Lake McDonald Trails Trail Map
Most, not all, of the Lake McDonald Trails are serviced by the Glacier Park's FREE shuttle. Use the trail map link to locate the starting area for a particular hike. In the Lake McDonald Trails area there are currently 15 day hikes listed in the 2007 edition of Day Hikes in Glacier. At this point I've hiked 13 of them.
These day hikes range from the easiest day hike in the park ~ Trail of the Cedars ~ with zero elevation gain to one of the most difficult day hikes,
Mount Brown Lookout, with 4,325 ft. elevation gain.
All distance are one way,
so unless your planning on camping the actual day hike is twice the distance.
|
|
- Apgar Lookout
3.3 miles elevation gain 1,850 feet
No Shuttle Service
Take the first left after entering the park at West Glacier Entrance Station
Check the map to locate trailhead.
hike goes through remains of Roberts Fire
No Shade, No Water
Strenuous hike
- Avalanche Lake
Google™ Map of Avalanche Lake Trail
2 miles elevation gain 500 feet
(rolling hills actual ascent closer to 1,000 feet)
Parking can be at a premium during summer.
Crowds, difficult to find peace and quiet on this trail!
Spectacular View at Avalanche Lake, Old Growth Forest, waterfalls
After observing thousands of hikers on this trail, I rate this a
Moderate hike.
- Fish Lake
Topo
2.9 miles elevation gain 1,000 feet
Trail starts opposite parking area for Lake McDonald Lodge
Old Growth Forest, No Views, No Crowds
Snyder Lake, Sperry Chalet, Fish Lake and Mount Brown
share the same trail for the first two miles.
Moderate hike
- Howe Lake 2.0 miles elevation gain 240 feet
Inner North Fork Road
Trail starts 5.5 miles from Fish Creek Campground
Very easy to miss this trailhead!
No Shuttle Service
Limited parking at trailhead
Beware falling limbs and trees from Roberts Fire!
Google™ Map Howe Lake
Trail is through the remains of the Roberts Fire of 2003
great views from Howe Lake
Easy hike
- Huckleberry Lookout
Lunar Eclipse silhouetted against Huckleberry Mountain.
6.0 miles elevation gain 2,725 feet
No Shuttle Service
Strenuous hike
- John's Lake Loop
horse/hiker bridge replaced fall of 2007
3.0 miles elevation gain 160 feet
No Shuttle Service
In Montana anything that holds water is called a lake!
Study map first as trail signs are confusing on this trail
easy hike
- Lake McDonald West Shore
Google™ Map Lake McDonald West Shore
7.0 miles mostly level
Hike goes through remains of Roberts Fire!
Moderate hike
hike can be combined with bike trip along
Lake McDonald East Shore
18 miles by bike
- McDonald Creek bike path
1.5 miles mostly level
- Mount Brown Lookout
Google™ Map Mount Brown Snyder Lake Trails
topo map Mount Brown
5.3 miles elevation gain 4,325 feet
Snyder Lake, Sperry Chalet, Fish Lake and Mount Brown
Share the same trail for the first two miles.
I hiked this for the first time in July of 2008, but didn't make it to the Lookout!
Mid September of 2008 made it to the Lookout. Great views, brutal hike.
It's a mile shorter and a 1,000 feet more elevation gain the Sperry Chalet Trail
Brutal Hike
Great Views
Bring Extra Water!
- Rocky Point
1.1 miles elevation gain 85 feet
Easy hike
- Snyder Lake
topo
4.4 miles elevation gain 2,147 feet
Snyder Lake, Sperry Chalet, Fish Lake and Mount Brown
Share the same trail for the first two miles.
Old growth forest, spectacular view at Snyder Lake
Strenuous hike
- South Boundary Trail
5.3 miles elevation gain unknown
north shore of Middle Fork River
Old growth forest, wildflowers
trail NOT listed on Day Hike Guide
Moderate hike
- Sperry Chalet
topo
6.4 miles elevation gain 3,432 feet
During Season food and water available at Sperry Dining Hall.
Snyder Lake, Sperry Chalet, Fish Lake and Mount Brown
share the same trail for the first two miles.
Lot's of horse and mule traffic on this trail.
Grinnell Glacier Trail is easier and much more scenic.
Brutal Hike
- Trail of the Cedars
0.7 miles no elevation gain
Wheelchair access
Old Growth Forest, great waterfall
Easy hike
- Trout Lake
4.2 miles elevation gain and elevation drop 2100 feet
No Shuttle Service
Strenuous hike
|
