12 Best Things to Do at Lake McDonald (Glacier National Park)
With its length of 10 miles and depth of nearly 500 feet, Lake McDonald is the largest lake in Glacier National Park. It’s also one of the most popular places in the park.
The center of tourist activity on the park’s West Side, busy Apgar Village sits on the south shore of Lake McDonald. This is where you’ll find inns and cabins, boat rentals and a pebble beach, souvenir shops and a number of other facilities.
On the northeast shore sits the historic Lake McDonald Lodge, one of the most iconic lodges in the National Park System, and featuring several services and amenities. A few campgrounds are scattered throughout the area, too.
Lake McDonald is near the western end of the spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTTSR), which traverses the park’s interior mountains.
I recommend spending a few days familiarizing yourself with the Lake McDonald area before exploring the rest of the park on the Going-to-the-Sun Road and beyond.
Below, I’ve compiled an overview of the best things to do at Lake McDonald and surroundings.
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12 Best Things to Do at Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park
One of the busiest areas in all of Glacier National Park, the wonderful Lake McDonald Valley is the result of glacial carving.
Once upon a time, massive glaciers occupied this valley, slowly chiseling and shaping the mountainsides as the ice moved downward.
After the ice retreated, water filled up the valley, creating the exceptionally long and narrow—and deep—Lake McDonald. Towering mountains flank the lake, its surrounding slopes covered by dense forests.
There are many fun things to do at Lake McDonald, arguably the best place to immerse yourself in Glacier’s beautiful water-and-woodland scenery.
Several excellent hiking trails meander through the forests, offering occasional wildlife sightings, while the crystal-clear water attracts kayakers, fishing enthusiasts, as well as hardy swimmers (the water is cold!)
Easy Things to Do at Lake McDonald
Explore the Apgar Visitor Center
There are three visitor centers in Glacier National Park. The Apgar Visitor Center is the hub of information on the West Side of the park. (The other two are at Logan Pass (Going-to-the-Sun Road) and St. Mary (East Side) respectively.)
Situated at the intersection of Camas Road and Going-to-the-Sun Road, just south of Lake McDonald’s south shore, the Apgar Visitor Center is open daily from mid-May to mid-October.
In fall, winter and spring, it’s open on the weekends, depending on staff availability.
At this large visitor center, you’ll find inside and outside exhibits, trip planning information, road and trail status information, ranger-led activities, and astronomy programs.
Additionally, there are restrooms, water bottle filling stations, a bookstore, and public WiFi.
A short 0.25-mile walking and biking path connects the Apgar Visitor Center to the shore of Lake McDonald, the Apgar Campground, and Apgar Village.
Browse the Shops in Apgar Village
Even though it’s within a national park, Apgar Village, as small as it may be, does have somewhat of a small-town feel to it.
In summer, it bustles with activity, as visitors explore the Lake McDonald shoreline, prepare for boat trips on the lake, enjoy picnics, and browse the village’s shops.
There are several shops along Lake View Drive, the main road in Apgar Village, including School House Gifts, Montana House, Eddie’s Café & Mercantile, and the Cedar Tree Gift Shop.
You can find a wide variety of souvenirs and collectibles here, from apparel and jewelry to locally-made art and craftwork. Eddie’s also serves ice cream, snacks, drinks, and main meals.
See the Famous Colored Rocks in Lake McDonald
One of the top attractions at Lake McDonald is its multi-colored rocks and pebbles. These colorful pebbles are clearly visible in the shallow crystal-clear water near the lakeshore.
All kinds of colors are represented in the Lake McDonald rocks, from bright yellow and orange, to green and blue, to vibrant reds.
One of the best places to see the colorful rocks at Lake McDonald is the beach and boat dock in Apgar Village. It’s one of the most famous views in Glacier National Park.
Join a Guided Boat Tour on Lake McDonald
Ever since 1938, the Glacier Park Boat Company has offered guided boat tours on Lake McDonald.
Their goal is to “provide a one-of-a-kind experience to visitors at Glacier National Park, while providing the unique history surrounding this special place,” the company says on its website. After all these years, it’s still family-owned.
