D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 0
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WHERE Apgar Village near West Glacier
WHY GO Many different hikes for all levels offer-
ing fall colors across several weeks including
late cottonwoods and tamaracks
WHEN TO GO Late September through October
NEARBY CAMPGROUNDS Apgar Picnic Area
ACTIVITIES
HIKING/PHOTOGRAPHY Lots of different types of
hikes
KAYAKING Lake McDonald
HOW TO GET THERE Entrance to Park off High-
way 2, 33 miles east of Kalispell
Apgar/Lake McDonald is the most
developed part of the Park, but things
get much quieter after the main Apgar
campground closes in the latter part
of September. For those who can be
self-sufficient, primitive camping is
available at the Apgar Picnic Area.
This provides a great base camp for a
variety of activities while you take in
the Park's fall show.
There's the level hike along McDonald Creek through
stands of aspens and cottonwoods offset by the red rocks and the blue
water; the ever popular Avalanche Lake (easy —2.3 miles, 600 ft elevation gain); to
more ambitious climbs with sweeping views, such as Apgar Lookout (moderate – 3.6 miles, 1900 ft
elevation gain) or Huckleberry Lookout (difficult—6 miles, 3400 ft elevation gain). At the end of the
day you could just chill in the cottonwoods on the shore, with one of the most iconic lake views in
Montana and take in a glorious fall sunset.
Lake
McDonald
