Glacier in Bloom: A Beginner's Guide to the Wildflowers of Glacier National Park
Wildflowers of Glacier National Park
Indian Paintbrush along Hidden Lake Overlook Trail
Glacier National Park is a wonderland for wildflower enthusiasts. As the snow melts, the park transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors, with each trail offering its own floral showcase.
Glacier Lilies: Brave Early Bloomers
Logan Pass on the day Going-to-the-Sun Road opened in 2022 — snow still blanketing the landscape.
One memorable year, I visited Logan Pass on the very first day Going-to-the-Sun Road opened. The snow was still thick, blanketing the landscape in white. Amidst this wintery scene, I spotted Glacier lilies bravely pushing through, their bright yellow petals a cheerful contrast against the snow. The rangers were very clear about staying on the boardwalk to avoid trampling these fragile blooms.
One of the first flowers to greet visitors in spring, Glacier lilies are a delight to spot. These early bloomers are often found near Hidden Lake Overlook as well.
Beargrass: A Once-in-a-While Wonder
Photo by Steven Cordes on Unsplash
Beargrass blooms can be unpredictable, with large-scale displays occurring every five to ten years. Factors like spring moisture and soil health play a big role. When it does bloom, the tall white plumes are truly a sight to behold.
Fireweed: Beauty After Burn
Fireweed sticker meets the real thing — one of Glacier’s most iconic wildflowers.
Fireweed adds a stunning splash of pink to Glacier’s landscape. It’s often seen in areas recovering from wildfires, symbolizing nature’s resilience. The tall, vibrant stalks are hard to miss during mid to late summer.
Indian Paintbrush: Bold and Bright
A burst of pink-orange Indian Paintbrush brightens the trail in Glacier National Park.
Indian paintbrush, with its striking bracts, varies from deep pink to fiery orange. It adds a burst of color to meadows and slopes, making it a favorite among photographers and hikers. It blooms from late spring to early summer.
Huckleberries and Bear Sightings
While not a wildflower, huckleberries are a delightful find in Glacier. Look for them along trails. On a hike near Red Rock Falls, I once spotted bear scat filled with huckleberry remnants. Shortly after, I stumbled upon a berry patch.
Monkey Flowers: Hidden Treasures
Monkey Flower near Hidden Lake Overlook — July 2021.
These bright yellow blooms often grow near streams and damp alpine meadows, like those along the Hidden Lake Overlook trail. Monkey Flowers might be small, but they add such a cheerful spark to the high country in early to mid-summer.
Bring the Blooms Home
A delicate Aster in bloom at Logan Pass — August 2022.
Love these wildflowers? Check out our Glacier Lily, Indian Paintbrush, Fireweed, and Aster stickers, along with our Glacier Wildflower Sticker Sheet and Wildflower Sticker Wrap! Each design captures the beauty of Glacier National Park’s blooms.
Leave No Trace
Glacier National Park’s wildflowers are a beautiful reminder of nature’s resilience. As you explore, remember to stay on the trail and resist the urge to pick these tender blossoms, following Leave No Trace principles. Capture their beauty in photos, and if you’re curious about what you’ve found, just swipe up on a picture in your iPhone’s Photos app for a quick identification. Enjoy the flowers and leave them for others to discover.
