COLUMBIA FALLS HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Upper McDonald Creek: A Creekside Arborway to Avalanche Lake
An 8-hour, easy hike from Columbia Falls that threads shaded hemlock forest and creekside wetlands en route to Avalanche Lake—this guide orients you to what to pack, where to meet, and what to expect on the trail.
Upper McDonald Creek: A Creekside Arborway to Avalanche Lake.
Upper McDonald Creek winds through a shaded hemlock forest and along glistening waterways, leading hikers to Avalanche Lake while offering repeated encounters with plant communities adapted to cool, wet environments and places where waterfowl gather; the route is presented as an easy, roughly 3.5–4 mile outing that runs about eight hours with interpretive stops on wildlife and geology.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Every drop has a story
Upper McDonald Creek is the artery here—streams that carve valleys, sustain the hemlock corridor and tie high country to lower wetlands are central to the hike’s narrative and interpretation.
Shaded hemlock corridors
The trail follows a cool, wet hemlock forest where plant life adapted to moist conditions is prominent and provides habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife that congregate near the creek.
Avalanche Lake and interpretive learning
The day culminates at Avalanche Lake with opportunities to learn about local geology, glaciers and wildlife as part of an extended interpretive hike through Glacier National Park.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
You move at an easy, interpretive pace along creekside grade through dense hemlock shade, pausing to examine streamside plants, watch for waterfowl and hear guides explain the geological and ecological processes that shaped the valley before arriving at Avalanche Lake about midway through an eight-hour outing.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The hike is listed as an 8-hour, easy outing, covering approximately 3.5–4 miles.
Trail lunch, 1–2+ liters of water, snacks, comfortable hiking shoes, backpack, rain gear, warm layers (weather can include potential snow and high winds), hat, sunscreen; binoculars and field guides are optional.
Meeting point is the Glacier Institute at 7450 Highway 2 East in Columbia Falls prior to departure to the trailhead.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the hike and how difficult is it?
The outing is described as an 8-hour, easy hike covering approximately 3.5–4 miles.
Where do we meet before the hike?
Participants meet at the Glacier Institute at 7450 Highway 2 East, Columbia Falls, MT.
What should I pack for the day?
Bring a trail lunch, plenty of water (at least 1–2 liters), snacks, comfortable hiking shoes, backpack, rain gear, warm layers, hat and sunscreen; binoculars and field guides are optional but useful.
What will we see on the trail?
The trail follows Upper McDonald Creek through shaded hemlock forest, with plant communities adapted to cool, wet conditions, places where waterfowl congregate, and culminates at Avalanche Lake with interpretive discussion of wildlife and geology.
Is the route subject to change for safety or weather?
Yes—mountain weather can be variable, including potential snow and high winds; guides may alter timing or route for safety and will advise on appropriate clothing and gear.