Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park Hiking

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Lake McDonald

Hikers visiting Glacier National Park’s Lake McDonald area can choose from some lovely lakeside hikes or head toward deeper, lush areas of the forest, lakes, and chalets. Read More

  • Fish Creek Bike Path is an easy 1.2 mile trail located at the southwest end of Lake McDonald. 
  • Lake McDonald (West Shore) trail is an easy 7-mile (one-way) trail leading toward Trout Lake Trailhead (north) or Fish Creek (south). 
  • Sperry Trailhead across from Lake McDonald Lodge and offers easy to moderate hiking options including Mt. Brown Lookout, Sperry Chalet, and Snyder Lake.

Overview

Located near Lake McDonald hiking area offers hiker and bikers views of stunning lake McDonald and through lush alpine forest offering plenty of wildlife and outdoor photography opportunities including trails to lookouts and chalets.

Fish Creek Bike Path
Trail Overview: This popular family Lake McDonald bike trail is short and beautiful.
Trailhead: Make a right turn after crossing McDonald Creek Bridge 

  • 1.2 miles one-way 
  • 25 feet elevation gain 
  • Easy

Rocky Point
Trail Overview: Bring your camera and watch for wildlife and wildflowers with your family as you enjoy this short but sweet trail near Fish Creek Campground.
Trailhead: Depart a few hundred feet north of Fish Creek Campground 

  • Just over a mile one-way 
  • 85-foot elevation gain 
  • Easy

Lake McDonald (West Shore)
Trail Overview: Check in at Fish Creek Campground or Lake McDonald Lodge and enjoy immediate access to a variety of short or longer trails to suit the whole family.
Trailhead: Start from Lakeshore at Fish Creek Campground or North Lake McDonald Road. 

  • 7 miles one-way 
  • No elevation gain 
  • Easy

Sperry Trailhead
Trail Overview: This trail will take you to either Mt. Brown Lookout, Sperry Chalet, or Snyder Lake with elevation climbs of about 2,000 to 4,500 feet.
Trailhead: Located across from Lake McDonald Lodge

  • 5.4 miles to Mt. Brown, 4.4 miles to Snyder Lake, and 6.4 miles to Sperry Chalet, all one-way 
  • Varies from about 2,000 to 4,500 feet elevation gain 
  • Easy to moderate

Notes: Remember that permits are required before camping in backcountry areas of Glacier National Park.