Glacier - Waterton National Park

Hiking - Lake McDonald

Apgar Lookout
Interesting, far-reaching views.
Trailhead: Left on unmaintained gravel road past West Glacier horse corral, then over Quarter Circle Bridge, 1.5 miles.
Distance: 3.3 miles
Level: Moderate
Altitude change: Climbs 1850 feet

Avalanche Lake
Popular hike to lake surrounded by high cliffs and, at one end, waterfalls.
Trailhead: South of the Avalanche Gorge footbridge on the Trail of the Cedars.
Distance: 2 miles
Level: Easy
Altitude change: Climbs 500 feet

Fish Lake
Along ridge to peaceful lake. Frequent loon sightings.
Trailhead: Sperry Trailhead: across from Lake McDonald Lodge.
Distance: 3 miles
Altitude change: Climbs 1000 feet

Granite Park
Trailhead: Granite Park Trailhead, 24 miles from Apgar on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Distance: 3.5 miles
Level: Moderate
Altitude change: Climbs 2200 feet

Howe Lake
Winds up at marshy lake.
Trailhead: 5 miles north of Fish Creek Campground on the Inside North Fork Road.
Distance: 2 miles
Altitude change: Climbs 240 feet

McDonald Creek
Along creek bed, passing over Sacred Dancing Cascades.
Trailhead: Asphalt bicycle path 50 yards south of Apgar Visitor Center.
Distance: .6 miles
Level: Easy
Altitude change: Climbs 30 feet

Mt Brown Lookout
To old fire lookout. Not for the tired or out of shape.
Trailhead: Sperry Trailhead across from Lake McDonald Lodge.
Distance: 5.4 miles
Level: Strenuous
Altitude change: Climbs 4325 miles

Snyder Lake
Fun hike to good fishing lake. Can be muddy.
Trailhead: Sperry Trailhead across from Lake McDonald Lodge.
Distance: 4.4. miles
Level: Moderate.
Altitude change: Climbs 2150 feet

Sperry Chalet
Up to a historic chalet. Awesome views. Maybe too good of a chance to spot a bear.
Trailhead: Sperry Trailhead across from Lake McDonald Lodge.
Distance: 6.4 miles
Level: Strenuous
Altitude change: Climbs 3450 feet

Trail of the Cedars
Short nature trail.
Trailhead: Across from the Avalanche Campground Ranger Station.
Distance: .25 miles
Level: Very easy
Altitude change: Level boardwalk (wheelchair accessible)

Trout Lake
Over Howe Ridge on brushy trail to backcountry lake.
Trailhead: 1.5 miles west on the North Lake McDonald Road.
Distance: 4.2 miles
Level: Moderate
Altitude change: Climbs and decends 2100 feet


Published: 29 Apr 2002 | Last Updated: 15 Sep 2010
Details mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication

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