Jackson Glacier Overlook

The Jackson Glacier Overlook at Glacier National Park near Saint Mary, Montana is an easy roadside lookout that features views of the stunning Jackson and Blackfoot Glaciers.

Viewing Jackson Glacier

The Jackson Glacier Overlook is simply a roadside stop, so no hiking is involved and in fact very-little walking is needed unless the parking turnout is very full. Visitors will find the overlook located on the east side of Logan Pass and along the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road at the coordinates provided. The walk to the overlook is simply as far as your vehicle is parked away from it -- this route is less than 100-feet to reach the overlook. From the overlook, you'll find the massive Jackson Glacier sitting on the northeastern alpine slope of Mount Jackson, located approximately 7-miles away (as the crow flies). To the immediate south (or left) of Jackson Glacier is the separate but once-connected Blackfoot Glacier. Since the park has opened in the early 1900s, most of the ~125 glaciers that used to be in the park have disappeared due to climate change and Jackson Glacier has clearly been affected as well. Due to the recession in Jackson Glacier, it's split into two separate glaciers with the Blackfoot Glacier sitting on Blackfoot Mountain's northern alpine slope. The view is best if you have binoculars or a zoom camera lens, but regardless you can still appreciate the sheer size of this massive frozen river sitting in the alpine mountains. As it slowly melts it'll eventually disappear, leaving this overlook as just a pretty reminder of what used to be. Enjoy these glaciers while they're still here.

Vehicle Reservations

Depending on what time of year you visit, you may need to reserve a vehicle entrance pass to get into the park, in addition to a park entry fee (or annual National Parks pass). Before planning this hike, ensure you've checked the NPS website for when and where Glacier NP vehicle reservations are required.

Parking

Visitors will find a very large parking turnout near the coordinates provided, located on the west side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road east of Logan Pass. The turnout is large enough to fit a few dozen vehicles as of September 2024.