Glacier National Park in Montana is the crown jewel of our continent, and we’re so lucky to have it here in our own backyards. Aside from being a breathtaking, enormous nature lover’s paradise, it’s full of off-the-beaten-path trails, rugged campsites, and hidden gems just dying to be explored. There’s even a magnificent overlook known as Goat Lick Overlook, and let’s just say it has earned its name. A visit to this National Park in Montana is already unforgettable, but this trail only adds to the experience!
The Goat Lick Overlook is located along U.S. Highway 2, approximately two miles southeast of the Walton Ranger Station.
Robert W / TripAdvisor It has its own designated parking area. But despite being fairly easy to find, many Glacier guests don’t even know it’s there.
The area over looks a mineral-laden cliff and an exposed riverbank, which is known as the Roosevelt Fault.
Annette H / TripAdvisor
Oh, and it’s often adorned with adorable mountain goats and other animals who come to lick the minerals.
wmiskelly / TripAdvisor The natural mineral lick helps the animals replace necessary nutrients in their bodies. Plus, the high goat concentration is good for their social interactions (aww).
The gypsum, kieserite, and sulfates give the cliff a salty taste, which the goats love.
BBLC / TripAdvisor We can’t really say we blame them.
Animals aside, however, this is an absolutely fantastic spot to take in the natural wonder that is Glacier National Park.
Angie M / TripAdvisor The views seem to stretch out for miles and miles.
From the observation area, you’ll also be able to see the waters of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River.
TracyBean06 / TripAdvisor It’s the river’s current that has cut deeply into the soil in the area, exposing the mineral-filled clay.
If you have a trip to Glacier National Park planned in the near future, make sure you stop and check out this spot.
Saluga / TripAdvisor It’s beautiful, impressive, and sometimes has an adorable bonus.
What’s your favorite spot in Glacier National Park? What is your favorite national park to visit in Montana? Let us know in the comments! For more fun, check out these hidden attractions in Montana.
Robert W / TripAdvisor
It has its own designated parking area. But despite being fairly easy to find, many Glacier guests don’t even know it’s there.
Annette H / TripAdvisor
wmiskelly / TripAdvisor
The natural mineral lick helps the animals replace necessary nutrients in their bodies. Plus, the high goat concentration is good for their social interactions (aww).
BBLC / TripAdvisor
We can’t really say we blame them.
Angie M / TripAdvisor
The views seem to stretch out for miles and miles.
TracyBean06 / TripAdvisor
It’s the river’s current that has cut deeply into the soil in the area, exposing the mineral-filled clay.
Saluga / TripAdvisor
It’s beautiful, impressive, and sometimes has an adorable bonus.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: US-2, Essex, MT 59916, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Park to Visit in Montana March 27, 2022 Tori Jane What are some fun things to do outside in Montana? Montana is the perfect state for any outdoors enthusiast. There are so many amazing things to do outside in this stunning state that it’s impossible to know where exactly to begin. There are always the amazing day hikes that can be done at any of our 55 state parks and/or seven National Parks. Montana’s state and National Parks are quite literally world-famous for just how incredible they are. Visit some of the most popular parks in Montana like Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park (which we share with a few other states, but still), and Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park. Montana is excellent for activities like camping and boating, swimming, fishing, hunting, and backpacking, too. If you don’t feel like wandering TOO far, no worries – check out any of the excellent local city parks in our small towns! Montana is truly an amazing place for the outdoors lover in your life. Where are the best hiking trails in Montana? We thought you might never ask (just kidding). Montana is home to more than 1,200 amazing hiking trails, all of which have their own pros, cons, draws, and drawbacks. Among our favorite hiking trails in Montana are gems like the amazing Highline Trail at Glacier National Park (okay, or ANY trail at Glacier National Park, really). It features stunning mountains, lake views, and wildlife, and makes for a great day trip. Be sure to also check out Mount Aeneas in the Jewel Basin Hiking Area at Flathead National Forest. This hike is quite unique in the sense that it’s one of very few hiking and backpacking ONLY destinations – no ATVs or mountain bikes here! Also be sure to check out the Beehive Basin Trail, which is three miles of some of the best hiking in the world, and finally, Ousel Falls Trail is just 10 miles from the Beehive Basin Trailhead and is also very much worth a visit. Want some more ideas for a low-key hike in Montana? Check this article out for some of the best hiking trails in Montana and then some.
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Park to Visit in Montana
March 27, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some fun things to do outside in Montana? Montana is the perfect state for any outdoors enthusiast. There are so many amazing things to do outside in this stunning state that it’s impossible to know where exactly to begin. There are always the amazing day hikes that can be done at any of our 55 state parks and/or seven National Parks. Montana’s state and National Parks are quite literally world-famous for just how incredible they are. Visit some of the most popular parks in Montana like Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park (which we share with a few other states, but still), and Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park. Montana is excellent for activities like camping and boating, swimming, fishing, hunting, and backpacking, too. If you don’t feel like wandering TOO far, no worries – check out any of the excellent local city parks in our small towns! Montana is truly an amazing place for the outdoors lover in your life. Where are the best hiking trails in Montana? We thought you might never ask (just kidding). Montana is home to more than 1,200 amazing hiking trails, all of which have their own pros, cons, draws, and drawbacks. Among our favorite hiking trails in Montana are gems like the amazing Highline Trail at Glacier National Park (okay, or ANY trail at Glacier National Park, really). It features stunning mountains, lake views, and wildlife, and makes for a great day trip. Be sure to also check out Mount Aeneas in the Jewel Basin Hiking Area at Flathead National Forest. This hike is quite unique in the sense that it’s one of very few hiking and backpacking ONLY destinations – no ATVs or mountain bikes here! Also be sure to check out the Beehive Basin Trail, which is three miles of some of the best hiking in the world, and finally, Ousel Falls Trail is just 10 miles from the Beehive Basin Trailhead and is also very much worth a visit. Want some more ideas for a low-key hike in Montana? Check this article out for some of the best hiking trails in Montana and then some.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Montana is the perfect state for any outdoors enthusiast. There are so many amazing things to do outside in this stunning state that it’s impossible to know where exactly to begin. There are always the amazing day hikes that can be done at any of our 55 state parks and/or seven National Parks. Montana’s state and National Parks are quite literally world-famous for just how incredible they are. Visit some of the most popular parks in Montana like Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park (which we share with a few other states, but still), and Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park. Montana is excellent for activities like camping and boating, swimming, fishing, hunting, and backpacking, too. If you don’t feel like wandering TOO far, no worries – check out any of the excellent local city parks in our small towns! Montana is truly an amazing place for the outdoors lover in your life.
Where are the best hiking trails in Montana?
We thought you might never ask (just kidding). Montana is home to more than 1,200 amazing hiking trails, all of which have their own pros, cons, draws, and drawbacks. Among our favorite hiking trails in Montana are gems like the amazing Highline Trail at Glacier National Park (okay, or ANY trail at Glacier National Park, really). It features stunning mountains, lake views, and wildlife, and makes for a great day trip. Be sure to also check out Mount Aeneas in the Jewel Basin Hiking Area at Flathead National Forest. This hike is quite unique in the sense that it’s one of very few hiking and backpacking ONLY destinations – no ATVs or mountain bikes here! Also be sure to check out the Beehive Basin Trail, which is three miles of some of the best hiking in the world, and finally, Ousel Falls Trail is just 10 miles from the Beehive Basin Trailhead and is also very much worth a visit. Want some more ideas for a low-key hike in Montana? Check this article out for some of the best hiking trails in Montana and then some.
