Northern Terminus
The CDT has two designated termini bordering Glacier National Park (US) and Canada. Whether you are planning a long distance thru-hike or short section hike, this page contains information to help you plan your adventure on the northernmost section of the CDT.
Waterton
The Waterton terminus is accessed by foot the via the CDT (US) and the Lakeshore Trail (Canada). This is a popular terminus for hikers that want to hike into/from Canada and the Waterton Townsite. Some campsites along the Waterton route in Glacier National Park open later in the season depending on snowpack.
Chief Mountain
The Chief Mountain terminus is accessed via the Chief Mountain Hwy (Hwy 17 US/ Hwy 6 CAN). The border crossing is open from May 15th – September 30th. This is a popular option for early or late-season hikers; and for hikers concerned about snow travel as the Chief Mountain route stays lower in elevation than the Waterton route.
Getting There
Waterton
To/from the Waterton Townsite
The Waterton terminus can be accessed from the Waterton Townsite (Canada) via the Lakeshore trail, approximately 5.5 miles.
Shuttles to/from Waterton Townsite
To/from Calgary
Airport Shuttle Express – 403-509-4799
To/from Chief Mountain (Drop off/pickup on Canadian side)
Tamarack Outdoors – 403-859-2378
Calgary International Airport (YCC)
The nearest international in Canada is the Calgary International airport. YCC is roughly a three hour drive from the Waterton Townsite.
Chief Mountain
The Chief Mountain terminus can be accessed via the Chief Mountain Highway, typically open from May 15 – September 30. A small parking lot is adjacent to the Belly River trailhead roughly 1000 feet south of the border crossing at Chief Mountain Customs. Wilderness permit holders may park their vehicles here for the duration of their permit.
Shuttles to/from Chief Mountain
To/from East Glacier Park, MT
Backpackers Ferry – 406-845-3905
Mountain Chief Cab – 406-450-3630
To/from Waterton Townsite (Canada)
Tamarack Outdoors – 403-859-2378
East Glacier, Montana
Can be accessed via Amtrack’s Empire Builder route. Trains arrive/depart daily to and from Seattle (West) / Chicago (East).
Glacier Park International Airport (Whitefish, Montana)
The nearest international airport to the Chief Mountain Trailhead and East Glacier, MT is Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), located 12 miles south of Whitefish, MT and the nearest Amtrak station with trains to East Glacier.
Permits
Wilderness Permits are required for overnight camping in Glacier National Park (CDT miles 2923.5 – 3038) and the entire Chief Mountain route) and for trail access on the Blackfeet Reservation (CDT miles 2936-2942).
Glacier National Park Permits
Hikers must camp in designated campsites within the park. 70% of all wilderness permits are available in advance online while, 30% are held for walk-ins.
Advanced Online Permits
Advanced reservations can be made online at recreation.gov, by lottery, beginning March 15th at 12am Mountain Time. Users must know the exact dates and campsites they intend to use.
Walk-in Permits (Most popular for CDT hikers)
Walk-in Permit Locations
On CDT ~20 minute drive from East Glacier. The most popular walk-in location for CDT hikers.
May 25 – Sept 14: 7:30a – 5p
Wilderness Permits will be available at the East Glacier Ranger Station in East Glacier, MT from Sept. 15 through Sept. 30.
Apgar Permit Center (West Side)
May 1–May 24: 8:00 am–4:00 pm
May 25–Sept 30: 7:30 am–5:00 pm
October 1–Oct 31: 8:00 am–4:00 pm
Many Glacier Ranger Station
CLOSED
Due to construction project, the Many Glacier Wilderness Permit Office is closed during the 2025 season. The office is anticipated to reopen beginning June 1, 2026.
Blackfeet Reservation Permit Required
A Conservation/Recreation Use Permit is required for all recreational activities, including hiking on the CDT for the 6 miles in and out of East Glacier Park, on the Blackfeet Reservation. A separate permit is required for fishing on the reservation. For further information call (406) 338-7207.
Permits can purchased online beginning in April and are valid through March 31st the following year. One permit per person. Proof (electronic of physical) of your valid permit is required at all times while recreating on Blackfeet land.
Planning Your Glacier NP Itinerary
Use the table and map below to help plan your backcountry itinerary through Glacier NP.
Mileage points are from the CDTC official map and my differ from third party apps or publications.
