Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Glacier National Park and Mount Rainier Discovery from Chicago

Amtrak Empire Builder rail trip linking Glacier and Mount Rainier from Chicago

Glacier National Park and Mount Rainier Discovery from Chicago, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this eight-day, seven-night independent rail vacation from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest, using the Empire Builder for both of its long-distance legs. The trip opens with an overnight train ride west, arriving at Glacier National Park for three nights at the historic Glacier Park Lodge, a short walk or shuttle ride from the station. Included days at Glacier bring a coach sightseeing tour past Marias Pass, Goat Lick, and Logan Pass, plus a boat cruise in Two Medicine Valley. A second overnight aboard the Empire Builder carries travelers on to Seattle for two nights, with Space Needle admission and a day trip to Mount Rainier National Park before the trip ends. Because it is independent rather than escorted, travelers move between included activities on their own schedule, which suits people who want a structured rail route without a tour director managing every hour. The seasonal Glacier activities mean summer departures matter most.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Seattle hotel is one of several named options at the same two-night stay (Hampton Inn & Suites, Hyatt Place, Hotel Andra, Crowne Plaza, Embassy Suites, or Kimpton Hotel Vintage), so which one you get depends on availability.
  • The Glacier National Park sightseeing tour and the Two Medicine Valley boat cruise are both listed as seasonal (July to September); confirm your travel dates fall in that window.
  • The evidence pack does not list specific departure dates; confirm the current calendar with Amtrak Vacations before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    Your journey begins in bustling Chicago, where you'll board Amtrak's Empire Builder for an overnight train journey to Glacier National Park! Along the way, enjoy wild landscapes, the North Dakota plains and the Big Sky country in Montana.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Glacier National Park

    Glacier National Park, MT

    Today you'll arrive in Glacier National Park. Your hotel is located just a short stroll behind the train station. If you prefer not to walk, a shuttle will transfer you to the hotel.

  3. Day 3overnight: Glacier National Park

    Glacier National Park, MT

    Have breakfast at Glacier Park Lodge before taking your included Big Sky Circle tour and discovering all the allure of this treasured national park. Visit Maria's Pass, Goat Lick, the historic Izaak Walton Inn, Going-to-the-Sun Road at Logan Pass, and many more must-see highlights. Come evening, enjoy dinner back at Glacier Park Lodge.

  4. Day 4overnight: Glacier National Park

    Glacier National Park, MT

    After having breakfast at Glacier Park Lodge, you'll take your included transfer into the park for a Two Medicine Valley boat cruise. Get ready for an exciting day and don't forget your camera!

  5. Day 5railovernight: Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    Catch the Empire Builder train once more for your departure West toward Seattle and continue reveling in one of the country's most beloved long-distance train routes.

  6. Day 6overnight: Seattle

    Seattle, WA

    Welcome to the Pacific Northwest! Upon arrival, start seeing the city's most popular sights. Use your included admission to the Space Needle and visit the Smith Tower, a local best-kept secret.

  7. Day 7overnight: Seattle

    Day Trip to Mount Rainer National Park

    Embark on a day trip to one of the most beautiful places in Washington: Mount Rainier. There's a reason millions of people visit this national park each year! Stunning landscapes, waterfalls, forests, and wildlife await.

  8. Day 8

    Your Journey Ends in Seattle

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The Empire Builder departs Chicago for an overnight run west, passing wild landscapes across the North Dakota plains and Montana's Big Sky country.
  • Day 3The included Big Sky Circle tour stops at Marias Pass, Goat Lick, the historic Izaak Walton Inn, and Logan Pass on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
  • Day 4An included transfer takes travelers into the park for a boat cruise in Two Medicine Valley.
  • Day 6Arrival in Seattle includes admission to the Space Needle and a visit to the Smith Tower.
  • Day 7A day trip visits Mount Rainier National Park, described in the evidence as having landscapes, waterfalls, forests, and wildlife.

Included

  • One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Chicago to Glacier National Park; Glacier National Park to Seattle on the Empire Builder
  • 5 nights' hotel accommodations; 2 nights onboard Amtrak
  • 6 meals included (3 breakfasts, 3 dinners)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. One-way Amtrak coach travel is included from Chicago to Glacier National Park and from Glacier National Park to Seattle, both on the Empire Builder, with 2 nights spent onboard the train.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is listed as an independent rail vacation. The package includes sightseeing activities such as the Big Sky Circle tour and Space Needle admission, but the evidence does not describe a tour director accompanying travelers.
Which train is used?
The Empire Builder, in coach class, for both legs of the journey.
What hotels are included?
Glacier Park Lodge for 3 nights in Glacier National Park, then 2 nights at a Seattle hotel selected from several options, including Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle-Downtown, Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown, Hotel Andra Seattle MGallery, Crowne Plaza Seattle-Downtown, Embassy Suites Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square, and Kimpton Hotel Vintage Seattle.
How much walking is involved?
Day 2 notes the Glacier hotel is a short stroll from the station, with a shuttle offered for those who prefer not to walk; the rest of the evidence does not describe strenuous walking or hikes.
When do the Glacier activities run?
The Glacier National Park sightseeing tour and the Two Medicine Valley boat cruise are both listed as seasonal, running July through September.

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