Lake McDonald
Glacier National Park, Flathead County, MT
Out-and-back trail in Glacier National Park, Flathead County, MT. Hiking.
- Distance
- 13.9 mi (22.4 km)
- Elevation Gain
- 1,102 ft (336 m)
- Est. Time
- 5 hr
- High point
- 3,304 ft (1,007 m)
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- Out & back
Features
Along the way
- Campsite: McDonald Lake Campground 9.2 mi (14.8 km) from start
From OpenStreetMap. Check before you rely on water or toilets.
Questions about Lake McDonald
How long is Lake McDonald?
Lake McDonald is 13.9 mi (22.4 km) long. Most people take about 5 hr. It climbs 1,102 ft (336 m) in total, up to a high point of 3,304 ft (1,007 m).
How hard is Lake McDonald?
GoTrails rates it Hard, from its length and how much it climbs.
Where do you park for Lake McDonald?
Parking at the start. 1 more lots along the route.
Are there water and toilets on Lake McDonald?
No water mapped: bring all you need. Toilets: Trailhead.
Is Lake McDonald shaded?
Partly shaded (45% under trees).
Can you bring a dog on Lake McDonald?
No, dogs are not allowed, according to OpenStreetMap.
What can you do on Lake McDonald?
Best for Hiking. Surface: dirt.
Where can you eat near Lake McDonald?
Food, 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from the start. 1 more places to eat.
Is this a good week for Lake McDonald?
GoTrails turns the 7-day forecast at the start and at the high point into a clear go / no-go: temperature, rain, storms, wind, heat, air quality and daylight, with a suggested start time. This week’s call is at the top of this page.
Trails near Lake McDonald
- Fish Creek to Apgar Hiking Path Glacier National Park · Easy · 2.3 mi (3.6 km)
- Rocky Point Trail Glacier National Park · Easy · 0.9 mi (1.5 km)
- Rocky Point Nature Trail Glacier National Park · Easy · 0.9 mi (1.5 km)
- Howe Ridge Glacier National Park · Expert · 17.5 mi (28.1 km)
- Snyder Ridge Trail Glacier National Park · Expert · 10.6 mi (17.1 km)
- Apgar Transit Center Bike Path Glacier National Park · Easy · 1.1 mi (1.8 km)
- Apgar Transit Center Bike Path Glacier National Park · Easy · 1.2 mi (1.9 km)
- Apgar Flats Horse Glacier National Park · Easy · 6.1 mi (9.9 km)
More hikes in Glacier National Park
GoTrails · Route data: © OpenStreetMap