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Lake McDonald Sunrise

Alpine Lake Jewels in the Crown of the Continent—Glacier NP

Don't feel like climbing any more mountains? Hike to one of these 6 gorgeous lakes instead!

Hiking Easy, Moderate

Lake McDonald Sunrise
Lake McDonald Sunrise Photo: JD Hascup

Description

While Glacier National Park is most renowned for its sky-scraping mountain peaks, earning it the name “the Crown of the Continent,” the quickly-melting glaciers have filled in most of the basins between the peaks, creating dozens of drop-dead-gorgeous alpine lakes. If you’re tired of climbing mountains and want to give your legs a small reprieve, turn your gaze to these alpine lake jewels adorning the Crown of the Continent!

The first hike in this guidebook to Avalanche Lake is one of the highest-acclaimed hikes in the park. With just 800 feet of vertical gain, the ease makes this hike immensely popular… but the view that you’ll reach at the narrow end of the valley makes this a worthwhile hike for any visitor to Glacier!

Of course, we’ve included an easy hike along the shores of the famous Lake McDonald in this guidebook as well. Hidden Lake and Iceberg Lake are both perennial favorites, but you can’t go wrong with the mellow hikes to Lake Josephine or Grinnell Lake, either. Whichever destination you choose, you’re guaranteed a fabulous outing in the wilds of Glacier National Park!

Routes included

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