Name: Rocky Point Trail
Rating: 3.6

“On this trail, you'll get fantastic views of Lake McDonald and see the amazing impacts of wildfires.”

— Michael Faist

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Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly Starting right out of the Fish Creek Campground, this short trail is a great family outing for anyone looking to swim!

Description

A shorter trail, Rocky Point offers an incredible glimpse into the effects of the 2003 Roberts Fire which burned right alongside the Fish Creek Campground. Now over a decade later, the landscape is continuing to renew itself. With that in mind, on hotter days there isn't much in the way of shade!

To begin the trail, you can start from either the Fish Creek Campground or take the trailhead from the Inside North Fork Rd (take the gravel road just left of the campground for just under a mile). Either way, it's just under 2 miles roundtrip, with minimal elevation change. You hike for a short while before getting to Lake McDonald, and can take a short loop before reaching Rocky Point itself.

As you round the loop, the Lake McDonald West Shore trail continues to the north. Rocky Point is an impressive feature true to its name, and offers a great place to wade in and take a swim. It's also a common spot that paddlers with kayaks and canoes will come to shore.

Enjoy the views of the lake, and one of the finest examples of wildfire ecology in the park!

Flora & Fauna

You'll see a lot of wildflowers that thrive in recently burned areas, such as fireweed and indian paintbrush. Keep an eye out for deer, grouse, and squirrels!