Largest lake in Glacier National Park, filling a valley formed by a combination of erosion and glacial activity
General Information
From West Entrance (3.4 miles): Head northwest on Glacier Rte 1 Rd/Going-to-the-Sun Rd toward Grinnell Dr. Turn right to stay on Glacier Rte 1 Rd/Going-to-the-Sun Rd.
Overview
Lake McDonald is the largest lake in Glacier National Park, about 10 miles long, more than a mile wide, and 472 feet deep, in a valley carved by glaciers and known for its colorful stones under clear water. Apgar Village at the west end has a visitor center, shops, and boat rentals, and the rustic Lake McDonald Lodge, built in 1913-14 in a Swiss-influenced hunting-lodge style, is about 5 miles east on Going-to-the-Sun Road. McDonald Creek flows in and out of the lake.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Lake McDonald", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0
Featured Locations and Trails
Jeff P from Berkeley, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
Avalanche Lake
Popular alpine lake destination in Glacier National Park, surrounded by steep mountains and cascading waterfalls, reached through old-growth cedar and hemlock forests.
Jeff P from Berkeley, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
McDonald Creek
Clear, fast-flowing mountain stream with striking turquoise water, rocky cascades, and forested banks that provide scenic views and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Jeff P from Berkeley, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted