McDonald Creek – Apgar Lookout Trail loop from Apgar Transit Center

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

Montana

Flathead County

McDonald Creek – Apgar Lookout Trail loop from Apgar Transit Center

Hard

3.1

(10)

hikers

McDonald Creek – Apgar Lookout Trail loop from Apgar Transit Center

07:18

25.0km

650m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 24, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Glacier National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

201 m

Apgar Visitor Center

Highlight • Rest Area

The visitor center has park maps, ranger programs, a gift shop, restrooms, and exhibits. From here you can take the bike path to the campground, into town, or south on a straight shot to West Glacier.

Tip by

1.05 km

McDonald Creek

Highlight • River

As you continue, you'll come across McDonald Creek. It's a lovely spot to pause and enjoy. The creek flows from McDonald Lake into the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, …

Tip by

1.10 km

Camas Road Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

9.68 km

Apgar Lookout Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

This trail will take you to the Apgar Lookout Tower. It starts as an easy stroll up a dirt road before switchbacking around Apgar Mountain. One of the first things …

Tip by

12.4 km

Apgar Fire Lookout

Highlight • Monument

The current Apgar Fire Lookout was built in 1929, after a fire destroyed the original structure. The lookout is no longer active and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Tip by

25.0 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

11.5 km

6.76 km

6.75 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

21.8 km