Charming Cottages in Glacier National Park for Your Getaway

No Going to the Sun timed reservation ticket? No problem, our property is located inside Glacier National Park at the head of Lake McDonald past the required ticketing gate! No Reservation ticket required when staying with us! For the serious mountain adventurer or nature-loving vacationer, enjoy the majestic environment of Glacier National Park from this unique location. Part of the historic Senator Thomas Walsh property, relax in your retro 1950s one room guest cottage that sleeps 2 and immerse yourself in the wonders of the park.

Your private cottage, with its original cedar paneling, is equipped with a king-sized bed, full bath, sizeable closet to store your gear, microwave, refrigerator, toaster, Kuerig coffee maker, electric hot water kettle, and electric baseboard heat. There is Starlink WiFi for Internet and wifi-calling. If you don't want to miss out on the big game or show, you can bring your own personal device and connect to the WIFI. There is no landline.

Right out your door, take a short path down to the head of Lake McDonald, where you can swim, sunbathe, fish for trout at the mouth of McDonald Creek, or simply sit on the beach and read a book while gazing down the beautiful ten-mile lake. If you bring your own canoe, kayak, or paddle board, make sure to stop at the Watercraft Inspection Station in Apgar right after entering the park for your inspection sticker.

On the one-acre compound sits the large cedar log cabin that Senator Thomas J. Walsh built in 1905 to entertain his family and friends, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You will also find the original ice house, pump house, and Genevieve Walsh Gudger’s (the Senator’s daughter) upper cabin, built in the 1940s.

The perfect ‘base camp’ from which to explore the park, you are only a half mile from the iconic Going to the Sun Road. Considered one of the most scenic drives in the world, go north for twenty-miles and arrive at Logan Pass on the Continental Divide. From there, access many of the major hikes in the park. Just a 5 minute drive to the Historic Lake McDonald Lodge for exploring and dining at the historic Charlie Russell Dining Room.

Within easy walking distance, hike along McDonald Creek for a mile or two to a series of waterfalls, or continue on for another 1.5 miles to dead end at Paradise Falls. Or take the 2.5-mile John’s Lake Loop, an easy hike through the ancient cedar forests. Drive up the Going to the Sun road for a few miles and hike to the shores of Avalanche Lake, surrounded by sheer mountain sides with many glimmering waterfalls. Picnic with friendly chipmunks and before descending soak your hot and tired feet in the lake’s crystal-clear icy water.

For basic supplies, it’s a half hour drive south to West Glacier, with major shopping done in nearby Columbia Falls, Kalispell, or Whitefish. There is a small mercantile at the nearby Lake McDonald Lodge for bare necessities.

This property does not have full size kitchen but does offer a dorm size refrigerator, toaster, microwave and kuerig coffee maker for your daily needs. Bring breakfast supplies and items to make your packable lunch for the day. Enjoy a dinner at Lake McDonald Lodge or the Belton Chalet in West Glacier. A beautiful drive in the evening with the occasional bear crossing.

Kitchen • Laundry • Wellness Facilities • Fireplace/Heating • Parking • Bedding/Linens • Child Friendly • Security/Safety • Internet

Perfect place to get away, yet still close to the action (1.5 miles from Glacier National Park). Single-level, open-concept home with vaulted ceilings, knotty alder cabinets, starlink internet, a wood fireplace, BBQ Grill,+ large house plants makes this vacation rental an ideal home-away-from-home while being just outside West Glacier Entrance. Also, when booking with us, you get 20% OFF rentals at Glacier Outfitters (boats, bikes, Gear, etc) in Apgar Village (inside Glacier at Lake McDonald).

Perfect place to get away, yet still close to the action with this lovely West Glacier cabin! Perfect for a family, couples, or a few close friends looking to experience the unspoiled beauty of northwest Montana. Our one-story home has an open concept with separate entrances in each room. The comforts include wireless internet, large flatscreen TV, a private washer/dryer, 1 King bed in room one, 1 queen + bunk bed (2 singles) in room two, and 2 full bathrooms with 6-foot tubs! Pack + Play and high chair is available upon advance request.

Just a mile away from Glacier National Park, this home offers easy access to a variety of outdoor pursuits. It's also close to West Glacier's modest business district, which includes a few local restaurants as well as a small grocery store. Additionally, Whitefish is 24 miles away, and Kalispell is around 32 miles away.

Cooking is easy thanks to the well-appointed open kitchen, which features plenty of cabinets and storage space, pots, pans, dishes, and the basic ingredients for your stay. There's even a dishwasher, so after-dinner cleanup is over before you know it. There's also a BBQ grill available for cookouts!

