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Glacier in Autumn (Hiker)
Lodge-Based Photo Workshop
No Current Departures For This Trip
This is a trip that we may consider opening additional departures for, so let us know if you're interested by joining our waitlist.
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Trip Leader(s)
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Single Supplement: +$550.00
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Deposit: $2,000.00
Start/End
Whitefish, MT / Whitefish, MT
Length
6 Days/5 Nights
Fitness Level
Level 2 - What's This?
Group Size
Up To 8 Guests
Highlights
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:
Glacier National Park is considered by many to be among the most beautiful mountain regions of the world. Join us in the fall season and photograph this immense wilderness park in it’s arguably most colorful season. Fall colors, Moose & Grizzlies abound here in September at the border of Montana and Canada – as well as glacially carved, snow capped peaks standing tall and casting their alpine shadows over the one million acres of protected wilderness that is Glacier National Park. Inside the Park’s boundary are an estimated 130 sapphire lakes, hundreds of species of animal and more than 1,000 species of plants that make up a completely intact ecosystem dubbed the “Crown of the Continent.” The park boasts numerous life zones, from prairie to tundra, that contain the same unspoiled plant and animal species that were there at the time of European contact.
On this trip we’ll travel to Glacier in autumn to take advantage of many wonderful things happening during this time of seasonal change.
We’ll enjoy fewer crowds as visitation at Glacier tends to decrease after the summer rush and as temperatures begin to cool.
Wildlife is more active this time of year, which with some luck could provide us opportunities to capture images of impressive animals like Grizzly Bear, moose or mountain goats, along with the hundreds of species of birds that reside here. Bears, especially, need to fatten up as much as they can so they are out more often this time of year scrounging for food in preparation for the long winter ahead.
Perhaps the most stunning, however, will be the turning colors of the trees.
The yellow autumn color of the Western Larch tree combined with the yellow, gold, orange, and red colors of the slender, white-barked Aspen trees paint the mountainsides, blending nicely with the green of the Lodgepole, Ponderosa and Douglas Fir. Autumn is truly a remarkable time for landscape photography at Glacier.
Explore and photograph Glacier National Park this year with an accomplished landscape & wildlife photographer.
You’ll photograph iconic park locales such as Two Medicine Lake with its jagged mountain backdrop. Explore and photograph the alpine artistry of Many Glacier as well as catch St. Mary’s Lake at sunrise which may be one of the most photogenic lakes in the world!
Glacier National Park is a visual cornucopia and one of the most surreal and colorful places on the planet. It’s stunning peaks, roaring waterfalls and brilliant night skies allow for virtually endless photographic possibilities. You’ll gain a wealth of knowledge about the history of the park as well as the flora and fauna plus leave your trip with an impressive collection of new images.
Join Backcountry Journeys this year for the trip of a lifetime to Glacier National Park, Montana: “The Last Best Place.”
Please note: We are excited to offer both a standard and “hiker” version of this trip for photographers who like to get out and hike! Not sure which one suits you best? Give us a call at 928-478-1521 or fill out the "Ask a Question" form on our website.
On this trip we’ll travel to Glacier in autumn to take advantage of many wonderful things happening during this time of seasonal change.
We’ll enjoy fewer crowds as visitation at Glacier tends to decrease after the summer rush and as temperatures begin to cool.
Wildlife is more active this time of year, which with some luck could provide us opportunities to capture images of impressive animals like Grizzly Bear, moose or mountain goats, along with the hundreds of species of birds that reside here. Bears, especially, need to fatten up as much as they can so they are out more often this time of year scrounging for food in preparation for the long winter ahead.
Perhaps the most stunning, however, will be the turning colors of the trees.
The yellow autumn color of the Western Larch tree combined with the yellow, gold, orange, and red colors of the slender, white-barked Aspen trees paint the mountainsides, blending nicely with the green of the Lodgepole, Ponderosa and Douglas Fir. Autumn is truly a remarkable time for landscape photography at Glacier.
