinner in Glacier National Park.
Day 6 (B)
We’ll finish our trip with one last morning session in the park and then shuttle back to Kalispell airport.
Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
Physical Requirements
Hiking in Glacier National Park offers a challenging and rewarding experience. The terrain can be steep and rocky, with some trails requiring careful navigation over uneven, rugged surfaces. Elevations in the park range from 3,000 to over 10,000 feet, so hikers may experience thinner air and increased fatigue at higher altitudes. Participants should be prepared for demanding hikes that can include moderate elevation gains, (possibly 1500 ft) as well as rocky and sometimes slippery sections of the trail. Proper footwear with good grip is essential, and hikers should come ready for changes in weather and conditions. .
Why Choose Backcountry Journeys?
UNPARALELLED
PHOTOGRAPHY
TRIPS
PHOTOGRAPHY
TRIPS
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
Explore over 100 worldwide photo tours and workshops tailored to photographers of all skill levels, from iconic U.S. National Parks to Africa's untamed savannahs.
THE BEST TEAM
IN THE
BUSINESS
IN THE
BUSINESS
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
We're proud to offer unmatched photography trips led by exceptional instructors who not only excel in photography but also serve as expert guides.
WORLD-CLASS
PHOTOGRAPHY
COMMUNITY
PHOTOGRAPHY
COMMUNITY
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
Join the Backcountry Journeys Tribe, where shared adventures in breathtaking locations foster lasting connections with fellow photographers in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
[Block//Review]
[Block//Trip Reviewer//First Name] - [Block//Date Of Review %n/j/Y%+0]
Verified Guest
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
HERE’S THE DEAL
We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.
Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve made on the site – we guarantee it!
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2025
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2025