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A hike through the old growth forest of the McDonald Creek drainage to the shores of the creek.


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Map Key

0.7

Miles

1.1

KM

Point to Point

3,298' 1,005 m

High

3,233' 986 m

Low

36' 11 m

Up

66' 20 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

10%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · River/Creek · Spring

Family Friendly Short, level trail through trees and along a lovely creek.

Bring bear spray.

Description

This trail breaks off from the Avalanche Trail and continues the theme of old growth trees and a pleasant forest hike. It gently works its way down to the Going-to-the-Sun Road where it crosses under in a beautiful underpass with great rock work. On the other side, the trail parallels the bubbling creek where it crosses the creek on a fantastic bridge and meets up with the Upper McDonald Creek Trail. This bridge has great views of Sacred Dancing Cascade.

This trail is used by the horse concessionaire, so can get a little smelly in summer. Be aware of them and yield to horses as they pass.

This content was created by Jake Bramante of Hike 734. Visit hike734.com for more expert Glacier content and maps that help you decide which trail to hike.

Flora & Fauna

Older stands of trees feature cedar and hemlock with some younger stands that have more birds. Harlequin ducks, mergansers, and goldeneyes as well as American Dippers are frequently found in the creek.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jake Bramante

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 4 votes

#18

in Lake McDonald

#23407

Overall
  3.8 from 4 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
75%
3 Star
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Trail Rankings

#18

in Lake McDonald

#525

in Montana

#23,407

Overall
2 Views Last Month
283 Since Sep 3, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

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Photos

Underpass for trail as it goes under Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Jun 5, 2016 near Red Roc…, MT
Cascades.
May 16, 2016 near Red Roc…, MT
Bridge over the river.
May 16, 2016 near Red Roc…, MT
Glacier Runoff - Glacier National Park, MT, USA
Jan 22, 2016 near Red Roc…, MT
Glacier Runoff - Glacier National Park.
May 16, 2016 near Red Roc…, MT
McDonald Creek Bridge
Jan 22, 2016 near Red Roc…, MT

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Weather


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