Exploring the lake on its historic vessel, DeSmet, is easily one of the top things to do at Lake McDonald. Built in 1930 and registered on the National Register of Historic Vessels, it’s the flagship of their fleet.
Scenic boat tours on the DeSmet start at the dock at Lake McDonald Lodge and last about one hour.
Go Kayaking on Lake McDonald
In my opinion, the most fun way to experience Lake McDonald is on a muscle-powered paddling excursion on the lake.
You can bring your own kayak or canoe, but remember that all watercraft, even small inflatable kayaks, must undergo an inspection for aquatic invasive species before launching them in Glacier National Park.
In Apgar Village, the inspection station is just across the road from the Apgar boat dock.
Currently, Lake McDonald is the only lake on Going-to-the-Sun Road where private boats are allowed. You can launch your kayak or canoe from the docks at Apgar Village or at Lake McDonald Lodge.
Alternatively, you can rent a paddleboard, single or double kayak, canoe, or rowboat from the Glacier Park Boat Company at either Apgar Village or Lake McDonald Lodge. Advanced reservations are highly recommended, but a number of rentals are reserved for rent on a first-come first-served basis.
Watch the Sunset and Stars over Lake McDonald
Besides admiring the multi-colored rocks in Lake McDonald, watching the sunset is another super-popular, and recommended, Lake McDonald activity.
Especially from the shore in Apgar Village, the view across the lake to the northeast is nothing short of breathtaking in the evening.
The colorful submerged rocks, combined with the majestic peaks lit up by the setting sun in the background, are one of my favorite panoramic views on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Additionally, this is also a superb place for stargazing. A few hours after the sun has set, thousands of stars com out, twinkling above the still water of Lake McDonald.
Because of both the epic sunsets and amazing stargazing opportunities, I strongly recommend spending a couple of nights in Apgar Village.
Start a Red Bus Tour on Going-to-the-Sun Road
Arguably the most iconic way to explore Glacier National Park is on a Red Bus tour.
“The fleet of 33 buses in Glacier is widely considered to be the oldest touring fleet of vehicles anywhere in the world,” Glacier National Park Lodges, one of the park’s official concessioners, says.
The extremely popular Red Bus tours usually sell out every day, so it’s advisable to book your seat well in advance.
These tours offer a scenic, roundtrip Going-to-the-Sun Road experience, departing and arriving back at the same location.
You can start a Red Bus tour on the Going-to-the-Sun Road at three different locations at Lake McDonald:
- Village Inn at Apgar
- Apgar Visitor Center
- Lake McDonald Lodge
Visit the Iconic Lake McDonald Lodge
Located at the east end of Lake McDonald, the iconic Lake McDonald Lodge is an impressive Swiss chalet-style lodge. It’s one of the most popular places to stay on Glacier National Park’s West Side.
Even if you don’t spend the night there, this rustic and historic national park lodge is still a place worth checking out. Explore its majestic lobby, filled with stuffed mountain goats and the heads of elk, moose, and bighorn sheep.
In addition to the lodge itself, there are other historic buildings, too, as well as a camp store and various dining options.
Boat tours leave from the dock at Lake McDonald Lodge, while you also rent small watercraft here, including paddleboards, kayaks, and rowboats.
Fun fact: Lake McDonald Lodge is older than Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is why its main entrance faces the lake, away from the road.
See the Sacred Dancing Cascade in McDonald Creek
For many people, McDonald Creek is nothing more than a quick stopping point along the western section of Going-to-the-Sun Road, just to the north of Lake McDonald.
In my opinion, though, this is one of the most underrated locations on the western portion of Going-to-the-Sun Road.
A couple of parking areas offer views of beautiful places like Lower McDonald Falls and Sacred Dancing Cascades.
Although it’s not as spectacular as the park’s interior cliffs and peaks, abundant wildlife, or colorful wildflower meadows, McDonald Creek is a wonderful spot to enjoy the stillness and more intimate details of nature.
Spend some time on the creek banks, skip some rocks, have a picnic, or hike a trail—the Johns Lake Loop Trail partially parallels the creek (see below).
Recommended Day Hikes in Lake McDonald Valley
Hike the Trail of the Cedars
One of the most popular easy hikes in Glacier National Park, the Trail of the Cedars starts at the extremely popular Avalanche Picnic Area. Make sure to get here as early in the morning as you can to find a parking spot.