Chief Mountain Route
|
Mile |
Site Name | Rec.gov starting area |
| 27.2 | US/Canada Border (Belly River TH) | BRE |
| 21 | (GAB) Gable Creek | Many Glacier |
| 17.5 | (ELF) Elizabeth Lake Foot | Many Glacier |
| 17.5 |
(ELH) Elizabeth Lake Head (1.6m off trail) | Many Glacier |
| 7.5 | (POI) Poia Lake | Many Glacier |
| 0 | (MAN) Many Glacier | Many Glacier |
Waterton Route
| Mile | Site Name | Rec.gov starting area |
| 3043.5 | Waterton Townsite | |
| 3038 | US/Canada Border | |
| 3034 | (WAT) Waterton River | Goat Haunt |
| 3033.7 | (GOA) Goat Haunt Shelters | Goat Haunt |
| 3031 | (KOO) Kootenai Lake | Goat Haunt |
| 3023 | (FIF) FIfty Mountain | Goat Haunt |
| 3011.5 | (GRN) Granite Park | Lake McDonald |
| 3004 | (MAN) Many Glacier | Many Glacier |
Main Route
| Mile | Site Name | Rec.gov starting area |
| 2988.5 | (REY) Reynolds Creek | Saint Mary |
| 2975 | (REF) Red Eagle Lake Foot | Saint Mary |
| 2974 | (REH) Red Eagle Lake Head | Saint Mary |
| 2963.5 | (ATL) Atlantic Creek | Saint Mary |
| 2960 | (MOR) Morning Star Creek | Saint Mary |
| 2956 | (OLD) Oldman Lake | Two Medicine |
| 2949.5 | (TMC) Two Medicine | Two Medicine |
| 2938.5 | East Glacier |
| Starting/ending Locations on Rec.gov | CDT Mile |
| (WTE) Waterton Townsite | 3043.5 (Waterton Route) |
| (BRE) Belly River | 27.2 (Chief Mountain Route) |
| (AFE) Appekunny Creek | 1 (Chief Mountain Route) |
| (IPE) Iceberg/Ptarmagin Trail | 3004 (Waterton Route) |
| (TNE) Two Medicine Northshore Trail | 2949.5 |
| (EGE) East Glacier | 2942 |
The chart below are the approximate start dates for registered CDT hikers.
For the best chance to secure your desired itinerary plan your start date with fewer registered hikers if possible.
Walk-in Permit Tips
Get in line early – Arrive well before the permit office opens for the day
Group up – Up to four people can share a single permit
Be flexible – Be prepared to do more or less miles than ideal from campsite to campsite
Lodging and Resupply
East Glacier
on trail
Groceries
Camping
Red Eagle Campground
(10 miles north on hwy 49)
Shuttles
East Side Shuttle
To/from: Glacier Park Lodge – Two Medicine and St. Mary
Two Medicine
on trail
Groceries
Two Medicine Campstore
(Limited Supplies/snacks)
No lodging, showers, or laundry. Cell service is unreliable.
Shuttles
East Side Shuttle
To/from: Glacier Park Lodge – Two Medicine
Saint Mary
Accessed via Going-to-the-Sun Rd, or the Red Eagle Trail (5.2 miles) which meets the CDT at mile 2977.5.
Groceries/Supplies
Shuttles
Going-tothe-Sun Rd Shuttle
From the CDT mile (2987.3)
Many Glacier Hotel Shuttle
Arrives/departs 4 times per day. $16 each way.
Many Glacier
on trail
Many Glacier is undergoing a major construction project. Services are limited.
Groceries/Supplies
The Many Glacier Hotel has a couple of resturant options and gift shop. Resupply options are very limited.
Lodging
Camping
A temporary wilderness campground is located across from the hotel Parking lot. Permits are required. Walk-in permits cannot be obtained in Many Glacier. All frontcounty sites are closed.
Shuttle
Many Glacier Hotel Shuttle
Arrives/departs 4 times per day. $16 each way.
Crossing the Border
Valid travel and indentifcation documents (Canada, United States) are required when entering the U.S or Canada.
Waterton
Northbound (Into Canada)
Southbound (Into the U.S.)
Non US Citizens
Non US citizens entering the US from Canada must first obtain an I-94 form prior to using the ROAM app and crossing at Waterton. These can be obtained from most US ports, including Chief Mountain, but not at Waterton. For more information click here.
Chief Mountain
The Chief Mountain port of entry is located on the Chief Mountain Highway. One can cross the border by automobile or foot with the necessary passports and travel documents.
Northbound (Into Canada)
Shuttles (Book ahead of time)
To/from East Glacier Park, MT (Drop off/pickup on the US side. Does not cross the border)
Backpackers Ferry – 406-845-3905
Mountain Chief Cab – 406-450-3630
To/from Waterton Townsite. Drop off/pickup on the CAN side. Does not cross border.
Tamarack Outdoors – 403-859-2378