Johns Lake Loop in Glacier National Park

Johns Lake Loop Trail in Glacier National Park is an easy stroll through the woods along McDonald Creek, near McDonald Lake on the west side of the park. The trail head is accessed from the Going-to-the-Sun Road and you can pick up this trail from several different points. As it’s a loop it doesn’t really matter where you start or what direction you go.

Along the way, you’ll see Johns Lake, McDonald Falls, and Horse Bridge, as well as great views of McDonald Creek. You may also share part of the trail with some horses! It’s a great way of seeing a number of the sights in this area without having to wait for parking at multiple spots. On the west side of McDonald Creek, the trail follows part of Upper McDonald Creek Trail. If you are looking for a longer hike of similar difficulty level, you could follow more of the Upper McDonald Creek Trail or walk along any of several other trails that intersect the loop.

This hike pairs nicely with the Trail of the Cedars hike they are in the same part of the park and of similar difficulty levels.

Hike Details

• Distance: 2.0 miles*
• Type: Loop
• Elevation Gain: 230 ft*
• Elevation Loss: 236 ft*
• Restrooms: No facilities available at trail head or along the hike
• Parking: Yes, but limited
• Distance From Park Entrance: 11.4 miles from the west park entrance

*Source: Glacier National Park Visitor Guide

Johns Lake

Johns Lake is really more like a pond, with some lillypads, and surrounded by forest. There’s no beach or really any place to access the lake as the woods are pretty thick around the edge. This half of the hike is best described as a nice stroll through the woods that happens to pass by a cute pond.

Horse Bridge

Horse Bridge is simply just a bridge! But it is also used by horse tours to cross McDonald Creek and offers some nice views of some small rapids and the river. Plus, you might get to see a tour group crossing the river on horseback! This is a good place to swim or relax riverside. It’s also accessible from the Going-to-the Sun Road.

McDonald Falls

There is a nice overlook built at the top of the falls giving a nice view of this gorgeous falls. This overlook is also accessible from the road via a short hike.

What To Bring

You don’t need a lot for this hike as it’s relatively short and has limited elevation gain. I brought trekking poles with me but ended up not using them. There are several places along the river where you can dip your feet or go for a swim. The water in August was cool but there were people swimming.

• Water
• Hat and/or sunglasses
• Camera
  • Wide angle lens in the 16-35mm range to capture river and waterfall views
  • Zoom lens in the 50-100mm range for forest views and possible animal sightings
• Water shoes & swim gear if so inclined
• Snack or lunch if planning to stop
• Sunscreen

Photos

Coming Soon!