Dogs are allowed in the picnic area but must be on a leash and under control at all times; check local signage for any trail restrictions nearby.

Avalanche Creek Picnic Area, Glacier National Park, MT

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Overview

About This Establishment

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.

At a Glance

Best For

Vibe

What Makes It Special

Waterfalls on both sides of Lake McDonald Creek and Avalanche Gorge views

Must-Try Items

Sandwiches, trail mix, granola bars, jerky, dried fruit

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.

Tips & Advice

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.

Skip If

Late planners who need guaranteed parking

Family Info

Kid-friendly; wide open spaces for picnics

Details

Menu & Food

Meals Served: Lunch, Picnic

Local Specialties: Visitors can bring local specialties such as bison, elk, trout, or huckleberries.

Insider Tips: Pack sandwiches, trail mix, jerky; easy-to-carry items for a BYO picnic.

Dietary Options:

Beverages

Bar: Visitors bring their own beverages.

Dining Experience

Service: Self-service

Reservations: Walk-in only; no reservations.

Dress Code: Casual

Noise Level: High during peak season

Outdoor Seating: 1

Family Info: Kid-friendly; wide open spaces for picnics

Hours & Timing

Hours: Mon-Wed: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Thu-Sat: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Sun: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Seasonal Hours: Seasonal; accessible when Going-to-the-Sun Road is open.

Closed: Open daily.

Busiest Times: Parking lines form by 8:30 am and run through 4:00 pm

Amenities & Services

Parking Available (Parking lot available)
Accepts: Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card

Accessibility:

Nearby Trail of the Cedars loop features an accessible boardwalk suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Restrooms are available at the western end of the loop, including vault toilets and flush toilets. The picnic area itself is outdoors; access from the parking area uses a mix of paved and natural surfaces, with some uneven or damp sections depending on weather.

Reviews

★★★★☆

4.8 /5

Based on 71 Google reviews

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?

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Avalanche Creek Picnic Area