Explore and photograph Glacier National Park this year with an accomplished landscape & wildlife photographer.
You’ll photograph iconic park locales such as Two Medicine Lake with its jagged mountain backdrop. Explore and photograph the alpine artistry of Many Glacier as well as catch St. Mary’s Lake at sunrise which may be one of the most photogenic lakes in the world!
Glacier National Park is a visual cornucopia and one of the most surreal and colorful places on the planet. It’s stunning peaks, roaring waterfalls and brilliant night skies allow for virtually endless photographic possibilities. You’ll gain a wealth of knowledge about the history of the park as well as the flora and fauna plus leave your trip with an impressive collection of new images.
Join Backcountry Journeys this year for the trip of a lifetime to Glacier National Park, Montana: “The Last Best Place.”
Please note: We are excited to offer both a standard and “hiker” version of this trip for photographers who like to get out and hike! Not sure which one suits you best? Give us a call at 928-478-1521 or fill out the "Ask a Question" form on our website.
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 Whitefish, 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.
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. 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’ll 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 while photographing the changing colors along the lakeshore. Afterwards we’ll drive to the East Side of the park to St Mary’s, Montana. 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 to one of the most dramatic photography locales in Glacier. Opportunities to photograph both Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goats are excellent on Logan Pass. After breakfast we’ll photograph a beautiful waterfall. After a midday rest, we’ll do some image review and a post processing session then head out to photograph the mountains in the evening light.
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’ll have breakfast at our lodge and then checkout another beautiful waterfall. 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 Swift Current 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 have ample opportunities to photograph several waterfalls, alpine lakes and colorful meadows. 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 final sunrise session at an extremely unique and historic portion of the Park. A bittersweet “farewell breakfast” at one of our favorite local restaurants will give us the chance to discuss all of the great things we’ve done over the past several days, and perhaps share strategies on how best to handle the plethora of images upon returning home. A short shuttle ride back to Kalispell/Whitefish will end our time together.
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. 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’ll 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 while photographing the changing colors along the lakeshore. Afterwards we’ll drive to the East Side of the park to St Mary’s, Montana. 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 to one of the most dramatic photography locales in Glacier. Opportunities to photograph both Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goats are excellent on Logan Pass. After breakfast we’ll photograph a beautiful waterfall. After a midday rest, we’ll do some image review and a post processing session then head out to photograph the mountains in the evening light.
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’ll have breakfast at our lodge and then checkout another beautiful waterfall. 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 Swift Current 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 have ample opportunities to photograph several waterfalls, alpine lakes and colorful meadows. 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 final sunrise session at an extremely unique and historic portion of the Park. A bittersweet “farewell breakfast” at one of our favorite local restaurants will give us the chance to discuss all of the great things we’ve done over the past several days, and perhaps share strategies on how best to handle the plethora of images upon returning home. A short shuttle ride back to Kalispell/Whitefish will end our time together.
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.
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Why Choose Backcountry Journeys?
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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.
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We're proud to offer unmatched photography trips led by exceptional instructors who not only excel in photography but also serve as expert guides.
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Join the Backcountry Journeys Tribe, where shared adventures in breathtaking locations foster lasting connections with fellow photographers in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
Testimonials From Our Customers
Julie K.
"I have traveled with Backcountry Journeys (BCJ) several times over the last 4 years to Glacier NP, Costa Rica (2x), Smoky Mountains NP, Joshua Tree, Zion and Bryce NPs, and most recently to Alaska.
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
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Scott S.
"BCJ provides an outstanding experience for photographers of all levels of experience/expertise. Each day's excursion is well planned-out and the guides always have a back-up plan if the weather is less than cooperative.
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
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Katherine P.
"I have now been on 8 trips with Backcountry Journeys. I love traveling with this company, as I am a woman traveling alone, and all I have to do is show up and they take care of everything else.
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
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Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
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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 2024
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 2024