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Lake McDonald Lookout

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Distance:
0.1 Miles / 0.2 km
Type:
Out-and-Back
Difficulty:
Easy
Time to Hike:
~5 minutes
Features:
Surface Type:
Dirt
Park:
Glacier National Park
Town:
West Glacier, Montana
Directions:
48.58097, -113.902817
Added:
September 15, 2024
Updated:
January 19, 2025
By:
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Admin (David Miller)
Copy Trail Link Hiking this trail? Send a friend or family member a link to this trail guide for your own safety. Hike at your own risk (disclaimer)
16'

Total Change
19'

Ascent
19'

Descent

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Lake McDonald Lookout

The Lake McDonald Lookout at Glacier National Park near West Glacier, Montana is an easy 0.1-mile out-and-back trail that leads to the rocky shoreline of Lake McDonald and features views of the glassy lake, colorful rocks, and surrounding alpine mountains.

Exploring Lake McDonald

This very short trail begins along the north side of Going-to-the-Sun Road south of the Lake McDonald Lodge. Visitors will follow the path downhill until it "ends" where you're free to walk anywhere along the shoreline to explore the crystal-clear water and beautiful views. To the south is are views of the Apgar mountain range, green-tinted water, and colorful rocks sitting at the bottom of the lake. To the north are views of the alpine mountains that surround the Lake McDonald Valley like Mount Brown and Stanton Mountain to name a couple. After exploring the shore of Lake McDonald, the trail leads back uphill to parking for a very short 0.1-mile jaunt.

Parking

Visitors will find a small parking turnout located at the coordinates provided along the north side of Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Vehicle Reservations

Depending on what time of year you visit, you may need to reserve a vehicle entrance pass to get into the park, in addition to a park entry fee (or annual National Parks pass). Before planning this hike, ensure you've checked the NPS website for when and where Glacier NP vehicle reservations are required.

Pets

Dogs are not allowed on any trails at Glacier National Park.
Explore 39 trails near West Glacier, MT

  1. Parking

    48.58097, -113.902817
    copy

  2. Main Trailhead

    48.58097, -113.902817
    copy

  3. View of Lake McDonald with crystal-clear water and colorful rocks below

    48.580861, -113.903594
    copy
    View of Lake McDonald with crystal-clear water and colorful rocks below
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Trails near West Glacier, MT
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Trip Reports

Trail Guide By:
Admin user profile picture
Admin (David Miller)
0.1 miles / 0.2 km
Neeners user profile picture
Neeners
0.1 miles / 0.2 km
September 15, 2024
First stop at Glacier. Foggy rainy day with nice views and crystal clear water
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