Thanks to the proximity of Glacier National Park, you'll find a wide variety of outdoor activities available all throughout the year. In warmer months, enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and biking. Reach out to Glacier Outfitters for a kayak on Lake McDonald or a bike ride around Apgar or up the Going To The Sun Road. Looking for a day of leisure? Enjoy a few rounds of golf at Glacier View Golf Club, or plan a day trip to the cities of Whitefish or Kalispell for galleries, museums, specialty stores, restaurants, and cafes.

Guests have the whole house to themselves. Keypad locks on the entrance doors for easy access. Full exit doors in each bedroom and there is a parking space for 6 or more vehicles.

I am here by Airbnb messager, text or call anytime.

20% off Glacier Outfitters Rentals
When renting out a short-term rental in a mountain location, there are several key house rules that can help ensure a safe, enjoyable, and respectful experience for both guests and hosts.

Mountain Home Rules & Guidelines

Respect Quiet Hours
Quiet hours are from [time] PM to [time] AM.
Mountain homes are in peaceful, secluded areas. Keeping noise levels low ensures a restful environment for all.

Fire Safety
No fireworks. Follow all fire restrictions. Only use the provided firepit or BBQ grill safely, and never light fires during dry conditions.

Wildfires are a serious risk in mountain areas, especially during dry months. Safety precautions help prevent disaster.

Bear & Wildlife Safety
Never leave food, trash, or coolers outside. Store all food indoors and carry bear spray when hiking.
Wildlife, including bears, are attracted to food left out, creating safety risks for both guests and animals.

No Smoking Indoors
Smoking is prohibited inside. Use designated outdoor areas and dispose of cigarette butts properly.
Prevents fire hazards, keeps the home clean, and ensures a smoke-free environment for all guests.

Respect the Environment
Stay on marked trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, and dispose of trash properly.
Preserving the natural beauty of the mountains ensures sustainability for future visitors.
Parking

Park only in designated areas. Do not block driveways or road access.
Mountain roads can be narrow, and proper parking helps maintain safety and accessibility.

Heating & Cooling
Do not turn off the thermostat or geothermal system without consulting the host.
Many mountain homes use specialized heating/cooling systems that optimize energy use and prevent system issues.

Pets
No pets allowed.
Prevents disturbances to wildlife, keeps the area clean, and ensures pet safety.

Septic System Usage
Only flush toilet paper. Dispose of wipes, feminine products, and other items in the trash.
Septic systems are sensitive and can clog easily if non-biodegradable items are flushed

Outdoor Spaces
Use the firepit, BBQ grill responsibly. Turn off fires and equipment when not in use.
Reduces fire risks and ensures safety for all guests.

Departure Guidelines
Clean up after yourself, dispose of trash properly, and lock all windows and doors before leaving.
Helps maintain security and ensures the property is ready for the next guest.

Laundry • Security/Safety • Air Conditioner • Guest Services • Fireplace/Heating • Wellness Facilities • Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking • Child Friendly • Tv • Parking • Balcony/Terrace • Internet