(In spring, before the Going-to-the-Sun Road fully opens, the Avalanche Picnic Area is typically as far as you can drive up the road. As such, it can get very busy here.)
A wonderful loop, this trail is mainly a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk that runs through a beautiful rain forest reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest.
There’s no elevation gain to speak of, making this a fantastic, easy hiking option for people with different abilities or less desire to take on the more challenging Glacier National Park trails.
As you stroll through a forest of towering 500-year-old red cedars, black cottonwoods and hemlocks, listen to the song of birds and take in the wonderful woodland scents.
The Trail of the Cedars also crosses two bridges across Avalanche Creek, which is especially stunning at Avalanche Gorge.
Although a very short and easy trail in Glacier National Park, this is one of the park’s top hikes, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in Glacier’s lush West Side forests.
Additionally, for a longer hike, you can combine the Trail of the Cedars with the excellent Avalanche Lake Trail, which splits off from the trail about halfway around the loop.
- Trailhead: Avalanche Picnic Area
- Distance: 0.7 miles (loop)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation gain: –
Hike to Avalanche Lake
If you’re looking for a moderate hike in the Lake McDonald area, few trails are better—or busier—than the Avalanche Lake Trail.
This hike starts about halfway around the Trail of the Cedars, where the trail shortly but steeply climbs to the top of Avalanche Gorge.
Then, you’ll hike through thick woods, every now and then catching a glimpse of towering glacier-carved walls just to your left.
The trail ends at glorious Avalanche Lake, backed by a cirque with sheer cliffs and lined with waterfalls.
Several benches are set up along the lakeshore, ideal for enjoying a picnic lunch or just admiring this extraordinary landscape. Alternatively, you can also continue hiking to the far end of the lake, which is much less crowded.
This is one of the most popular day hikes in Glacier National Park and the parking lot fills up quickly, pretty much every day in summer. I recommend getting there as early in the morning as you can.
- Trailhead: Avalanche Picnic Area
- Distance: 4.6 miles (out and back)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 500 feet
Hike the Johns Lake Loop
The Johns Lake Loop is a great introduction to the verdant forests of Glacier’s west side. The trailhead is just over a mile north of Lake McDonald Lodge on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
You can either go for a quick 1.8-mile circuit around this tiny lake or—the option I personally recommend—opt for the longer loop around the area.
Explore a dense old-growth forest of hemlocks and red cedars, occasionally catching a glimpse of Johns Lake. Keep an eye out for moose as you walk along the lakeshore.
The loop continues on the other side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, where you’ll cross scenic McDonald Creek and hike past beautifully photogenic spots like the Sacred Dancing Cascade and McDonald Falls.
- Trailhead: Johns Lake Trailhead, 1.3 miles north of Lake McDonald Lodge
- Distance: 1.8 – 3 miles (loop)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation gain: –
Longer Day Hikes Near Lake McDonald
- Apgar Lookout Trail (7.2 miles roundtrip)
- Lake McDonald West Shore Trail (14.8 miles roundtrip)
- Mt. Brown Lookout Trail (10.4 miles roundtrip)
- Sperry Chalet Trail (12.6 miles roundtrip)
- Trout Lake Trail (8 miles roundtrip)
Where to Stay in Lake McDonald Valley
You can choose from a few different lodging options at Lake McDonald, including cabins, an inn, a motel, and the impressive Lake McDonald Lodge.
Additionally, there are three campgrounds on the lakeshore, as well as another one just up the Going-to-the-Sun Road at Avalanche Creek.
Apgar Village Lodge and Cabins
Located in Apgar Village, the main tourist hub on the west side of Glacier National Park, this is a fantastic place to stay in the park.
The Apgar Village Lodge and Cabins offer rustic and tranquil lodging at a superb location. Gorgeous Lake McDonald, the largest and one of the most beautiful lakes in Glacier National Park, is mere minutes away on foot. Popular activities include hiking, biking and kayaking.
There are motel-style rooms and separate cabins with or without a kitchen, all set in a fragrant lakeshore forest.
