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    Hikes/United States/Montana/Glacier National Park

    McDonald Creek Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Easy
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    2-2.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    9.0 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    85 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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    McDonald Creek Trail is a family-friendly trail that has many highlights. Traveling through lush green forests, you will discover McDonald Falls rushing through the rock formations. You will also get to see views from Avalanche Creek Outlook, which showcases beautiful views of the surrounding area.

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    Route Description for McDonald Creek Trail

    McDonald Creek Trail is a family-friendly hike through nature, beginning down a gravel path through the forest. After 0.3 miles, you will reach the spectacular McDonald Falls, and 0.3 km further, you will reach the horse path junction. Continue straight and follow the Upper McDonald Creek Trail. When you have hiked for another 0.4 km, you will reach the Sacred Dancing Cascades, which are known for their Kootenai saying “A good place to dance”.

    After hiking 2.3 km, you will arrive at a large wetland area, and just a bit further lies the Avalanche Creek Lookout. Take your time exploring this area, and then head back the way you came as this is an out-and-back trail.

    Getting to the McDonald Creek Trail Trailhead

    To get to McDonald Creek Trail from Lake McDonald Lodge, head eastbound on the Going-to-the-Sun Road for 2.4 km. Turning left on North Lake McDonald Road, the trailhead will come up on the right side of the road after 0.5 km.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      April - October

    • Backcountry Campsites

      No

    • Pets allowed

      No

    • Family friendly

      Yes

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    McDonald Creek Trail Elevation Graph

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