McDonald Creek

★5.0

NPS Natural Resources, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted

Clear, fast-flowing mountain stream with striking turquoise water, rocky cascades, and forested banks that provide scenic views and wildlife viewing opportunities.

General Information

Hours:
Open 24 hours daily; access may be affected by seasonal road conditions and park closures
Fees:
Glacier National Park entrance fees apply:
Private Vehicle: $35 (7-day pass)
Motorcycle: $30 (7-day pass)
Individual (on foot or bicycle): $20 (7-day pass)
Children age 15 and under: Free
Pet Policy:
Pets are allowed only in developed areas, parking areas, campgrounds, picnic areas, and along roads; pets are not allowed on trails, in the backcountry, or along undeveloped shorelines and must be leashed.
Closest cities with hotels:
West Glacier (about 10 mi)
Seasons:
Late spring through early fall is best for viewing the creek and accessing Going-to-the-Sun Road; accessible year-round where roads remain open.
Location:
/?api=1&query=McDonald+Creek+Overlook+Glacier+National+Park+MT" rel="noopener" target="_blank">McDonald Creek Overlook, Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park, MT
Website:
.nps.gov/glac/places/mcdonald-creek-overlook.htm" rel="noopener" target="_blank">nps.gov/glac/places/mcdonald-creek-overlook.htm

From West Glacier (10 mi): Follow Going-to-the-Sun Road east from West Glacier into Glacier National Park and continue along the road to the McDonald Creek overlooks and pullouts located beside the creek.

Overview

McDonald Creek flows into and drains from Lake McDonald , and empties into the Middle Fork Flathead River shortly after.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Lake McDonald", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0

Crater Lake Wizard Island South View
McDonald Creek Valley
GlacierNPS, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
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McDonald Creek at Red Rock Point off Going to the Sun Road
James St. John, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
daytona-clock
James St. John, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
daytona-clock
James St. John, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
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Just above McDonald Falls at the lower end of Sacred Dancing Cascades
GlacierNPS, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted