An easy loop trail along McDonald Creek offering a quick waterfall outing for Glacier National Park visitors.
Glacier National Park entrance fee required ($35/vehicle 7-day pass, 2026 summer rate); no vehicle reservation required in 2026
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Based on this listing's approximate location — see the note on coordinates below.
McDonald Falls is reached via the Johns Lake Loop, a 3-mile easy-hike loop from the Johns Lake Trailhead on Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. The falls appear along McDonald Creek during this scenic walk.
The loop involves only 160 feet of elevation gain across the entire circuit, making it accessible for most fitness levels. Glacier National Park entrance fees apply ($35 for a seven-day vehicle pass).
Dogs are not permitted on park trails. The loop format allows you to complete the entire route without backtracking. Check with the National Park Service for current trail conditions and any seasonal closures before visiting.
More information is available from the NPS Lake McDonald hiking guide.
Late spring through early autumn when park roads are open.
You have dogs; they are not permitted on park trails.
Glacier National Park entrance fee required ($35/vehicle 7-day pass, 2026 summer rate); no vehicle reservation required in 2026
Via a 3-mile round-trip trail rated easy by the managing agency.
No — the managing agency's page states dogs are not permitted here (or on the specific trail/area needed to reach the falls).
We track 17 waterfalls in Glacier National Park.
There are 3 other waterfalls we track in Flathead. All Glacier National Park waterfalls →
nps.gov
nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/hikinglakemcdonald.htm, checked 2026-09-03: Johns Lake Loop is a 3 mi loop (160 ft gain) from the Johns Lake Trailhead on Going-to-the-Sun Road, passing McDonald Falls on McDonald Creek. Official pet policy: dogs not permitted on park trails.
Checked September 2026.