McDonald Falls Hike, GNP

Added 2021-07-17

🚶
hiking
📸
photo opp
⛷️
snowshoeing
🌊
waterfall
👶
kid friendly
🌸
spring
☀️
summer
🍂
fall
❄️
winter

Quick Summary

Photos

McDonald Falls Hike, GNP photo 1
McDonald Falls Hike, GNP photo 2
McDonald Falls Hike, GNP photo 3
McDonald Falls Hike, GNP photo 4
McDonald Falls Hike, GNP photo 5

Story

This is an awesome short hike to do in the winter! This trail can be very crowded during peak tourist season, but you could have it all to yourself in colder months. The ice formations are an added bonus, the river is glacial blue, and on clear days you can see the peaks all around you. This trail is mostly forested and follows the creek pretty closely.


This is on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which closes seasonally, however this lower portion stays open longest. Check road status (https://www.nps.gov/applications/glac/roadstatus/roadstatus.cfm), if it's open to Avalanche Lake you should be good to go.

Be careful as the trail can get very slippery in winter. From the parking lot (right along the Going-to-the-Sun Road), you cross a bridge and then head west about .7 miles to McDonald Falls.

Adventure Details

Minimum Duration
1
Costs
GNP $35 Entrance Fee by Private Vehicle - 7 day permit
Best Times
Potentially closed in winter, check road status
Starting Location
View on Google Maps
Ending Location
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