Note that these accommodations have no televisions or air conditioning, but that only adds to their “get-away-from-it-all” atmosphere.
Plus, there are plenty of facilities and services all over Apgar Village. You can rent bikes and boats, browse the Cedar Tree Gift Shop, enjoy ice cream and coffee, or grab lunch or dinner at the village’s restaurant.
Check Apgar Village Lodge and Cabins Rates and Availability Here
Village Inn at Apgar
Another accommodation option at Apgar is the Village Inn. This historic inn, which dates from 1956, sits on the serene western shore of Lake McDonald. You’ll literally be just a few steps from the water of Glacier’s largest lake.
The Village Inn has two floors, the first floor having small one-bedroom units as well as kitchen units. The second floor, on the other hand, has both small and large units that can accommodate up to six people.
It’s worth mentioning that these rooms overlook Lake McDonald, providing some of the greatest in-room views in Glacier National Park. No televisions or air conditioning are available.
A short stroll from the Village Inn, you’ll find Apgar’s restaurant, gift and souvenir shops, outdoor equipment rental services, visitor information, and boat ramp.
Check Village Inn at Apgar Rates and Availability Here
Lake McDonald Lodge
Built in 1913, the historic Lake McDonald Lodge is one of the architectural gems in the National Park System.
Resembling a large Swiss-style chalet, it offers rustic accommodation on the eastern shore of Lake McDonald, about 10 miles inside Glacier National Park.
Its 82 guest rooms are divided between the impressive three-story Main Lodge, Snyder Hall with its hostel-style rooms, the extraordinary three-suite Cobb House, and a row of cabins.
The lodge’s webpage says that “in keeping with the era in which all the rooms were built, they offer guests modest amenities.” Recent updates have added king and queen-size beds and upscaled some rooms, while maintaining their rustic atmosphere.
Services and facilities are plentiful in and around Lake McDonald Lodge.
Places to eat include a dining room, lounge, and grill and pizzeria, while there’s also a reading room, boat cruises and the park’s famous Red Bus tours. Ranger programs and other guided activities are available, too.
Nearby you’ll find amazing hiking trails, such as the Johns Lake Loop and popular Avalanche Lake Trail.
Check Lake McDonald Lodge Rates and Availability Here
Motel Lake McDonald
Located adjacent to Lake McDonald Lodge, Motel Lake McDonald is your second accommodation option on the eastern shore of the biggest lake in Glacier National Park.
As its name suggests, it offers motel-style accommodation in the form of single and double bedrooms. Parking is available right in front of the building, offering easy access to your room.
The rooms themselves are rustic and relatively basic, as is the norm for most Glacier National Park accommodation, yet comfortable. They offer everything you need to rest, clean up and sleep during your visit to the park.
This is a great base to explore the greater Lake McDonald area.
Popular hikes include the Trail of the Cedars, Avalanche Lake and Sperry Chalet, while nearby McDonald Creek and Falls and Sacred Dancing Cascade are beautiful roadside attractions.
Although prices do vary depending on availability and room type, Motel Lake McDonald is usually a more budget-friendly option than nearby Lake McDonald Lodge. Something to keep in mind.
Check Motel Lake McDonald Rates and Availability Here
Campgrounds in Lake McDonald Valley
There are three frontcountry campgrounds on the shores of Lake McDonald. Reservations are recommended, if not required, to camp at these fun campgrounds.
- Apgar Campground– 194 sites (largest campground in Glacier National Park), located near Apgar Village and Visitor Center; reservations required.
- Fish Creek Campground– 178 sites (second largest campground in Glacier National Park), located on the southwest shore of the lake, a short drive north of Apgar Village; reservations not required but strongly recommended.
- Sprague Creek Campground – 25 sites, located on the northeast shore of Lake McDonald, just south of Lake McDonald Lodge; reservations required.
Additionally, there is another excellent frontcountry campground just a little further up the McDonald Lake Valley.
- Avalanche Campground – 87 sites, located on Avalanche Creek, just north of Lake McDonald and near the Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake trailheads, reservations required.
Visiting Lake McDonald FAQs
Where Is Lake McDonald?
Lake McDonald is located on the West Side of Glacier National Park. It is near the western end of Going-to-the-Sun Road, just inside the park from the village of West Glacier.
