Sacred Dancing Cascade & McDonald Falls at Glacier National Park near West Glacier, Montana is an easy 1.2-mile out-and-back hike that features breathtaking views of McDonald Creek's turquoise waters and leads to two waterfalls -- Sacred Dancing Cascade and McDonald Falls.
Cliffs: This trail passes steep cliffs and hillsides along McDonald Creek in addition to rushing fast-moving water near McDonald Falls. It's best to watch your step near these areas to ensure you don't fall into the creek or any fast-moving water. Hike at your own risk.
Hiking to McDonald Falls
This hike begins at the main parking turnout at Sacred Dancing Cascade where hikers will find a trailhead located on the western side of the parking area. Here, the trail leads downhill to reach a footbridge that spans McDonald Creek. The route leads over the footbridge, passing a beautiful view of the 7-foot tall, 60-foot wide Sacred Dancing Cascade that spills down McDonald Creek.Turquoise Water & Views - Mile 0.23
The trail then leads west from the footbridge and passes a multitude of views of McDonald Creek and Mount Brown along the way. Most notably are the deep turquoise-colored pools within McDonald Creek, located around mile 0.23. Across the water is the Going-to-the-Sun Road which includes a beautiful stone tunnel that passes underneath the road and can be seen from the trail. Further west are breathtaking views of the turquoise pools and rapids within the creek with Mount Brown towering overhead. Most of the best views of the creek are around mile 0.35 to 0.4.McDonald Falls - Mile 0.6
Hikers will walk around a large bend in the creek as the trail follows the curvature of the water before hitting McDonald Falls, located around mile 0.6. McDonald Falls is best viewed in two different parts from the lookout in the trail. The upper portion of the waterfall is the most scenic and tumbles down the creek's bedrock at approximately 8-feet tall or slightly higher. To the right is the 2nd tier of the waterfall where it continues down into the turquoise-colored pool at the base of the waterfall below. The view of the 2nd tier or the lower section of McDonald Falls is certainly very pretty, but harder to appreciate from this angle. In its entirety, McDonald Falls spills down McDonald Creek at about 22-feet tall (approximated).Hiking Out - Mile 0.6 to 1.2
The hike back to parking follows the same route, but arguably provides the best views of the water and Mount Brown, especially if you skipped some of those lookout points on the hike in. You'll also have a reminder to head off-trail near the trailhead to hike down to Sacred Dancing Cascade to appreciate the waterfall from up-close as opposed to viewing it from the footbridge. While this route might not follow the popular Johns Lake Loop, you can still appreciate the beauty of Glacier National Park along this short and easy 1.2-mile out-and-back hike.Johns Lake Loop
Hikers who visit the park may be familiar with the Johns Lake Loop which includes a hike to Sacred Dancing Cascade, McDonald Falls, and Johns Lake. This hike follows a portion of that route; however, during our visit in September 2024, a portion of the road was closed which forced hikers to walk further along the Going-to-the-Sun Road to complete the loop. We decided instead that we would explore Johns Lake separately from these two waterfalls. If you wish to explore further, check out our Johns Lake Trail guide where you can plan your own route accordingly.Parking
Hikers will find a large parking turnout located near the coordinates provided along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The turnout is large enough to fit just over a dozen vehicles as of September 2024.Popularity
This is one of the more popular and crowded spots within Glacier National Park.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.Warning
Grizzly bears: This trail can be frequented by grizzly bears, especially in late Summer and early Fall as they scrounge for 20 hours/day bulking for the winter. Always give wild animals plenty of space, including several hundred feet for grizzlies. It's best to bring bear spray on this hike as a last defense just in case a grizzly were to charge at you. Always make plenty of noise while hiking to alert animals to your presence long before you see them. It's also smart to hike with another person.Cliffs: This trail passes steep cliffs and hillsides along McDonald Creek in addition to rushing fast-moving water near McDonald Falls. It's best to watch your step near these areas to ensure you don't fall into the creek or any fast-moving water. Hike at your own risk.
