Are you planning a trip to Glacier National Park this year? If you’re hoping to get up-close-and-personal with some of the wildlife there, don’t miss the chance to check out the Goat Lick overlook, where many a mountain goat can be spotted throughout the year.
The Goat Lick Overlook is located off Highway 2, about two miles southeast of the Walton Ranger Station.
Robert W. / TripAdvisor And goats aside, there are some truly incredible views in this area.
From the parking area, a paved path will lead you to an observation stand overlooking the waters of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River.
Angela USA / TripAdvisor The river’s current has cut deeply into the soil here, exposing a mass of gray clay full of minerals that are great for goats.
Glacier National Park has several mineral licks, but this one is definitely the most popular.
wmiskelly / TripAdvisor It’s pretty rare that you won’t see goats here if you stay awhile, especially in the summer.
The Goat Lick is an exposure of the Roosevelt Fault.
BBLC / TripAdvisor The phosphorus found in the lick helps the goats replace the elements they lose from their bones during the winter. The minerals may also act as a digestive aid.
On its first seasonal visit to the site, a goat may stay here and lick for up to 24 hours (in 4-6 hour stretches).
Angela USA / TripAdvisor The goats do tend to compete for the best licking areas, so you might see them get aggressive.
The goats might get aggressive with humans, too, if they feel threatened, so make sure to keep your distance.
Dan Hutcheson / Flickr The animals tend to focus their activity on wet seeps on the lick where more minerals are carried in solution. This means they can get into some pretty interesting positions!
Check out the Goat Lick Overlook on your next trip to Glacier National Park. This charming sight is one of many reasons to love Glacier.
Robert W. / TripAdvisor
And goats aside, there are some truly incredible views in this area.
Angela USA / TripAdvisor
The river’s current has cut deeply into the soil here, exposing a mass of gray clay full of minerals that are great for goats.
wmiskelly / TripAdvisor
It’s pretty rare that you won’t see goats here if you stay awhile, especially in the summer.
BBLC / TripAdvisor
The phosphorus found in the lick helps the goats replace the elements they lose from their bones during the winter. The minerals may also act as a digestive aid.
The goats do tend to compete for the best licking areas, so you might see them get aggressive.
Dan Hutcheson / Flickr
The animals tend to focus their activity on wet seeps on the lick where more minerals are carried in solution. This means they can get into some pretty interesting positions!
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