Avalanche Creek Picnic Area, Glacier National Park, MT

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Overview

About This Attraction

Pack sandwiches, trail mix, and jerky, and brace for the crunch of your snack as the creek hisses nearby. The bread yields a soft snap; jerky adds a briny heat while a cool breeze carries pine scent. Picnic tables come first-come, first-served, so you chase a seat while Avalanche Gorge and twin waterfalls frame the Lake McDonald Creek. The setting is the meal—sun on pine needles, water rushing, and mountains as seasoning.

Best Time to Visit

Arrive before 8:30 am; in July and August, aim for before 8:00 am to lock parking. Use the park shuttle in peak hours to dodge the lines.

Visitor Tips

Pack sandwiches, trail mix, jerky; easy-to-carry items for a BYO picnic.
Arrive before 8:30 am; July/August: before 8:00 am for parking.
Use the park shuttle during peak hours to avoid parking chaos.
Picnic tables are first-come, first-served; plan for limited seating and a momentary scramble for a spot.

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.8 /5

Based on 71 Google reviews

Based on 71 guest reviews

" Reviews center on the area’s expansive natural setting and access to hikes; parking and crowds are the primary trade-off. Visitors praise the views of Lake McDonald Creek, Avalanche Gorge, and the surrounding mountains, while noting that arriving early makes the experience much smoother."

Reviews from Google

Gorgeous area. I'm a newbie hiker so the hike was intense. So worth it though.

Beautiful place to access river and mountain views. It's a must see in West Glacier.

Awesome, come early. Parking lot gets full and you will be turned away. 8:30 am is too late. Easy walking to waterfall. So beautiful. Worth every step. Had a nice picnic, shelter with table was handicap accessible. Boys loved to play in the water.

Showing 3 of 71 reviews

FAQs

Is there an entry fee or do I need a reservation?

There is no reservation needed for the picnic area; however, Glacier National Park requires a park entrance pass. The picnic area itself does not have its own fee.

Is there parking available?

Can I bring my dog?

Are there restrooms nearby?

What should I bring for a BYO picnic?