6 BEDROOM/4.5 BATH: STAY INSIDE OUR MOST AMAZING NATIONAL PARK and AVOID THE LINES!
Glacier Bear Retreat is a spectacular, luxurious private residence, located INSIDE the Glacier National Park West Entrance, on the west side of Lake McDonald and just a short 7-minute walk to Apgar Village. This storybook cottage, built in 2013, has 4 bedrooms and can easily accommodate 11 people. Additionally, the adjacent guest house has another 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom to accommodate another 4 for a total of 15 guests. You’ll have special rooms for gathering together and cozy nooks for private time, in the perfect combination of indoor and outdoor living. With an outdoor fire pit, hot tub, 16' stocked bar, pool table, dartboard, hammocks, bicycles, yoga mats and more, you'll have everything you need for a perfect vacation when you stay at Glacier Bear Retreat! Note- the guest house is ONLY rented with the main house and is open from 5/15 to 9/15 only.
Located on almost an acre of private property with Fish Creek and Apgar Creek flowing through the property, Glacier Bear is a quiet, private and peaceful haven. Aptly named “Retreat”, Glacier Bear is perfect for nature-loving families who are looking for a quiet place to reconnect with the natural beauty of Glacier National Park. (If you’re looking for a party house, this isn’t the place for you.)
In the more than 1,100,000 acres that comprise Glacier National Park, there are only about 100 private landowners, and combined, these parcels equal less than 300 acres. Owning a home inside Glacier is rare; staying in one as a guest is even more so. And because you'll be staying inside the park, you won't need to wait in long lines - sometimes over an hour long - to get through the entrance station every day, letting you relax the entire time you're on vacation!
**Luxurious Amenities & Accommodations Over Three Floors**
This storybook cottage in the woods was designed and built as the perfect place to create memories, so your Glacier holiday is one of your best vacations ever.
From the concierge amenities available to the fully stocked bar and rec room, we want you to feel like you’re on vacation. From bathroom amenities like Aveda body wash, shampoo, and conditioner, to the warm, cozy 700-fill power white goose down comforters, we want you to feel like you’re being spoiled.
The main floor contains the Great Room, the Dining Room, the Chef’s Kitchen, the Lazy Bear Master Suite with a private bath, a powder room, and a hallway with a reading nook and library shelves. Most of these books came from the original Grist home and date back as far as the early 1800s. You are welcome to enjoy them with care while you’re here. From the main level, you can also easily access the screened porch for outdoor grilling, dining or simply relaxing.
The upper level contains the Grist Room queen bedroom, the Bunk Room, a shared bathroom, and a small desk on the mezzanine above the Great Room.
The lower level Rec Room is your recreation destination with an Olhausen pool table, a dartboard, and our beautiful custom-built 16' bar, showcasing local Montana spirits. The adjacent Media Room has a large flatscreen television and a selection of movies for your enjoyment. With an L-shaped couch with recliners, you'll feel so cocooned in comfort you won't want to get up! And if you'd like to meditate or do some yoga, it's easy to create the space you need. The Garden Room queen bedroom and a separate bathroom finish off the level.
You can also experience Glacier’s beauty just by walking outside from the main level. Our wraparound screened porch has a large dining table with plenty of seating as well as a high-quality gas grill. Outdoor living at Glacier Bear Retreat is as good as it gets - we have 6 bicycles, 2 closed kayaks, hammocks, yoga mats, a large fire pit, and even your own “private island” with a picnic table all available for your use. Plus, your very own private hot tub is perfect for relaxing after a long day of hiking!
Upstairs or downstairs, indoors or out, you can be as connected as you want to be, whether that’s not at all or in touch with family, friends, or others using our fast wifi network, our landline with unlimited US long-distance calls, or your mobile phone.
**Your Perfect Home Base For Glacier National Park**
Glacier Bear Retreat is perfectly located as your base for exploring the wonders of Glacier National Park. Just steps away from breathtaking Lake McDonald, you can fill your day with recreational boating (rentals available), swimming, or photographing the range of mountain peaks that frame the lake. You’re a few minutes' walk from the town of Apgar, where you can grab a morning coffee, an ice cream, enjoy the offerings of the café, or shop in the gift shops. We’re also connected to miles of paved trails leading into the town of West Glacier (about 3 miles away), so you’ll have ample opportunities for easy hiking and mountain biking too. Or, just hang out by the stream or on the screened porch, pick huckleberries, curl up in the window seat and read a book, or just rest, relax and enjoy the beauty that is Glacier Bear Retreat.
Drive the 52-mile Going to the Sun Road for a host of photographic and hiking options. We’re happy to recommend guides for horseback riding, white water rafting, helicopter tours, fly-fishing, and other recreational activities too. And, if you’re not interested in driving, you’re only a short walk from the Apgar transportation center where you can enjoy a ride on the historic Glacier Red Cars or take the free shuttle bus throughout the Park. A week simply won’t be enough time to enjoy all that Glacier Bear Retreat has to offer!
**Reserve Your Dates Before It's Too Late!**
Glacier Bear Retreat is a one-of-a-kind property. Rarely are properties INSIDE of Glacier National Park ever made available for others to enjoy. We’re opening our home to a select few families - and we’re looking to build relationships with repeat guests.
We take reservations well in advance and it’s not uncommon for Glacier Bear Retreat to be fully booked during the park’s peak weeks in July and August by early spring. If you are interested in creating memories at Glacier for your family or friends, we highly recommend you get in touch today.
**Winter Getaways**
Glacier Bear Retreat is available year-round in all seasons. However, the snow season offers a unique opportunity to experience a remote retreat, as the road to Glacier Bear is closed from January 1st-March 15th, depending upon the weather. (This means that you’ll have to walk 2/10th of a mile to access the property in the wintertime, but it will be totally private and oh so beautiful!) Imagine spending a week at a warm, cozy “Currier and Ives” storybook cottage in the woods… writing your next novel, brainstorming your next business idea, or just relaxing by the fire and reconnecting with friends and family. For those who love the snow, snowman building, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing are available right from your front door. Snowmobiling tours are available 15 minutes away, outside the Park.

- "There simply aren't words (or pictures) that do justice to the majesty of Glacier National Park. To be able to stay right inside the park, at an amazing home, is icing on the cake. If you are looking for the best of both; this place is it!" - "One of a kind home in the middle of Glacier. Beautiful and relaxing. A family adventure we will never forget." - "Our family enjoyed a wonderful vacation in Glacier National Park, partly due to this wonderful location! Tucked within the national park, Glacier Bear Retreat provided easy access to the GTTSR, local lodges and of course the beautiful Lake McDonald. It was a beautiful place to make wonderful family memories!"