McDonald Falls
Montana • Glacier National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About McDonald Falls
McDonald Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Glacier National Park, Montana. It is part of the McDonald Creek and is known for its cascading waters surrounded by lush forest and stunning mountain scenery.
The Setting
McDonald Falls sits at 3,225 feet within Glacier National Park, in the mountains of Montana.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to McDonald Falls is a short and easy walk, making it accessible for most visitors. The path is well-maintained and offers beautiful views of McDonald Creek and the surrounding forest. The falls are best viewed from a designated overlook along the trail.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a serene and scenic experience with the sound of rushing water and views of the surrounding forest and mountains. The area is popular, so it may be crowded during peak times.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at McDonald Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets aren't allowed on trails, lakeshores or in the backcountry in Glacier National Park; leashed pets may stay in developed areas like roads and campgrounds.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $35.00
Permit required
A reservation is required to access the Going-to-the-Sun Road during peak season (May through September). Additionally, a park entrance fee is required.
🏊 Is There Swimming at McDonald Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit McDonald Falls is during late spring and early summer when the snowmelt increases the water flow, creating a more dramatic waterfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Glacier National Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
Be cautious near the water, as the rocks can be slippery and the currents strong. Carry bear spray and be aware of wildlife in the area. Follow all park rules and guidelines.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on M F Flathead River, 12 miles away, not on McDonald Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
502 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 87 years of record
1.73 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge M F Flathead River near West Glacier MT (19 km away).
Today
Roaring
542 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
520 cfs
9/10Thu
Roaring
509 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
509 cfs
9/10Sat
Roaring
596 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
621 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
576 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to mid July, peaking in June.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near West Glacier hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is McDonald Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
McDonald Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 45°F to 33°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 487 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Montana.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 60 feet of drop through McDonald Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 3,224 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 70 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 32 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 3,224 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 59 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
McDonald Falls is located along the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. The falls are easily accessible from the road, with a short walk required to reach the best viewing points.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the trailhead along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Elevation
3,225 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.640249° N, -113.863174° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early in the day to secure parking and enjoy a quieter experience. Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as the area can be cool and damp near the falls.
Where to Stay
West Glacier Heart Rock River Retreat
The Ridge At Glacier - Luxury Cabins
Under Canvas Glacier
Sky Eco - Cabins & Studios
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
FISH CREEK CAMPGROUND
8.5 miles away · 189 sites
Overview Fish Creek Campground is the second largest campground in Glacier National Park. Glacier National Park, in northwestern Montana, is comprised of pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles (1,125 km) of trails, Glacier is a hiker's paradise for visitors seeking wilderness and solitude. It also provides countless scenic vistas for those wishing to relax and take in its natural beauty. The campground is located on the western side of the pa
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Lake McDonald, Avalanche Lake, and the Trail of the Cedars.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter wildlife such as deer, bears, and various bird species. Always maintain a safe distance and follow park guidelines.
Cities near McDonald Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named McDonald Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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