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McDonald Creek Overlook

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Distance:
0.1 Miles / 0.2 km
Type:
Loop
Difficulty:
Easy
Time to Hike:
~5 minutes
Features:
Surface Type:
Dirt
Park:
Glacier National Park
Town:
West Glacier, Montana
Directions:
48.655894, -113.840156
Added:
September 19, 2024
Updated:
January 19, 2025
By:
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Admin (David Miller)
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5'

Total Change
5'

Ascent
5'

Descent

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McDonald Creek Overlook

The McDonald Creek Overlook at Glacier National Park near West Glacier, Montana is an easy 0.1-mile loop walk that leads to a 7-foot tall waterfall and scenic views of the turquoise water of McDonald Creek.

Exploring McDonald Creek

This very short trail begins at the main parking turnout for the McDonald Creek Overlook where visitors will find a short path that leads to two viewpoints. The first, located directly down the stairs, is an overlook above the creek with a ~7-foot tall waterfall that cascades down the bedrock to a scenic pool of crystal-clear blue-tinted water. Just upstream from the waterfall are pools of turquoise that sit above the light-colored bedrock in the creek. At the northern end of the trail is the second viewpoint that features small cascades and more views of turquoise water in the creek. After exploring the views of McDonald Creek, the trail leads back to parking for a short 0.1-mile walk.

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.

Parking

Visitors will find a parking turnout located along Going-to-the-Sun Road, located at the coordinates provided. The turnout is large enough to fit about a dozen vehicles as of September 2024.

Pets

Dogs are not allowed on any trails at Glacier National Park.
Explore 43 trails near West Glacier, MT

  1. Parking

    48.655894, -113.840156
    copy

  2. Main Trailhead

    48.655867, -113.840287
    copy

  3. Waterfall in McDonald Creek (approx. 7-feet tall)

    48.655819, -113.840461
    copy
    Waterfall in McDonald Creek (approx. 7-feet tall)

  4. View of McDonald Creek's Turquoise water

    48.656003, -113.840431
    copy
    View of McDonald Creek's Turquoise water
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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 19, 2024
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