Things to do nearLake McDonald
Lake McDonald is Montana's largest lake, drawing visitors with its famously colorful pebbled shores, crystal-clear glacial waters, and sweeping mountain scenery inside Glacier National Park.
Lake McDonald sits at roughly 3,150 feet elevation in the western reaches of Glacier National Park, carved by glacial activity over thousands of years. At nearly ten miles long and nearly a mile wide, it is the largest lake in the park, and its depth reaches around 472 feet in places. The lake's vivid multicolored stones are polished quartzite and argillite, carried and smoothed by glaciers over millennia.
Visitors come to swim, fish, kayak, and simply walk the rocky shore. The historic Lake McDonald Lodge, built in 1914, anchors the southeastern end and offers a rustic base for exploration. Guided boat tours depart from the lodge dock throughout the summer season.
Nearby trails reward those who venture beyond the shoreline. The path to Avalanche Lake begins just a short drive away and passes through one of the finest stands of old-growth cedar in the region. Wildlife sightings, from bald eagles overhead to deer along the forest edge, are common throughout the area.
Lake McDonald earns its place among Montana's most beloved natural destinations through sheer, unhurried beauty that rewards every kind of visitor.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Lake McDonald
Visit at sunrise for the calmest water and the best reflections of the surrounding peaks on the lake's surface.
Bring water shoes to wade comfortably among the colorful rounded stones along the shoreline.
Take the boat tour from Lake McDonald Lodge to see the lake from the water and learn its history from a knowledgeable guide.
Pack layers even in summer, as temperatures near the water and at higher elevations can drop quickly.
Arrive early at the lodge parking area during peak summer months, as spaces fill well before midday.
Top tours & experiences near Lake McDonald
Winter Snowshoe & Driving Tour of Glacier National Park
Drive and snowshoe through Glacier’s winter landscapes with a guide
5-6-Hour Guided Snowshoe Tour in Glacier National Park
Snowshoe Glacier’s winter backcountry with guides, gear, and lunch
Guided Driving Tour of Glacier National Park's West Side
Explore Glacier’s west side with an expert guide, lunch, and park entry included
Upper McDonald Creek Guided Hike in Glacier NP
Hike Upper McDonald Creek and learn Glacier National Park’s water, wildlife, and geology
Guided Going-to-the-Sun Road Tour From West Glacier
Ride the full Going-to-the-Sun Road with guided geology, wildlife, and history
4-Hour Going-to-the-Sun Road Tour in Glacier National Park
Ride in air-conditioned comfort with Blackfeet cultural interpretation