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Lake · West Glacier, Montana
Lake McDonald
The park’s largest lake, a few minutes from the west entrance, with colorful stones on the bottom and shoreline and mountains in the background.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Lake McDonald
Lake McDonald is the largest lake in Glacier National Park, about 16 km long, in a valley carved by a glacier. It lies just past the west entrance, and the Going-to-the-Sun Road follows its eastern shore.
The lake is known for the rounded stones on its bottom and shoreline—red, green, blue, and yellow—stained by minerals in the sedimentary rock of the surrounding mountains. On calm days the clear water reveals stones several meters deep.
At the southern end is Apgar, with a visitor center, a pebble beach and kayak and boat rentals. On the east shore the Lake McDonald area offers docks, boat tours, and trailheads.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to three hours.
Best time
Early morning, when the water is usually windless and the stones show best. June to September.
How to get there
Apgar is about 3 km from the west entrance, from West Glacier.
Tip
Do not remove stones from the lake: it is prohibited to take any natural element from the park.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Lake McDonald
Why are the stones in Lake McDonald colorful?
Because of minerals in the sedimentary rock of the mountains, which give the stones red, green, blue and yellow hues.
Can you rent a kayak on Lake McDonald?
Yes—at Apgar and in the Lake McDonald area in summer.
Can you take stones from Lake McDonald?
No. Removing any natural element from the park is prohibited.