Capture Sunrise or Sunset at Lake McDonald

West Glacier, Montana

5.0/5

based on 3 reviews

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Added by Jason Hatfield

The largest lake in Glacier National Park with views of a vast forest and massive peaks.

Lake McDonald doesn't offer the close-up views of glaciers and mountains like some of the other spots in Glacier NP, but it does offer sweeping views of park's west side. The most popular spot to photograph this grand perspective is along the southwest beach and dock. The dock makes the most interesting subject, but after parking walk along the shore and look for interesting rocks or boats to include in the foreground; if you visit in the winter, ice and cracks make for an even more compelling shot. Sunset's here tend to provide the best results, but with the right clouds, sunrises can be great too.

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Reviews

Natalie F

Capture Sunrise or Sunset at Lake McDonald

07/26/20

Spend some time here while in Glacier, walk around, picnic, relax. This lake is gorgeous, add the mountain backdrop and it's hard to beat!

5.0

Explorer

Sarah Giek

Explorer

Capture Sunrise or Sunset at Lake McDonald

09/18/16

I didn't plan to catch the sunset at Lake McDonald, but as I was driving out of the park, I just had to stop to watch the show. There were plenty of spots to park alongside the road, so I found an open space and walked down to the shore. I had the place all to myself; a perfect way to end a day of hiking!

5.0

Explorer

Gavin Pirrie

Explorer

Capture Sunrise or Sunset at Lake McDonald

09/02/16

Sunrise and sunset at Lake McDonald has never disappointed me. Even in the pouring rain, the sunset still amazes all who stick it out. Don't let bad weather deter your visit for sunrise or sunset.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Kayak Lake McDonald

Rent kayaks at the shore of Lake McDonald and take them out for the day. Make sure to start early to get a full day in and leave yourself enough time to stop for lunch. There are multiple places to pull off and bring your kayaks onto the shore and do some small hikes. The views are spectacular from every angle.

Paddle McDonald Creek, Glacier National Park

Begin your trip by dropping your car (or bike) at Quarter Circle Bridge just inside Glacier Park. After dropping your shuttle vehicle, park in the Apgar Campground parking lot and walk your water craft to the shore of Lake McDonald. Paddling North, you will quickly find the outlet of scenic Lake McDonald. Don't exit the lake without snapping a few photos.After leaving the lake, the creek is ...

Swim at the Belton Bridge

The Belton Bridge is the old entrance to glacier. You can get there by turning right down old river bridge road, which is the first right when you turn in to the West Glacier village. There are some 5-8 ft rocks to jump off, but be sure to check the water below them first. The water is gorgeous, but it is cold! Even during the warm summer months it will take the breath right out of you. Have fu...

Hike the Rocky Point Trail, Glacier NP

From the trailhead, just past Fish Creek Campground on the North Fork Road, begin strolling along the trail towards Rocky Point. The trail meanders through some forest, and along a stream, and then eventually gets you some views of Lake McDonald. The trail is signed the whole way. Finish off your short hike with a picnic and a swim at Rocky Point. There are some fantastic small rocks to jump...

Paddle Middle Fork Flathead near West Glacier

Begin your trip at the bridge at West Glacier, there is parking in town and you can walk to the water, or just passed the bridge there are a few spots. Carry gear down to the water from the bridge (easy walking trail down to the edge). Make sure you have run or arranged a shuttle from/to Blankenship Bridge (take-out).Begin your paddle along the border of Glacier National Park. Soon you will ...

Hike to Apgar Lookout

Precursor: I completed this hike in November, hence the snow in the photos. Due to a lack of tree coverage, this hike is best suited for a cool summer day, or in the late spring and early autumn. It is doable in the heat of the summer, but be sure to pack plenty of water. This hike begins by trekking through a recovering forest, which was originally destroyed in the 2003 Roberts Fire. The firs...

Capture Sunrise or Sunset at Lake McDonald

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Nearby

Kayak Lake McDonald

Paddle McDonald Creek, Glacier National Park

Swim at the Belton Bridge

Hike the Rocky Point Trail, Glacier NP

Paddle Middle Fork Flathead near West Glacier

Hike to Apgar Lookout

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