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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Capture Sunrise or Sunset at Lake McDonald 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.

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 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...

Hike to Howe Lake

The hike begins along the Inner North Fork road across from a small parking area. The trail meanders up a slight incline most of the way through areas of a recent fire, as well as some areas with spectacular wildflowers when it gets a bit more lush. Around 1.7 miles in you will go up a relatively steep ridge and once your on top you will be able to see Howe lake. The trail goes straight down to...

Snowshoe the North Fork Area of the Flathead River

Starting in Columbia Falls, MT, which is 17 miles from Kalispell, MT, locate North Fork Road off of Railroad Street. Follow North Fork Road about 17 miles. While along the Flathead River, there are many Forest Service roads that are accessible to snowshoe along. There are roads that lead to the Flathead River and roads that lead away from the river. There is an abundance of area to explore alon...

Backpack to Lincoln Lake

It's a 1600 ft slow increase in elevation. You can walk around the loose rocks going around the lake for an additional 2 miles of hiking. There is a back-country campground at the base of the glacier-fed lake and an amazing waterfall at the opposite end of the of the campground. To camp overnight in Glacier National Park, you're required to have a backcountry permit. Get the latest informatio...

Capture Sunrise or Sunset at Lake McDonald

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Capture Sunrise or Sunset at Lake McDonald Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Kayak Lake McDonald

Swim at the Belton Bridge

Hike to Apgar Lookout

Hike to Howe Lake

Snowshoe the North Fork Area of the Flathead River

Backpack to Lincoln Lake

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