Paddle McDonald Creek, Glacier National Park

West Glacier, Montana

5.0/5

based on 4 reviews

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Description

Added by Noah Couser

This paddle offers lots of great rock bars and banks to stop and fish, sunbathe, or just sit and take in the beauty.

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 wide and mostly flat, and few small ripples can dump and unsuspecting paddler, but it's really pretty mild. The duration of the float depends on water level, but usually takes between 1-2 hours.

Your take out will be the Quarter Circle Bridge where the creek runs into the Middle Fork of the Flathead River (trip can be extended by 2 hours all the way to Blankenship Bridge if desired).

Stop by the Packer's Roost or the Glacier Distillery to wet your whistle after your trip, and swing by the Glacier Grille for some tasty grub.

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Features

Stand Up Paddle

Kayaking

Beach

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Food Nearby

Forest

Lake

Picnic Area

River

Romantic

Scenic

Wildlife

Cliff Jumping

Swimming Hole

Reviews

Scott O'Donnell

Paddle McDonald Creek, Glacier National Park

06/28/17

Any suggestions on where to rent kayaks and PFDs in the park?

5.0

Taryn Thergs

Paddle McDonald Creek, Glacier National Park

01/17/17

Hello! Just looking on some information about maybe taking a tube down the river. Is the water flow fast enough? Is the water too cold for an August trip? Any information would be helpful!! Thanks!!

5.0

Explorer

Gavin Pirrie

Explorer

Paddle McDonald Creek, Glacier National Park

09/02/16

McDonald Creek is as about as pretty as it gets for a Montana creek with the addition of freezing cold water. The fishing is usually great from July-September.

5.0

Nate Yarbrough

Paddle McDonald Creek, Glacier National Park

05/22/16

We paddled from the lake to quarter circle bridge. It took less than an hour, but was BEAUTIFUL! The water was calm and was suitable for any level of paddler.

5.0

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

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Paddle McDonald Creek, Glacier National Park

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Swim at the Belton Bridge

Kayak Lake McDonald

Capture Sunrise or Sunset at Lake McDonald

Hike the Rocky Point Trail, Glacier NP

Hike to Apgar Lookout

Paddle Middle Fork Flathead near West Glacier

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