Pros & cons
PROS
- Central in-park base near St. Mary Lake and Going-to-the-Sun Road
- On-site restaurant and general store for easy meals and supplies
- Private bathrooms in every room and cabin
CONS
- No TV or air conditioning; Wi‑Fi is limited to common areas
- Rooms are small/basic and some cabins have thin walls
Overview
Built in 1940 and renovated in 2015, Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins is a classic east-side base inside the park, a short walk from St. Mary Lake and right on Going‑to‑the‑Sun Road. It’s simple by design—think clean, rustic rooms and cabins—and the location is the real star.
Rooms & What’s Included
- 72 units split among hillside Motor Inn rooms, Store Motel rooms (inside the building with the store), and duplex-style Cabins.
- Each unit has a private bathroom; beds are either one queen or two doubles.
- No TVs, no air conditioning, and no in‑room phones. Fans are available.
- Coffee makers in Motor Inn and Cabin rooms; not provided in Store Motel rooms.
- Limited Wi‑Fi, typically available only in lobby/desk areas.
Dining & Supplies
- Two Dog Flats Grill sits on site with a classic, family‑friendly menu.
- A general store and gift shop carry snacks, groceries, trip essentials, and souvenirs.
- Free parking is adjacent or close to most units.
Location & Access
- About 6 miles west of the St. Mary Visitor Center and roughly 12 miles from Logan Pass.
- St. Mary Lake is just across the road (approximately a quarter mile).
- Handy for Red Bus tours, St. Mary Lake boat cruises, and nearby trailheads such as Otokomi Lake.
Wildlife
Deer often wander the grounds, and the meadows and slopes along this stretch of road can produce bear sightings, especially at dawn and dusk. For higher‑elevation wildlife like mountain goats and bighorn sheep, Logan Pass is a reliable bet. Keep your distance (100 yards from bears, 25 yards from other wildlife) and carry bear spray.
Best Times to Visit
- Operating season typically runs early June through mid‑September.
- Sunrise and sunset deliver the best light on St. Mary Lake and the surrounding peaks, plus your best odds for wildlife activity.
- The grill can get a dinner rush—go on the early side to avoid waits.
Planning Notes
- Expect a back‑to‑nature setup: compact rooms, thin walls in some cabins, and minimal connectivity.
- 2025: Many Glacier is using restricted personal‑vehicle access for part of the peak season; if you’re planning wildlife outings there, confirm current shuttle/ticket requirements and road restrictions before you go.
Where it is
48.6946, -113.5181Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins
Tips for Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins
- 01Pick your room type wisely: Motor Inn for hillside feel, Cabins for porch vibes, Store Motel for convenience.
- 02Pack a small soft cooler—there’s typically no in‑room fridge or microwave.
- 03Download maps and plans ahead; Wi‑Fi is spotty and often lobby‑only.
- 04Walk to St. Mary Lake at dawn or dusk for calm light and wildlife scanning.
- 05If morning coffee matters, avoid Store Motel rooms (no in‑room coffee maker).
Amenities
Near Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayTwo Dog Flats GrillCasual grill with lake views and an easy Going-to-the-Sun stopFood · Restaurant
0.1 mi awayRose Creek TrailRed-rock cirque, cascades, and a quieter grind to Otokomi LakeChallenging · 10.4 mi · 7 hr
0.6 mi awayWild Goose Island OverlookClassic St. Mary Lake vista with tiny Wild Goose Island centerpiecePullout · Parking
1.4 mi awaySt. Mary LakeEast-side alpine lake with the famed Wild Goose Island viewTrailhead · Pullout
2.6 mi awayRed Eagle LakeBrushy, quiet out-and-back to a lake with big valley views.Challenging · 17.7 mi · 6.6 hr
2.8 mi awayRed Eagle LakeRemote glacial lake with moose and quiet backcountry campsCampground · Restroom
3.1 mi awaySun Point Nature TrailShort, big‑view stroll to Sun Point above St. Mary LakeEasy · 0.8 mi · 30 min
3.7 mi awayBaring Falls TrailShort, easy stroll to a misty waterfall with St. Mary Lake viewsEasy · 0.7 mi · 30 min