These are the shortest distances from major locations around the park to Lake McDonald (plus estimated driving times, which can fluctuate depending on traffic or road conditions):
- West Glacier to Lake McDonald (Apgar Village): 2.5 miles (5-10 minutes)
- Columbia Falls to Lake McDonald (Apgar Village): 20 miles (35 minutes)
- Whitefish to Lake McDonald (Apgar Village): 28 miles (45 minutes)
- Kalispell to Lake McDonald (Apgar Village): 36 miles (55 minutes)
- East Glacier Park to Lake McDonald (Apgar Village): 58 miles (1 hour 10 minutes)
- St. Mary to Lake McDonald (Lake McDonald Lodge) via GTTSR: 40 miles (1 hour 25 minutes)
Is Lake McDonald Accessible All Year?
Although weather typically forces roads to close in most of the park through winter, the “portion of Going-to-the-Sun Road from West Glacier to Lake McDonald Lodge is usually plowed and open year-round, weather permitting,” the park says on its website.
So yes, Lake McDonald is usually accessible year-round, with the exception of occasional road closures due to severe weather.
Note, however, that services and facilities are extremely limited from early-October to late-May. The entire Going-to-the-Sun Road is only open during the brief summer season.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Lake McDonald?
While you can visit Lake McDonald anytime of year, some seasons are simply more enjoyable than others.
For the widest range of possible outdoor activities at Lake McDonald, I recommend visiting between late-spring and early-fall.
July and August are incredibly busy, with accommodations, campgrounds, and tours usually fully booked. I’d suggest visiting Lake McDonald in late-June or early-September.
How Many Days Do I Need to Explore Lake McDonald?
Most of the top things to do at Lake McDonald described above can be done in just one day, but I recommend spending two to three days near Lake McDonald.
As I said earlier, the sunsets and stargazing viewing opportunities at Lake McDonald are fantastic. They’re worth staying a little longer for. With an extra day or two, you’d also be able to do a couple of hikes in the area.
What Wildlife Can I See at Lake McDonald?
Lake McDonald is not considered one of the best areas to see wildlife in Glacier National Park, but lucky visitors might still spot some animals here.
Both white-tailed and mule deer frequent the area’s forests and riverbanks, while elk are sometimes seen in clearings. Ground squirrels are common, too.
Also keep an eye out for black bears especially in more remote areas—I saw one on the Avalanche Lake Trail.
Grizzlies do sporadically venture into the busy Lake McDonald area, but the park’s higher elevations are much better to see them.
If seeing wildlife is your priority, however, I recommend spending some time at places like Logan Pass, St. Mary Lake, and Many Glacier.
Do I Need a Reservation to Visit Lake McDonald?
Yes, you do… sort of. Just like previous years, Glacier National Park uses a ticketed entry system for the Going-to-the-Sun Road in 2023, too.
From May 26 through September 10, 2023, between 6 am and 3 pm, you will need an entry reservation ticket to access the Going-to-the-Sun Road via the West Entrance near Lake McDonald.
However, if you have a service reservation, such as a hotel or campsite booking, bus tour, boat ride or horseback ride reservation, you do not need a Going-to-the-Sun Road ticket.
During the reservation period, you can also access Glacier’s famous mountain road, including Lake McDonald, without a reservation after 3 pm.
Due to construction activities in 2023, vehicles won’t be permitted to enter through the West Entrance before 6 am.
You can find more information about the Going-to-the-Sun Road ticket system here.
Are There Any Restaurants at Lake McDonald?
Yes, there are a few different dining options on the shores of Lake McDonald!
- Eddie’s Café & Mercantile (Apgar Village)
- Jammer Joe’s Grill & Pizzeria (Lake McDonald Lodge)
- Lucke’s Lounge (Lake McDonald Lodge)
- Russell’s Fireside Dining Room (Lake McDonald Lodge)
More About Glacier National Park
- Park Website
- Travel Guide
- Topographic Map
- Best Glacier Hikes
- Top Attractions on Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Best Panoramic Views on Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Best Things to Do at Many Glacier
- Where to See Wildlife in Glacier National Park
- Accommodation
