Upper McDonald Creek Hike

Yes. Guests have the option to add a trail lunch at checkout for themselves and/or their group. Lunch options include turkey pesto, deli beef, caprese, and vegan falafel selections, with gluten-free options available. Trail lunches are designed to be easy to carry and enjoy on the trail during your hike.

We rate Hiking Difficulty from Easy to Strenuous, with the below types of hikes.

Easy. A leisurely walk totaling no more than 3 miles throughout the day. Minimal elevation change, less than 1000 feet.

Moderate. A hike on consistent trail conditions with no more than 8 miles throughout the day. Total elevation change, less than 2,000 feet.

Strenuous. A hike on variable trail conditions totaling more than 8 miles throughout the day. Total elevation change, greater than 2,000 feet.

We will do our best to take you on the trail that you booked. However, Glacier National Park does occasionally close trails for a variety of reasons from weather, trail conditions, wildlife, or fires. In the case of trail closure, we will find another suitable location for your program to occur.

Yes. Each participant must have a Glacier National Park vehicle pass, which should be purchased in advance at recreation.gov.

Absolutely. Your guide provides interpretation on the geology and ecology of the landscape.

Primary Educational Theme: Following the Flow – How Water Shapes, Connects, and Sustains Glacier’s Living Landscape. Every drop of water in Glacier has a story: carving valleys, nourishing forests, and connecting mountains to oceans. Where it flows, life follows.

A minimum of 3 participants is required for the program. If the number isn’t met, guests are notified in advance and offered an alternative date or a full refund.

This hike follows a serene creek through shaded hemlock forests, offering a close-up look at the park’s freshwater systems and the plants and wildlife that depend on them. Unlike high-traffic trails, it provides a quiet, intimate experience with Glacier’s natural ecosystems.

While walking along the creek, hikers may spot waterfowl, songbirds, and other forest-dwelling animals. Observing wildlife is a key part of understanding how waterways support a diverse range of species.

The shaded hemlock forest is a unique ecosystem adapted to cool, wet conditions. Hikers learn about the flora that thrives here, how the forest interacts with the creek, and the ecological connections that sustain the area.