Lake McDonald: What to Know + Tips & FAQs

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Want to know more about Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park and its colored rocks?

As the largest lake in Glacier National Park, I used to spend my summers dipping my feet in the freezing water of Lake McDonald created by massive glaciers. It wasn’t nearly so famous then! I remember quiet picnics with my family on the shoreline and daring my siblings who could stay in the longest.

Since the lake has become so well known, most are coming to see the pictures of the colorful pebbles that sit at the bottom. While it is a sight to behold, I chose the lakeshore for my wedding venue more for significance of the place. On the other hand, it’s perfectly reasonable to want to go for that photo.

Knowing which time of year is best and when the lighting is ideal is the main challenge I see photographers facing when they visit. Typically I recommend sunrise or sunset for the best reflection off the colored rocks.

Here’s what you need to know when you are planning on including Lake McDonald and when to visit to enjoy the lake the most.

In summary: This article covers why the colorful rocks look that way and how to get that perfect photo to take home

Quick tip: Don’t underestimate your phone camera–you’ll be surprised how well it picks up the colored rocks!

Lake McDonald stats

Tips for photographing the colored rocks of Lake McDonald

Here are some tips I’ve found helpful when capturing the colored pebbles at the bottom of Lake McDonald. I’m not an amazing photographer, but I have found these things useful and I’m more likely to have my photos turn out the way I want them to.

• Don’t ignore your phone: Some of the best photos I’ve take of the lake are with my cell phone! You can get some harsh light in the summer, and the newest phones tend to tone those down a bit.
• Head there during Golden Hour–evening is best: I like heading to the lake during the twilight hours for the best shots. The sun is just at the right angle for some brilliant pinks and oranges. Plus, you don’t need reservations to enter at this time!
• If you’re shooting DSLR, go wide: Capturing all of the lake can be a challenge with a standard lens. A 24-40mm should allow you to get almost all of it and take some professional-looking photos.

How to get to Lake McDonald

To reach Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park, there are several options available. One way is to enter the park through the West Glacier entrance and follow the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

You can also arrive via the park’s east entrance and take the Inside North Fork Road, which also offers beautiful views of the lake and is a less crowded route. Private vehicles are allowed on the Going-to-the-Sun Road during the summer months. You can also take the park’s shuttle service or hike to the lake from various trailheads in the area.

Things to do at Lake McDonald

While you could potentially spend an entire day in the Lake McDonald Valley, here are a few of the things I recommend focusing on. One of them is horseback riding in the park. Swan Mountain Outfitters runs a number of different types of horseback riding experiences, which are a really unique way to see the park. No experience riding horses necessary!

You can also rent a kayak to explore Lake McDonald in an entirely different way. While you can take a motor-powered boat on the lake, I find it much more peaceful to take a kayak and paddle on a calm day. You can also rent paddle boards and canoes from Apgar or Lake McDonald Lodge from Glacier Boat Company. If this is a must-do, then I highly recommend reservations.

Most people pass right by McDonald Creek on their way up to Logan Pass, but if you have time on your itinerary, it’s well-worth the stop for a peak at the Sacred Dancing Cascade. Want a chance to rest by some flowing water without a ton of crowds? This is it.

Of course, catching a trail or two is also a ton of fun! I have some recommendations of hikes later on in this post, as well as a full list of beloved hikes in the region in another article.

Apgar Village on the south shore of Lake McDonald

You’ll probably begin your Lake McDonald adventure at Apgar Village right past West Glacier and the West Entrance to the park. This is the first stop for a number of reasons–it’s a good place to eat, grab your photos, and stock up if you are camping in the area. It’s also where you can pick up your wilderness permits if you plan on exploring Glacier’s backcountry.

The main accommodation option here is the Village Inn at Apgar, which puts you right on the shore of Lake McDonald. Rooms fill up fast, but it can be a great choice if you have a family and you want to give them access to the water.

Apgar also has a wonderful visitor’s center with information on the park. It’s another perfect activity for kids and it also serves as a place where you can participate in a ranger-led program.

From there, it’s an easy walk to the Apgar Transit Center, where you can catch the Glacier National Park shuttle to other areas of the park.

Lake McDonald Lodge

Even if you don’t have a ton of time on your Glacier National Park trip, I do recommend stopping by the Lake McDonald Lodge if you can. On top of its historic value, it’s also one of the best things to do in Glacier for a quick pit stop and a chance to unwind on the balcony overlooking the lake.

You can stay at the lodge too! Along with several different types of rooms and cabins, you have a variety of accommodation options. They do tend to book up fast as soon as they are released, so if this is a priority, I recommend heading to the Glacier National Park Lodges website in February or March to get a room for your dates.

Quick tip: All booked up? Keep checking back on the website for cancellations–you’d be surprised how often they come up!

Restaurants located on Lake McDonald

There are a limited number of restaurants located on the shores of Lake McDonald. Some of them you will find in Apgar Village, a short walk from the southern dock. The options here are not fancy, but they are perfect for a quick meal or a chance to rest after a long hike.

Eddie’s Cafe is perfect for a quick bite, especially if you are staying in the Apgar Area. My favorite part is the outdoor seating. If you’re lucky, you can get a view of the lake while sipping on a cocktail.

At the Lake McDonald Lodge, you can find the iconic Russell’s Fireside Dining Room. This place fills up fast, so if you are planning on eating here, then make sure to get there right around 5:00 pm for dinner when it opens. They also have some local beers on tap if you want to try those, and the prices are pretty reasonable considering it’s the main game in town.

Lucke’s Lounge is located right next door to Russell’s, and it serves as the ideal spot for a cocktail with a rustic feel. You get some pretty fantastic views of the lake, and they do serve lunch and dinner here, as well.

Want to be in and out and onto your next adventure? Jammer Joe’s Grill and Pizzeria is perfect for a quick meal. It’s only open lunch and dinner, but it does have a selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches, and a buffet.

Hiking trails near Lake McDonald

During the summer, Lake McDonald Valley is a top hiking destination in Glacier National Park, with the hiking season running from late May or early June to mid-September or October. While it might get overlooked for some of the other hiking areas in the park, I personally love catching a trail or two from here–especially if it’s up to the Sperry Chalet!

Another benefit of picking a hiking trail here is that you are likely to find plenty of parking spaces as opposed to trying to park at the Avalanche Lake parking lot or Logan Pass.

One of my recommendations include the Lake McDonald Trail, which sticks you right near the lake and is accessible. You also don’t have to do the whole thing either–14 miles can be a lot so take you time and enjoy as much as you want to.

Snyder Lake is a hidden gem that starts right across from Lake McDonald Lodge. Although you do gain a lot of elevation gain within 8.7 miles–think 2,014 feet–the payoff at the end is very nice and it’s not a super crowded trail.

Of course, if you get the chance to hike up (and preferably stay) at the Sperry Chalet, I highly recommend doing so. Reservations are ridiculously difficult to get, but Daniel and I were able to and it was the highlight of the summer for me. It’s a tough hike–12.4 miles with 3,497 feet of elevation gain, but well worth it!

Conclusion

As someone who has visit Lake McDonald more times than I can count, I tried to give an overview of the many activities, restaurants, and places to stay in the area. For those visiting for those famous colored pebbles, I also tried to include some information on how to grab the perfect photo.

No matter how you choose to explore Glacier, you should absolutely make sure to spend some time at Lake McDonald and enjoy this stunningly clear lake–even if you think it is too cold to take a dip, there’s still plenty to enjoy!

Have any questions about Lake McDonald? Let me know in the comments!